Series: Committed
Message: Acceptance
Preacher: Japhet De Oliveira
Refresh: Open with prayer. Read or listen to Psalm 61.
Read: John 6:22-59 — Re-read in the ESV translation for new insights/questions.
Reflect: Edward W. Klink III in the Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament—John expresses this theological application and challenge.
Who (or What) Are You Following.
This pericope contains some of the most theological and christological statements of Jesus in the entire Gospel, even in all four Gospels. And on their own they need to be studied and reflected upon. But when viewed in the context of a social challenge dialogue, these statements severe as a rebuke of the reader and all humanity. For the objects of our worship. The pericope shows the self-focused infatuation of the cowed and their self-interest in Jesus. Yes Jesus cuts right to the heart of the matter-the food their stomachs crave versus real food for their souls. The rest of the dialogue revolves around this distinction.
In the context of the dialogue over real food, another issue is clearly presented to us: our stomachs (i.e., our desires and passions) cannot be trusted. Our desires are self-seeking, rooted in our skewed perception of what is real and what really matters. The gods of this world are perishing: they are figments of our fallen and limited imaginations. Peter may not have fully understood “the Holy One of God” (v.69), but he at least phrased the right question: “Lord, to whom shall we go?” As Luther explained, this is the message of the Christian Church to itself and to the world, declaring in our hearts that he will satisfy us and testifying to the world about the satisfaction we have found in Christ alone" (p. 346-347).
Recalibrate:
Respond: Pray for clarity.
Research: Read before verse 59 to the end of the chapter and note the surprises.