John 6:56-69 (NRSV)
Read John 6:56-69 on biblegateway.com
Verse 56Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them. Verse 57Just as the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever eats me will live because of me. Verse 58This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like that which your ancestors ate, and they died. But the one who eats this bread will live forever." Verse 59He said these things while he was teaching in the synagogue at Capernaum.
Verse 60When many of his disciples heard it, they said, "This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?" Verse 61But Jesus, being aware that his disciples were complaining about it, said to them, "Does this offend you? Verse 62Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? Verse 63It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. Verse 64But among you there are some who do not believe." For Jesus knew from the first who were the ones that did not believe, and who was the one that would betray him. Verse 65And he said, "For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted by the Father." Verse 66Because of this many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him. Verse 67So Jesus asked the twelve, "Do you also wish to go away?" Verse 68Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. Verse 69We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God."
Devotion
At Marburg in 1529, Luther and Zwingli debated the real presence of Christ in the holy supper. Both used John 6 as a basis for their assertions. Both left the colloquy in disagreement. Their followers are divided today. “This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?” (v. 60)
When Jesus taught his followers that whoever eats his body will live because of him, many took offense and turned away. They had no heart for the gospel. Centuries later, there are still divisions in the church and unbelievers who take offense at Christ. The teachings are difficult; how can anyone accept them?
We believe that it is only by faith through the power of the Holy Spirit that the mysteries of the gospel become dear. It is only by faith that we discern the bread as the body of Christ broken for the forgiveness of sins. No one comes to Jesus unless it is granted by the Father.
Prayer
God of love and power, give me a heart to hear your word and discern its treasures. Teach me to accept the truth despite difficult times. In your mercy, heal divisions in your church, that we all may be effective witnesses to salvation through Christ. Amen.