Lent 2023: John 6:60-71

Many Disciples Desert Jesus

60 Therefore, when many of his disciples heard this, they said, “This teaching is hard. Who can accept it?”

61 Jesus, knowing in himself that his disciples were grumbling about this, asked them, “Does this offend you? 62 Then what if you were to observe the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? 63 The Spirit is the one who gives life. The flesh doesn’t help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life. 64 But there are some among you who don’t believe.” (For Jesus knew from the beginning those who did not believe and the one who would betray him.) 65 He said, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted to him by the Father.”

66 From that moment many of his disciples turned back and no longer accompanied him. 67 So Jesus said to the Twelve, “You don’t want to go away too, do you?”

68 Simon Peter answered, “Lord, to whom will we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.”

70 Jesus replied to them, “Didn’t I choose you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil.” 71 He was referring to Judas, Simon Iscariot’s son, one of the Twelve, because he was going to betray him.

—John 6:60-71

Read & Journal

Read John 6:60-71. Ask yourself:

• What does this passage reveal about Jesus? His character? His mission?

• What do these verses teach you about Jesus’ relationship with the Father? Jot down a few notes or explain your answer.

• Give this verse a bit of context. Jesus is talking to his 12 disciples at a time when many of Jesus’ other followers have deserted him. Maybe following Jesus was harder than they expected or required something they weren’t prepared to give. Maybe, like we’ve seen before in Scripture, these followers were there because of what they could get out of the relationship, namely miracles. Perhaps Jesus’ teachings were just confusing or difficult to understand. How do you respond when the Holy Spirit confronts you with a difficult lesson or teaching?

• Is there something in your life right now that is difficult or hard to understand? Journal a short prayer of response, asking God, by his Holy Spirit, to teach you or reveal more of himself to you through that situation or circumstance.

• Many of Jesus’ followers had deserted, and in this passage, Jesus turns to the disciples and asks, “What about you?” Reread Peter’s response in John 6:68-69. What important truths does this faithful response reveal about Jesus?

• There is no other way to be saved but Jesus. His words truly are the words that give eternal life. Are you trusting in anything beside Jesus for eternal life today?

• If the Holy Spirit has revealed that you are trusting in anything other than Jesus to make you right before God—your own goodness, good works, a legacy of faith in your family—confess those things to him today. Journal your prayer of response. At the bottom of the page, write: You have the words that give eternal life. I believe, and I know that you are the Holy One of God.