John 6:56-69 (ESV)
Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. [57] As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever feeds on me, he also will live because of me. [58] This is the bread that came down from heaven, not as the fathers ate and died. Whoever feeds on this bread will live forever." [59] Jesus said these things in the synagogue, as he taught at Capernaum. [60] When many of his disciples heard it, they said, "This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?" [61] But Jesus, knowing in himself that his disciples were grumbling about this, said to them, "Do you take offense at this? [62] Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? [63] It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is of no avail. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. [64] But there are some of you who do not believe." (For Jesus knew from the beginning who those were who did not believe, and who it was who would betray him.) [65] And he said, "This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father." [66] After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. [67] So Jesus said to the Twelve, "Do you want to go away as well?" [68] Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, [69] and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God."
Questions for Reflection
1. What is something that you enthusiastically started but were later tempted to quit?
2. For what causes have people willingly suffered and even died?
3. How did many of Jesus’ disciples respond to His teaching? (6:60)
4. Who did Jesus say could come to Him? (6:65)
5. What was Peter’s reply to Jesus’ question? (6:68-69)
6. What teachings of Jesus have you found difficult to understand or accept?
7. What makes some of Jesus’ teachings difficult to understand and follow?
8. What might cause someone to stop following Jesus?
9. What has kept you from turning away from Christ?
