Devotional on John 6:61–71 🧍‍♀️ To Whom Shall We Go?

📖 Passage: John 6:61–71 (NIV)

61 Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, "Does this offend you?
62 Then what if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before!
63 The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life.
64 Yet there are some of you who do not believe." For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him.
65 He went on to say, "This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled them."
66 From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.
67 "You do not want to leave too, do you?" Jesus asked the Twelve.
68 Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.
69 We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God."
70 Then Jesus replied, "Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!"
71 (He meant Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, who, though one of the Twelve, was later to betray him.)
  

🙏 1-Minute Prayer

Lord, even when Your truth is difficult to receive, help me not to turn away. You alone have the words of eternal life. Strengthen my faith to remain with You. Amen.

🔁 Repeated Words or Phrases

• “disciples” – verses 61, 66
• “words” – verse 63, 68
• “believe” – verses 64, 69
• “leave” / “no longer followed” – verses 66, 67
• “eternal life” – verse 68

🗭 Theme

Jesus invites us to stay with Him not because it is easy, but because only He has the words of eternal life.

🔎 Observing God

• Jesus knows who grumbles and who believes (v.61, 64).
• His words are Spirit and life (v.63).
• The Father enables people to come to Jesus (v.65).
• Jesus directly challenges the Twelve: “Do you want to leave?” (v.67).
• He knows Judas will betray Him (v.64, 70–71).

🧟 Observing Humanity

• Many disciples grumble and find Jesus’ words hard to accept (v.61).
• They turn back and stop following Him (v.66).
• Peter expresses deep faith and dependence on Jesus (v.68–69).
• Even among the Twelve, there is betrayal (v.71).

✨ Interpreting God

Jesus never begs people to stay—He offers truth. His question, “Do you want to leave too?” is not to guilt, but to sift. Faith must move beyond feelings to loyalty. His words bring life, even when hard. Through them, we encounter the Spirit. Even rejection and betrayal do not change His mission—He knows and continues with love.

🪞 Interpreting Humanity

Humanity wants comfort more than conviction. When truth cuts deep, many turn away. But Peter shows the way of true discipleship: holding on, not because we understand everything, but because we know Who holds the truth. Real faith stays even when it doesn't feel easy.

🛠 Personal Application

When Jesus' teaching challenges me, will I walk away or press in? Today, I choose to stay—not because it's simple, but because there is nowhere else to go for life. Ask the Lord for strength to remain rooted when others drift away.

💓 Spiritual Touch

“Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” (v.68)
➤ Staying is not always easy, but it's where life is found.

🙌 Prayer of Faith, Repentance, and Thanksgiving

Lord, I confess that at times I want to walk away when things get hard. But where else would I go? You alone have the words of eternal life. Strengthen my heart to stay. Thank You for knowing me and still inviting me to follow. Amen.

🚶‍♂️ Walk with Jesus for 24 Hours

Today, if you feel tempted to distance yourself from God’s truth, pause and pray: “Jesus, I choose to stay.” Let those simple words guide you closer to Him.