In John 6 In What Ways Do We Struggle With The Teachings Of Jesus Today?
Wrestling With the Words of Jesus: Lessons from John 6
John chapter 6 presents some of the most challenging and profound teachings of Jesus. In this chapter, Jesus not only performs the miracle of feeding the five thousand but also delivers His famous discourse on being the "bread of life." Many who heard Him struggled to accept His words—just as many do today. This Bible study will explore the reasons for that struggle, both then and now, and what it means for followers of Christ.
The Bread of Life Discourse: The Original Struggle
After Jesus fed the multitude, the crowds pursued Him, seeking more miraculous signs. Jesus redirected their desires, urging them to seek the eternal bread that only He could give:
Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall not hunger, and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. - John 6:35 ASV
This statement was radical. The people expected a Messiah who would meet their immediate needs, perhaps provide political liberation or physical sustenance. But Jesus calls them to a deeper hunger—a spiritual one. Many struggled to understand or accept this, grumbling among themselves (see John 6:41 ASV).
Why Did the Crowd Struggle?
- Literal vs. Spiritual Understanding: When Jesus declared, "Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, ye have not life in yourselves" (John 6:53 ASV), many took His words literally and were disturbed. They missed the spiritual truth Jesus was teaching about believing in Him for eternal life.
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Offense at Hard Truths: Jesus did not soften His message. Instead, He pressed the necessity of total commitment—a complete dependence on Him for life:
Many therefore of his disciples, when they heard this, said, This is a hard saying; who can hear it? - John 6:60 ASV
- Desire for Earthly Solutions: The crowd wanted a Messiah who would solve their immediate issues. Jesus pointed to their deeper need—a relationship with Himself that surpasses any earthly provision.
Contemporary Struggles With Jesus' Teachings
Just as the original audience struggled with Jesus' words, many today find His teachings difficult:
- Radical Exclusivity: Jesus claims to be the only way to God (John 14:6 ASV). In a culture that celebrates pluralism and tolerance, such exclusivity can be hard to accept.
- Call to Self-Denial: Jesus demands that His followers deny themselves and take up their cross (Luke 9:23 ASV). The modern world often prioritizes self-fulfillment and personal happiness, making this teaching countercultural.
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Teaching on Sin and Repentance: Jesus' message confronts our sin and our need for repentance. Many prefer messages that affirm rather than challenge, but Jesus calls us to transformation:
From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. - Matthew 4:17 ASV
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Faith Over Works: Many struggle with the idea that salvation is received by faith alone, not by our own efforts:
For by grace have ye been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not of works, that no man should glory. - Ephesians 2:8-9 ASV
Responding to Hard Teachings: The Way Forward
John 6 ends with a powerful moment. Many disciples turned away, unwilling to accept Jesus' words (John 6:66 ASV). Yet when Jesus asked the Twelve if they would leave too, Peter responded:
Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. - John 6:68 ASV
True discipleship means trusting Jesus even when His teachings are hard to understand or accept. It requires faith that He alone has the words of eternal life.
Application: Embracing the Challenge
- Study the Word Diligently: Seek to understand Jesus' teachings in context, relying on the guidance of the Holy Spirit (John 16:13 ASV).
- Pray for a Teachable Heart: Ask God for grace to accept even the hard truths and to trust His wisdom above your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5 ASV).
- Share Jesus Boldly: Do not shy away from the fullness of Christ's message, but share it in love and truth, pointing others to the only One who gives eternal life.
Conclusion
The teachings of Jesus in John 6 remain challenging, but they are also life-giving. The call is to believe, to follow, and to trust in the One who is the true bread from heaven. Even when His words are hard, He alone offers the hope and life we desperately need.