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INTRODUCTION
Beginning next Sunday, we will leave John again, and I will present a Christmas message series
titled “Jesus is Great.” Jesus said 3 times in Matthew 12 -
“something greater...is here.” “Greater than the temple... Jonah...
Solomon.” Of course, He is speaking of the kingdom of God revealed in Himself, and
through His message of personal salvation.
Today we want to finish John chapter 6. In a real way, this message ties with the Christmas
series. Since Jesus is Great what must be our response to Him? Good ole Simon Peter has the
answer... TEXT.
1. Jesus Creates Controversy 6:52-66
- Jesus says some very controversial words. Last Sunday night we discussed these
difficult words in depth. Read 6:52-58, 63
- Jesus often spoke in parables, metaphors, illustrations to explain spiritual truth.
Already in the Gospel of John, in chapter 3 - Jesus explained to Nicodemus that to
enter the kingdom of God, one needs to be born again, Jesus used the illustration of
human birth. In chapter 4 - Jesus explained to the Samaritan woman that to have
eternal life, one must drink of the living water, Jesus used the illustration of
drinking from a well of water.
- In our text, Jesus explains to the Jews that to have the life that Jesus provides for
them from the Father, one must eat of His flesh and drink of His blood, Jesus is using
the illustration of eating food and drinking which sustains our physical life. AND
did that create controversy!
- v. 63. Is the key of those hard words. To have Christ in us, it is like what happens
to food and drink in our body, food becomes part of us and sustains our life. By
believing in Christ we are bringing Him into our life so completely that He is part of
us and we are part of Him. We literally consume Christ into our life when we simply
believe in Him.
- You all had a big Thanksgiving Dinner. Turkey and all the trimmings. We had the
pleasure of eating, probably the pain of overeating. We literally consumed the turkey,
stuffing, potatoes, vegetables, salads, pie. The food became part of us - a couple of
pounds. 5000 calories. We were better people because we ate!!
- When we believe Jesus, He completely enters our life, He is a part of us.
- We have His cleansing of sin in us, His abundant life in us, His eternal life in us,
His Spirit in us - all at work in us, all giving life to us.
- 2 Cor. 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature...”
- Col. 2:27 “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” John 15:4-5
- To believe in Jesus completely brings Him into us and us in Him.
2. Jesus Calls for a Choice. 6:60-71
- Jesus’ illustration was calling for a choice among the people concerning
Himself. His words were chosen to separate those who truly believed and those who did
not. “To follow Jesus, or not to follow Jesus, that is the question.” Now
was the time to decide.
- Many Disciples Abandon Jesus. 6:60-66
- Understand the Jewish concept of disciples - Rabbis were looking for
disciples, and people would attach themselves to a Rabbi and learn
from him, follow him around. Some who stick it out and be committed,
others will fall away, can’t handle it. Rabbi’s were very
strict.
- Here we have a large group of loosely attached disciples who fall
away. They first questioned (60), then grumbled (61),
and then withdrew and did not walk with Him anymore (66). Their
answer was “Not to follow Jesus”
- They went back to their old religion, their old way of life, their old
hopelessness. Gave up only real hope they could have. Nothing else
left.
- The defections were no surprise to Jesus, vs. 64-65. He knows
hearts, He could tell, and He knew who the Father was drawing.
- Many people began to see He was not the political revolutionary they
had hoped for, and He was too personal with his emphasis on the need
for personal faith for salvation: “You must be born
again...” “he who believes has eternal life.”
Very personal, too personal to many...
- His words produced dramatic results, not unexpected to Sovereign One.
- This still takes place today. You have known people who walk an isle,
or pray a prayer, or join church - then disappear, back to old ways.
Sad! They abandon Jesus, the only hope they have. Jesus let them go...
- Now, What will the Twelve Disciples Do? 6:67-71
- v. 67 The curious crowd of 10,000 people had thinned down to
just 12.
- This is the first time the “twelve” is mentioned
in John, found 3 times. Jesus’ question was for those who
claimed Him the most, and who knew Him the best. Would they stay???
- It is time for them to decide. After all is said and done, what did
those closest to Him really want to do - stick with Him or leave too?
- The question was penetrating, heart searching, and personal:
“YOU...”
- Peter’s answer shows he understood the question. He spoke on
behalf of the rest as he often did. vs. 68-69. His answer was
a very good answer.
- Paraphrase: “Lord, where do we go if not to
you?” No where else.
- “You have words of eternal life” No one
else could command their respect other than Jesus. They heard
in His words - life, that no one else ever gave before. Life
they saw, life they experienced in Jesus.
- “We have believed” - perfect tense, faith
existed & was continuing.
- “have come to know” - their initial faith
had been confirmed, and they were convinced and committed.
- “You are the Holy One of God” - They
first believed in Christ, then could only conclude He was
indeed sent from God.
- It was a courageous statement of commitment to the One whose
popularity was waning and whose words were difficult to understand.
- The disciples had the facts - Jesus feed 10,000 from a small lunch,
could walk on water and calm a storm. He could preach powerful words
that required decisions. But they had moved beyond knowing the facts,
to having an intimate trust, a personal relationship with Jesus the
One of God
- In reality, Jesus knew that 11 of the 12 would cling to Him for the
rest of the journey though not perfectly. Peter included. Jesus knew
Judas, 70-71
- Yet, who else could they turn to, if not Jesus? Then there were other
Rabbis’ seeking disciples. But no one was like Jesus.
PERSONAL APPLICATION: What will you and I choose today?
Many people start off seeking Jesus, they show up here and smile - only later to question Him,
grumble, withdraw and walk away.
What are the alternatives to Jesus? Where else can you go?
- You can live for yourself. You have other things to do. The temporal overshadows the
eternal. Jesus is too much. This is atheism in practice. Many people choose this
option, quite popular.
- New Age - everyone is god. How can frail morals be God?
- Islam, follow the confusing and oppressive words of Mohammed.
- Satan - This is a step into complete darkness.
- Plenty of cults - You have to give up your identity, family, faith.
- Addictions: Drugs, booze, immorality (adultery, homosexuality) - all self destructive
to you and those who love you.
The obvious fact is - it doesn’t matter what you replace Jesus with, all will end in the same eternal condemnation of hell. Each will provide a horrific hell on earth, to prepare you for hell in eternal hell. None of vile options even worth considering. You are left with Jesus…
- Can you personalize Peter’s words? Vs. 68-69
Jesus, only Jesus has the words of eternal life. Only His words make sense and speak
powerfully. Only His words give life now and forever.
Jesus, only Jesus is the Holy One of God. Only He brings us to God, and brings God to us.
Jesus is the way for finding God, the truth for knowing God, and the life for living with God.
Only Jesus.
All you and I can do is to just believe in Jesus. That is all that we need to do too.
“Believe” = trust, depend upon, be committed to.
Have you believed in Jesus? Can to point to a time in your life?
Song: “Only Jesus can Satisfy your Soul, and only He can change your heart and make you
whole. He’ll give you peace you never knew, sweet love and joy and heaven too. For only
Jesus can satisfy your soul.” Lanny Wolfe 1971
After a year of preaching through John, offering invitations. I can’t assume you are all
saved, I trust many of you are. But in the long haul will you remain with Jesus? Will you
remain committed to Him?
Book - Exodus, Dave Shiflet, 2005. Page 179 “The God people
desire, and whom they sense is Real, is mysterious, all powerful, and worthy of worship. He
requires submission. He insists that there is such a thing as sin, and He requires that
individuals conform their lives to the ancient code if they desire the best possible
outcomes. This is the God of the past, and He seems to also be the God of the future. His ways
are imperfectly followed, but only He is worth following.”
Invitation: Pray about your relationship with the Lord Jesus. Can you say
today, “Lord Jesus, I am committed to you for the rest of my life, I do not want to
leave You. You have the words of eternal life. I have believed and am convinced You are my
Savior and Lord.”
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