Welcome Valley Bible Studies

Lesson 25: John 6:59-65

John 6:59-65
These things said he in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum. Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it? When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you? What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before? It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.

 Background Information
The word “quickeneth” means gives life or makes alive.

 The hard sayings that some of Jesus’ disciples are referring to are the statements from the previous verses about Jesus’ body being food and his blood being drink, which must be eaten and drunk by anyone who wants eternal life. (See lesson 24)

This passage speaks of doubts on the part of some of Jesus’ disciples. Please keep in mind that Jesus had more disciples than the twelve we usually think of. Those twelve, are also called apostles; although, they were disciples too. Anyone who subscribed to Jesus’ teaching, especially one who came frequently to hear Him teach, would have been considered one of His disciples.

Related Scriptures
Matthew 7:7-11
Luke 4:4John 2:23-25
2 Corinthians 3:6-9
Hebrews 4:13

 Questions
  1. In John 6:53-58, Jesus said that people would gain eternal life through eating His flesh and drinking His blood. a. Were those who thought of these words as a hard saying thinking in spiritual terms, or were they thinking of cannibalism? b. Was Jesus thinking of cannibalism or of being the source of spiritual life? c. How does Jesus’ death on the cross relate spiritual life to His body and blood?
  2. Where had Jesus been that He spoke of ascending up to again?
  3. Could hypocrites deceive Jesus Christ?
  4. a. Did Jesus have to wait until He was told to know people’s inner character? b. Where did this special knowledge come from?
  5. Who has to help us if we are to come to Jesus Christ?
  6. a. If we want God the Father to help us find eternal life, what should we do? b. Which of the related Scriptures supports your answer?

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