John 6:60-69 Commentary

Summary

This presentation explores John 6:60-69, delving into the Bread of Life discourse and the pivotal question Jesus poses to his disciples about their faith. It examines the challenges of accepting Jesus' teachings, particularly his identity and the significance of the cross. The speaker discusses the historical and theological context, including the Johannine community's struggles with belief and schism. The summary emphasizes the importance of understanding Jesus' identity for faith and the Eucharist, encouraging reflection on personal faith journeys and the enduring relevance of these teachings.

Takeaways

• 📜 The presentation concludes the series on John 6, focusing on the 'Bread of Life' discourse and the pivotal scene between Jesus and Peter.
• 🔍 The session begins with an introduction, reading of the text, analysis of the chapter's structure, background exploration, commentary, and concludes with a prayer.
• 🗣️ The Gospel of John 6:60-69 raises the question of commitment to the Christian faith, particularly in the face of challenging teachings.
• 📖 The text is compared with Mark's Gospel, highlighting the similarities and differences in the portrayal of Peter's confession of faith.
• 🏛️ The Johannine community experienced divisions, reflected in the Gospel's language about being 'put out of the synagogue' and internal schisms.
• 💬 The term 'this teaching is difficult' (John 6:60) conveys the challenge and potential offense of Jesus' teachings, particularly regarding his identity and the necessity of the cross.
• 🌟 The Gospel emphasizes Jesus' dual nature as both fully human and divine, using the 'I am' statements that echo divine names from the Old Testament.
• ✝️ The central event of the Fourth Gospel is the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, which is a recurring theme and a source of shock for the audience.
• 🚶 The disciples' turning away from Jesus (John 6:66) signifies a real challenge within the Johannine community and a test of faith for believers.
• 🙏 Peter's response to Jesus' question (John 6:68-69) is a declaration of loyalty and recognition of Jesus as the 'Holy One of God', underscoring the depth of faith within the community.
• 📝 The presentation suggests that the Gospel of John is relevant to modern believers, offering insights into faith, discipleship, and the challenges of understanding Jesus' identity and mission.

Q & A

What is the central theme of the presentation on John chapter six?

The central theme of the presentation is the exploration of the 'Bread of Life' discourse in John 6:60-69, focusing on the identity of Jesus and the challenges of faith presented in his teachings.

What is the significance of the question 'Do you also wish to go away?' in the context of John 6:60-69?

The question 'Do you also wish to go away?' is significant as it directly addresses the disciples' and the audience's commitment to Jesus, challenging them to reflect on their faith and reasons for staying or leaving in light of difficult teachings.

How does the presentation relate the teachings in John 6 to the broader context of the Johannine community?

The presentation relates the teachings in John 6 to the Johannine community by discussing the historical context of the community's experiences with expulsion from the synagogue, internal divisions, and the challenge of accepting Jesus' identity and teachings.

What does the expression 'this teaching is difficult' (John 6:60) signify in the context of the presentation?

The expression 'this teaching is difficult' signifies the disciples' struggle to accept Jesus' teachings, particularly those concerning his identity and the necessity of his death and resurrection for salvation, which were challenging to their preconceived beliefs.

How does the presentation connect the identity of Jesus in the Fourth Gospel to the divine name 'I am'?

The presentation connects the identity of Jesus to the divine name 'I am' by highlighting instances where Jesus uses this name, such as in John 6:48 and 8:58, emphasizing his divinity and unique relationship with God.

What is the pastoral situation that the writer of John's Gospel addresses in relation to the Eucharist?

The pastoral situation addressed is the participation in the Eucharist without an adequate faith in Jesus or understanding of his death and resurrection, which makes the Eucharist difficult to comprehend for some members of the Johannine community.

How does the presentation discuss the significance of Peter's confession in John 6:68-69?

The presentation discusses Peter's confession as an affirmation of faith in Jesus as the 'Holy One of God' and the source of eternal life, reflecting on the personal journey of faith and the communal response to Jesus' teachings.

What is the role of the Spirit in understanding the teachings of Jesus according to the presentation?

According to the presentation, the Spirit plays a crucial role in giving life and understanding to the teachings of Jesus, as stated in John 6:63, emphasizing that the words of Jesus are 'spirit and life'.

How does the presentation use the comparison between John 6 and Mark 8 to highlight similarities in Peter's confession?

The presentation compares John 6:60-69 with Mark 8:27-30 to highlight the similarities in Peter's confession of Jesus as the Messiah and the divine identity of Jesus, showing how John's Gospel adapts and nuances the Markan account.

What is the significance of the phrase 'flesh is useless' in the context of the presentation?

The phrase 'flesh is useless' signifies the limitations of human understanding and the need for spiritual discernment to grasp the teachings of Jesus, especially in relation to his identity and the salvific event of the cross.

What does the presentation suggest as a way to deepen understanding of the Fourth Gospel?

The presentation suggests reading Sean Freyne's book 'The Sign' published by Dominican Publications as a way to deepen understanding of the Fourth Gospel and its theological themes.