60 On hearing it, many of his disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?”
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[a] 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.)
Personal Reflection and Discussion
1. What was your most difficult subject in school? What didn’t you like about it?
2. Some of Jesus’ teachings are hard and,without spiritual discernment, impossible to grasp and understand (1 Corinthians 2:10-14, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25).
- What are some Biblical TRUTHS the rational mind has a hard time grasping?
- What are some Biblical TRUTHS that battle against our Old Adam’s mindset? (Matthew 5:38-48, Acts 20:35, Philippians 2:3-8)
3. Jesus was fully human as well as being fully divine. What do you think Jesus might have been thinking and feeling – vs. 66-67?
4. In vs 68-69, Peter has one of his finer moments. Recall incidents in Peter’s life. With which can you identify?
- Luke 5:5-10
- Matthew 14:25-33
- Matthew 16:13-23
- Matthew 17:4
- Mark 14:27-29
- John 18:10
Prayer
Jesus, in the Gospels Peter has a habit of putting his foot in his mouth, however, on this occasion Peter comes through with flying colors. Unfortunately, all too often, I can be like Peter – putting my foot in my mouth. However, on occasion I can be like Peter in this passage. Jesus, help me to increasingly be like Peter in this passage – turning to, believing in, and following You. (John 14:6, 1 John 1:1-4)
Greek Words of the Day
English Word: hard | Transliterated Word: skleros (sklay-ros)
Of things spoken, as hard, harsh, offensive
English Word: take offense | Transliterated Word: skandaliz (skan—dal-id)
To scandalize, to offend, to be offended by someone, to reject
Family Engagement Activity
Have your family draw pictures of five items that they deem very valuable to them. It can be anything, even their faith in Jesus (maybe mention that). After they have drawn their pictures, be sure to talk to them about how God gave them the other gifts that they drew. With that in mind, tell the following story:
Once upon a time there was a boy/girl named (your kid’s names) and they had these five things, until a storm came by and completely destroyed the least valuable of the five items (have them destroy the picture of that item). Next, a big vulture came by. It was huge and had huge claws. It was big enough to snag THIS item, the least valuable of the four. Then there was a group of bandits that came by and raided all the town’s least valuable of the three items. Finally, a little baby came by in a stroller and sneezed so big that this item blew away, it was the least valuable of the two. What item is left?
Discuss how Peter was basically saying that Jesus is the most foundational part of his life, so much so, that he sees that he is better off with Christ than with anyone or anything else.
Going Activities To Consider
What do you find most difficult to believe when it comes to the relationship you have with Jesus? Take some time today to do some prayer and maybe some research on this topic. Maybe spend ½ hour in prayer on this subject.
OR
Do a self-assessment on what your go-to’s are when it comes to relieving stress, anxiety, or depression. Consider talking to a close friend to see if they can help encourage you to make Jesus your go-to, because He is to whom we shall go.