John 6:60-69 When Jesus preaches, many take offense. Others live.

Summary

This sermon reflects on John chapter 6, where many disciples found Jesus' teachings difficult to accept and turned away. It highlights the recurring biblical theme of people rejecting God's message. Despite this, Jesus does not alter his teachings, emphasizing their life-giving power. The sermon draws parallels to modern believers, stressing the importance of holding onto Jesus' words, even when they are challenging. Ultimately, it underscores the enduring promise of eternal life through faith in Jesus, encouraging believers to remain steadfast in their faith.

Takeaways

• 🙏 Jesus' teaching in John chapter 6 emphasizes that He is the bread of life, offering more than just physical sustenance, but eternal life.
• 🤔 Many of Jesus' disciples found His teaching difficult to accept, leading to their departure from following Him.
• 😔 The concept of God speaking and people refusing to listen is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, from Pharaoh's rejection of Moses to the Israelites' dismissal of Jeremiah.
• 💔 Even Jesus' closest followers struggled with His teachings, with many turning away when faced with challenging truths.
• 🍞 Jesus' message that He is the essential source of life was offensive to some, not because it was hard to understand, but because it was hard to accept.
• 💬 Despite knowing that His message would offend and cause people to leave, Jesus did not change His teaching but reinforced its truth.
• 👂 The words that offend are the same words that the Holy Spirit uses to bring about repentance, change hearts, and give eternal life.
• 🕊️ Jesus' disciples, particularly Peter, recognized that despite the difficulty of His teachings, Jesus alone had the words of eternal life.
• 🎶 In their final moments, Christians often find comfort in reciting Scripture and hymns, reaffirming their faith in the promise of eternal life.
• 🛡️ God's grace is evident in how He continues to speak to His people, even when they resist, ultimately anchoring them in the truth of Jesus' words.

Q & A

What is the central theme of the sermon based on John chapter 6?

The central theme is that Jesus is the bread of life, and His words offer eternal life. However, many found His teachings difficult to accept and turned away.

Why did many of Jesus' disciples find His teaching hard to accept?

They were offended by Jesus' claim that He was the essential source of life and that they needed His flesh and blood for eternal life. This challenged their existing beliefs and self-perception.

How does the preacher compare the reaction of Jesus' disciples to an intervention for an alcoholic?

The preacher likens the disciples' rejection of Jesus' message to an alcoholic's resistance to intervention, highlighting denial and unwillingness to accept help and change.

What does the preacher say about the persistence of people refusing to listen to God throughout the Bible?

The preacher notes that throughout the Bible, people have consistently refused to listen to God's messages, whether through Moses, Jeremiah, Jesus, or the apostles.

How does Jesus respond when His disciples are offended and start leaving Him?

Jesus does not change His message to appease them. Instead, He reinforces His teachings, knowing that some will be offended but that His words are spirit and life.

What is the significance of Peter's response to Jesus when asked if the twelve disciples also want to leave?

Peter's response, 'Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life,' signifies the disciples' recognition that Jesus is the only source of true life, despite the difficulty of His teachings.

What does the preacher say about the nature of Jesus' message and its impact on people?

The preacher explains that Jesus' message is inherently offensive to the sinful heart but is also the means by which the Holy Spirit brings life and salvation to those who believe.

Why does the preacher emphasize the importance of not changing God's message despite its potential to offend?

The preacher stresses that altering God's message to avoid offense would undermine its power to convict and save. True love involves sharing the unaltered truth, even if it is difficult to hear.

What analogy does the preacher use to describe the offense caused by Jesus' message?

The preacher compares it to the offense an alcoholic feels during an intervention, where the truth about their condition is hard to accept, but necessary for their healing.

How does the preacher suggest believers should respond when confronted with their own sinfulness?

Believers should honestly acknowledge their sinfulness, avoid making excuses, and trust in Jesus' promise of forgiveness and eternal life.