SUBJ: The spiritual knowledge of
Christ and the spiritual life in men that recognizes that Jesus is the
Christ.
AIM: That we should realize that
apart from a spiritual identity there can be no true knowledge and the
world is offended at such a thought.
INTR: The text before us is the
expression of the consequences of the Bread of Life sermon in which
Christ reveals the true reason of unbelief and the distinguishing cause
of true belief. 1. It is evident here that many, if not all, of the
disciples (learners) had the beginnings of a physical kingdom in view
(see v. 26) 2. These were offended at the declaration of Christ that
they were to see Him as the "greater" of whom Moses had spoken. 3.
The design of God is that Jesus should be seen as the Christ and as the
only source of life and in control of life as the only true sovereign.
THESIS: The lesson for the true
disciples (Apostles here) was that they must know that it is He alone
Who can reveal the Words of life and Who can impart life - a total
dependence on Him is necessary.
I. A hard saying (v. 60) 1.
Compare: Psalms 60:3 Thou hast shewed thy people hard things: thou hast
made us to drink the wine of astonishment. 2. Consider a careless
approach to the scriptures: 2 Peter 3:16 As also in all his epistles,
speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be
understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do
also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. 3. The danger
of preconceived notions as opposed to confirmed matters of faith - that
which is known versus that which is trusted. 4. The reaction here is
one of opposition as if to say, "we will not listen to this stuff."
II. A Profound revelation (vv. 61-64) 1. He knew what was going
as to their murmuring. 1) Consider the emptiness of "God knows
everything" and the failure to apply to self. 2) The fact is that not
only does He know, but also, that He knows why! 2. What if you see?
(v. 62) 1) The hesitancy and doubt that arises about that which men
cannot control. 2) The fear of the personal upheaval of our lives in
seeing the miraculous workings of our Lord. See again v. 26 and the
miracles. 3. Do we know that He is ascended on high as a matter of
experience? 4. A difficult passage (according to most commentators)
1) That Christ is here distinguishing between His Spirit and His Body
2) That Christ is here speaking of the work of He, the Holy Spirit 3)
That the life that we know in Him is by virtue of spiritual life in us
and consider the reference to the perception of His words in us 4)
Perhaps all have an element of truth 5) It is evident that it was
beyond those who were questioning Him. 5. Consider that He fed them
and ministered to them and all the time - He knew.
III. A hard
saying indeed (vv. 65-66) 1. A restating of vv. 37, 44 with more
finality than explanation - they were already angry 2. We note that
the word "time" is added by the KJV. It may be said as well that it was
at that saying they went back - perhaps this was the "straw that broke
the camel's back." 3. The issue of "walking" with Him and remember
Amos 3:3 Can two walk together, except they be agreed? 4. This states
a most hated truth since the pride of man is completely laid low. (They
are after all His words which are spirit).
IV. A precious
revelation (vv. 67-71) 1. An unexpected response to the departure
2. One of the most searching questions in the entire Bible in that the
whole course of one's life is herein defined. 3. The design of our
Lord was one of "discovery learning" 1) They had to search their
hearts to answer 2) It was understood that there must be a reason for
staying 3) The answer was one expressing exclusive hope and trust
4. Thou art that Christ - the One of Whom Moses and the prophets spoke
5. A reason for asking this question over and over - Judas! 6. Why do
men stay? They are convinced in heart and mind that Acts 4:12 Neither is
there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven
given among men, whereby we must be saved.
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