John 5:60-64 (WEL) Therefore, many of his disciples, after hearing this, said, “This is a tough statement; who can understand it?” 61 When Jesus, in himself, knew that his disciples were muttering at this, he said to them, “Does this offend you?” 62 “Then what if you should see the Son of Man go up where he was before?” 63 “It is the Spirit who gives life; this flesh is useless. The words that I speak to you are spirit and life.” 64 “But there are some of you that do not believe,” for Jesus knew from the beginning those who wouldn’t believe and who would betray him.
V60 Therefore, many of his disciples, after hearing this, said, “This is a tough statement; who can understand it?”
Just because it is hard to understand doesn’t mean to leave following and serving the Lord Jesus. Ask and He will give wisdom (James 1:5, Proverbs 2:6); search and learn (2 Timothy 2:15).
The concept of wisdom is so important that I want to spend a little time exploring this further:
Wisdom is knowledge of the facts and understanding how and why something is and experience. If we have the knowledge and understanding, then experiences will make us increasingly wise. God is the only source of wisdom (James 1:5, Proverbs 2:6)
James 1:5 where the word wise is the Greek word G4679 σοφίζω sophízō, which means. It comes from the Greek word G4680 σοφός sophós, which means (Word Study Dictionary): “The meaning of sophós in the NT and its Hebr. equivalent, chōkmah, differs from the classical meaning in at least two ways. First of all, the biblical concept of wisdom is theocentric rather than anthropocentric. It denotes a fear of God and an understanding of His ways. Lastly, wisdom signifies the possession of a certain adeptness or practical ability. It does not necessarily imply brilliance or scholastic training; rather, sophós indicates adroitness, the ability to apply with skill what one knows (especially religious truth). In some instances, however, particularly in the Pauline writings, the word is used of one who has acquired special information, secret doctrine (mustḗrion [G3466]). Here the noetic aspect of the word is prominent in its meaning.”
V61 When Jesus, in himself, knew that his disciples were muttering at this, he said to them, “Does this offend you?”
They were grumbling to each other about Jesus’s teaching. Jesus asks a question directly. He does not obscure it.
Matthew Henry gives a worthy comment:
“Now, when they found it a hard saying to say, if they had humbly begged of Christ to have declared unto them this parable, he would have opened it, and their understandings too; for the meek will he teach his way. But they were not willing to have Christ’s sayings explained to them, because they would not lose this pretense for rejecting them – that they were hard sayings. (2.) They think it impossible that any one else should like it: “Who can hear it? Surely none can.” Thus the scoffers at religion are ready to undertake that all the intelligent part of mankind concur with them. They conclude with great assurance that no man of sense will admit the doctrine of Christ, nor any man of spirit submit to his laws. Because they cannot bear to be so tutored, so tied up, themselves, they think none else can: Who can hear it? Thanks be to God, thousands have heard these sayings of Christ, and have found them not only easy, but pleasant, as their necessary food.”
V62 “Then what if you should see the Son of Man go up where he was before?”
Jesus shocks them some more. Shouldn’t everything that Jesus has said and done make them wonder about this man? Shouldn’t they have studied the Scriptures to learn more about Messiah, instead of just blindly believing their religious teachers? One should think so.
Principle: Study the Scriptures to see if what you hear is true.
V63 “It is the Spirit who gives life; this flesh is useless. The words that I speak to you are spirit and life.”
Only the Holy Spirit can give spiritual life. When one is born again, it is the power of the Holy Spirit to regenerate (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Rituals, traditions, and attempting to follow Mosaic Law flawlessly will not bring life. Only God can give life. Only God can give spiritual life.
When we believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ, then we have done the only thing that is required (faith). God demands that we do believe, but most rebel and reject.
When Jesus tells them to eat His flesh and drink His blood, He refers to spirit and life, not physical needs being met.
V64 “But there are some of you that do not believe,” for Jesus knew from the beginning those who wouldn’t believe and who would betray Him.
The some who do not believe is perhaps words that the rejecters are now remembering in Hades where they are tormented. This is frightening.
Principle: Regret is too late.
Principle: God knows everything. No matter how much paint we put on something, God knows the truth.
We learn:
- Jesus knows everything.
- Jesus exposes.
Questions:
- Do you genuinely believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ?
- Do you search and study the Bible to find truth?