December 29, 2021 -- John 6:60-71 -- Jesus the Reflection of the Father's Perfect Love

People dearly loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

When many of his disciples heard it, they said, “This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?” 61 But Jesus, knowing in himself that his disciples were grumbling about this, said to them, “Do you take offense at this? 62 Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? 63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. 64 But there are some of you who do not believe.” (For Jesus knew from the beginning who those were who did not believe, and who it was who would betray him.) 65 And he said, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.”
66 After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. 67 So Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” 68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, 69 and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.” 70 Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the twelve? And yet one of you is a devil.” 71 He spoke of Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he, one of the twelve, was going to betray him.
John 6:60-70 ESV

Notice the great patience and steadfast love Jesus displays. All along the way there are among His followers false disciples mixed in with the true disciples. Jesus does not pluck out the false ones nor does He throw them aside. He ministers to them faithfully and perfectly. This patient love is a perfect demonstration of the Father’s love. Why does the Father delay in bringing the end times, He is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance (II Peter 3:9). Jesus is reflecting the Father's patient love is giving everyone who follows Him every chance to believe.

The disciples themselves did not know who the betrayer would be. When Jesus is with His disciples at the Last Supper He tells them there is a betrayer among them. The disciples are astonished. They do not suspect Judas. When Jesus is arrested at the Garden, all the disciples run away. Our human eyes cannot distinguish true believers from false disciples. At the Garden we would guess that every disciples is ultimately a failure, a false follower. Yet God knows His own. His Spirit gives life to all so that those appointed by the Father for eternal life will be brought to repentance and humble service rendered to Jesus.

Whomever God has placed in your life, by the power of the Spirit to encourage them, pray for them, and repeatedly lead them to Jesus.

Thank You, Jesus, for those Whom You had placed in our lives who were so patient with us. When we wavered and stumbled, when our faith looked more like rejection than submission, still You surrounded us with those faithful Christians who prayed, who listened, who loved and who did not abandon us. Thank You Spirit of the Living God that in You is life and by this power You also guard for Christ those who, to the eyes of flesh, do not seem capable nor worthy of the Savior. God of Glory and Zealous Love, blessed are You and great is Your amazing grace. In view of Who You Are and in response to all You have done and are doing, help us to be enthusiastic witnesses and joyful disciples, who patiently mentor those who are seeking the Savior. Amen.

https://youtu.be/4ibgls-qii8

Copyright © 2021 Sh'ma Christian Ministries, All rights reserved.