John 6 records one of Jesus’ most challenging and polarising sermons. After miraculously feeding thousands, and identifying himself as the bread of life, he confronts the crowd with truths that cut to the heart. At its heart, the text asks a simple but probing question: Are you a true disciple of Jesus?
Dissatisfaction with Truth
John 6:60 tells us that, when the multitudes had heard Jesus’ teaching, “they said, ‘This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?’” The word translated “hard” means hard to receive, not hard to understand. These professed disciples struggled to accept Christ’s claims that he had come from heaven, that he was equal with God, and that he offered himself as the source of eternal life. They understood what he claimed, but they could not accept his authority and exclusivity.
The crowd was offended at Jesus’ claim to be the bread of life, the only way to eternal life. This reaction is echoed today when biblical truth confronts cultural norms. Few things offend religious sensibilities like the exclusive claims of Christianity. But it is precisely these claims that we must receive to be disciples of Jesus.
Jesus knew their hearts. “But Jesus, knowing in himself that his disciples were grumbling about this, said to them, ‘Do you take offence at this?’” (John 6:61). He challenged their dissatisfaction with the truth and exposed their unbelief.
Disclosure of Truth
Jesus continued:
It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. But there are some of you who do not believe…. This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.
Eternal life is not earned by human effort or religious practice. “The flesh is no help at all.” Salvation is entirely a work of the Spirit. Paul echoed Jesus’ teaching in Ephesians 2:8–9: “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
The word of God, which Jesus calls “spirit and life,” is the means by which faith is birthed (Romans 10:17). Those who reject it reject the very life God offers. “For the word of God is living and active … discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).
After hearing Jesus’ hard sayings, many of his disciples abandoned him. “They turned back and no longer walked with him” (John 6:66). They left because they would not submit, not because they did not understand.
Declaration of Truth
As multitudes walked away, Jesus turned to the Twelve and asked, “Do you want to go away as well?” (John 6:67). This is a poignant moment. Peter, the frequent spokesman for the group, responded with a powerful declaration of faith: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God” (John 6:68–69). Peter’s answer reveals what it means to be a true disciple.
“Lord, to whom shall we go?” True disciples recognise that there is no alternative to Christ. No other religion, teacher, or philosophy offers eternal life. “You have the words of eternal life.” True disciples know that Jesus’ teachings are not just advice—they are life itself. His word is the source of spiritual nourishment and salvation. “We have believed.” True disciples place their faith entirely in Jesus, trusting in his word and work. “And have come to know that you are the Holy One of God.” True disciples recognise Jesus for who he truly is: the sinless, divine Son of God.
Peter’s confession contrasts sharply with Judas Iscariot, who is referenced in the closing verses. “Did I not choose you, the Twelve? And yet one of you is a devil” (v. 70). Judas had walked with Jesus, heard his teaching, and witnessed his miracles, but he never truly believed. This is a sobering reminder that external association with Christ does not guarantee salvation.
Examine Your Faith
Do you believe and accept Christ’s truth, or have you rejected it in your heart? That is the defining mark of a true disciple: not attendance at church, not outward piety, but a heart that submits to the truth of God’s word.
Are you a true disciple of Jesus? The answer lies in how you respond to his word. May we be like Peter, boldly declaring, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”
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