Commentary on John 6:60
In the Gospel of John, chapter 6, verse 60, we encounter a profound moment where many of Jesus' disciples react to His hard sayings. This verse encapsulates their struggle to grasp the depth of His teachings, which demand not only understanding but spiritual insight and faith. The varied commentaries from respected biblical scholars provide a rich tapestry of interpretation and application for today's believers.
Text of John 6:60
"Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is a hard saying; who can hear it?"
Contextual Overview
The context of John 6 is critical for understanding this verse. Earlier in the chapter, Jesus had performed the miracle of feeding the 5,000, and then He engages in a profound discourse about the Bread of Life (John 6:35). His teachings take a deeper turn when He speaks of eating His flesh and drinking His blood, representing the necessity of partaking in His sacrifice for eternal life. This doctrine provokes incredulity among many disciples, leading to the reaction stated in John 6:60.
Commentary Insights
Matthew Henry's Commentary
Understanding the Difficulty: Matthew Henry notes that the disciples’ response illustrates a common human condition: the resistance to teachings that confront our understanding and challenge us to accept spiritual truths that are beyond human reasoning.
The Nature of the Saying: He emphasizes that the saying was hard not merely because it was difficult to comprehend but because it was offensive to their carnal understanding. It challenges their expectations of a Messiah and the nature of communion with Christ.
Albert Barnes' Notes
Disciples' Response: Albert Barnes elaborates on the term “hard saying” and indicates that this implies not only difficulty in understanding but also the heavy demands Jesus places on His followers. He points out that these disciples were not merely confused, but were faced with a challenge to their faith that they found intolerable.
- Spiritual Revelation Required: Barnes argues that such teachings require spiritual insight, which is granted by the Holy Spirit. Without this, the profound truths of Jesus remain hard to accept.
- Carnal vs. Spiritual: He draws attention to the contrast between carnal and spiritual perceptions, claiming that many follow Jesus out of desire for physical sustenance rather than genuine spiritual hunger.
Adam Clarke's Commentary
Historical Context: Adam Clarke adds depth by providing historical and cultural insights regarding the Jewish audience. He explains how the ideas of eating flesh and drinking blood would be revolting to a Jewish listener, steeped in dietary laws and cultural norms.
The Necessity of Faith: Clarke points out that the “hard saying” acts as a filter, revealing true discipleship. The followers who struggle with this teaching are confronted with the reality that true faith requires embracing difficult truths.
Theological Reflections
This verse serves to highlight several theological concepts:
- The Challenge of Discipleship: The concept that following Jesus involves embracing truth that can be difficult and challenging.
- Eucharistic Implications: The reference to eating flesh and drinking blood introduces the theme of communion, central to Christian worship and theological reflection on sacrificial love.
- Spiritual Insight: Understanding and accepting Jesus’ teachings go beyond intellectual comprehension; they require a heart open to divine revelation.
Conclusion
John 6:60 serves as a mirror reflecting the struggle between human understanding and divine revelation. The commentaries of Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke enrich our comprehension of this profound moment. For pastors, students, theologians, and scholars, this verse highlights the perennial issue within discipleship: the call to engage with the challenging aspects of Christian faith, acknowledging our limitations while aspiring for deeper spiritual insight.
Application for Today
In today's world, where many confront hard teachings of Christ, John 6:60 invites believers to reflect on their own response to challenging truths. Are we ready to accept the hard sayings of Jesus, or do we turn away when confronted with discomfort? This passage encourages a deeper commitment to understanding and living out the fullness of the Christian faith.
