Drawing Close to Jesus

N.T. #721 "Drawing Close to Jesus"

Jan. 26, 2026 

John 6-Part 7 

LET IT GLOW 

We pick up verse 60 where Jesus says, "This is a hard saying: who can hear it?"

Jesus' followers were offended by the thought of eating Christ's flesh and drinking His blood (had saying). He didn't mean it literally, but figuratively. We must accept the sacrifice of the body and blood of Christ for salvation and the basis for eternal life. (Falwell)

His was a substitutionary sacrifice-for you and me. When we accept Jesus as our Savior, then He is our life. The Jews did not accept Jesus having come down from heaven, as God's Son, the Messiah.

By this time in Jesus' ministry, His disciples numbered in the tens of thousands, with varying degrees of devotion. Hundreds were serious enough to consider Him their rabbi and would actively have supported a movement to make Jesus king. Yet, it was a fickle devotion that sprouts quickly and withers suddenly in the heat. Jesus' teaching wasn't difficult to understand, just difficult to accept. Paul frequently used the corresponding noun (skandalon) to describe Jesus as an intellectual and moral trap for any who oppose God and think themselves righteous. (Swindoll)

LET IT GROW 

It is the Holy Spirit that quickeneth (to vitalize; make alive; give life), that gives life. Jesus' Words are not dead, but they carry the potential of producing life. Accept what He said and they would have life. (verse 63) 

Also, the Holy Spirit convicts of our sins. It is mankind's inclination to hide from God, rather than to come to Him, like Adam and Eve did. (Genesis 3:8; Ps. 14:1-3) When Jesus saw that the Father was drawing a person to Himself, He immediately began relating to them. such was the case with Zacchaeus. 

Because His truths were difficult for the people to grasp, many of His listeners departed. Jesus did not become discouraged. Since Jesus saw the Father working in the lives of the disciples, that is where He invested His time. 

As you read the Scriptures and pray, trust that God will honor your response to His leading by teaching you more about Himself.

[Resource: Experiencing God Day -By-Day Devotional by Henry and Richard Blackaby]

LET IT GO

Draw me close to You, never let me go.

I lay it all down again, to hear You say that I'm your friend.

Help me find a way, lead me back to You, Jesus.

You're all I want. You're all I've ever needed. You're all I want. 

 Help me know You are near.

*Praying ya'll stay safe in the cold and snow. As I write this, we have a couple of inches of snow and expecting more later this afternoon and night, maybe tomorrow, also.