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Welcome back to are second part as we continue our exploration of John 6, going deeper into the themes of freewill and divine election. In this part of the chapter, we see Jesus engage with different groups, shedding light on why some people believe and others do not.

Overview of the Discourses

From verse 22 to the end of the chapter, Jesus speaks in four distinct discourses:

• To the Multitude (verses 22-40)
• To the Jewish Leaders (verses 41-59)
• To the Disciples (verses 60-66)
• To the Twelve Apostles (verses 67-71)

Each discourse reveals insights into the relationship between divine election and human free will. Let's dive into these passages and uncover why some did not believe.

First Discourse: Speaking to the Multitude

Verses 25-40

Jesus addresses their materialistic motivations, urging them to seek eternal, spiritual nourishment. They ask what works they must perform, and Jesus responds that the work of God is to believe in the one He has sent. Jesus declares Himself as the bread of life, emphasizing that belief in Him leads to eternal life. However, they do not believe because, as He explains, only those given to Him by the Father will come to Him.

Second Discourse: Speaking to the Jewish Leaders

Verses 41-59

The Jewish leaders grumble, questioning Jesus' claim of divine origin. Jesus explains that no one can come to Him unless drawn by the Father, emphasizing divine election.

Third Discourse: Speaking to the Disciples

Verses 60-66

Some disciples find Jesus' teachings difficult to accept. Jesus reiterates that true life comes through the Spirit and that belief is enabled by the Father. Many disciples turn away, demonstrating that not all learners are true believers.

Fourth Discourse: Speaking to the Twelve Apostles

Verses 67-71

Jesus asks the Twelve if they also want to leave. Peter professes their faith in Him. Jesus acknowledges He has chosen them, yet even among the chosen is Judas, who would betray Him.

Conclusions and Observations

• God Chooses Some People
  • The Bible teaches that God elects individuals for salvation. This can be unsettling, but it is a clear biblical doctrine.
• Whosoever Will Can Be Saved
  • The Bible also teaches that anyone who believes in Jesus will be saved. These two truths coexist in Scripture.
• Urged to Trust

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This Podcast is Hosted at;
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Subscribe here to receive my new church history podcast every few weeks at.
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Podcast Episode Study and Notes Page

Episode Title: Election or Freewill – Part One (John 6:1-24)

Summary:

In this episode, we delve into this difficult and profound question that has puzzled believers for centuries: Why do some people choose to believe in Jesus Christ while others do not? This discussion is centered around the concept of divine election versus human free will, using John 6:1-24 as the foundational text.

Key Points:

• Decline in Church Attendance:
  • Approximately 5 million people in the UK identify as Christian church members (only about 10% of the adult population).
  • Why do some people believe in Jesus and others do not?
  • It seem there are two possible answers: Belief as a choice (freewill) or belief as a result of being chosen (election).
• John 6 Overview:
  • Miracles:
    • Feeding the 5,000 (John 6:1-15): Demonstrates Jesus' power and compassion.
    • Walking on Water (John 6:16-24): Shows Jesus' authority over nature.
• Themes Explored:
  • The interplay between divine election and human response.
  • The role of divine enablement in coming to faith.
  • The significance of recognizing and responding to Jesus' divine nature.
• Miracles as Signs:
  • Feeding the 5,000:
    • Jesus’ compassion and power in providing for physical needs.
    • Significance of leftovers as a lesson for the disciples.
  • Walking on Water:
    • Demonstrates Jesus' divine authority.
    • Strengthens the disciples’ faith.
• Human Responses to Jesus:
  • Varied reactions to miracles and teachings.
  • Insights into belief and unbelief among different groups.

Reflection Questions:

• What do the miracles in John 6 reveal about Jesus’ divine nature?
• How do the reactions of the crowd and the disciples differ in response to Jesus' miracles?
• What does Jesus' teaching about being the bread of life suggest about the source of true spiritual nourishment?
• How do the concepts of divine election and human free will interact in the context of belief in Jesus?

Practical Application:

• Trust in Provision: Reflect on times when you have seen God provide in seemingly impossible situations.
• Faith in Storms: Consider how recognizing Jesus’ presence in your life can bring peace amidst turmoil.
• Spiritual Nourishment: Focus on seeking spiritual fulfillment t

Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify

Support the Show.

Jeremy McCandless is creating podcasts and devotional resources | Patreon

Help us continue making great content for listeners everywhere.
https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Send us a Text Message.

For an ad-free version of the podcast plus the opportunity to enjoy hours of exclusive content and two bonus episodes a month and also help keep the Bible Project Daily Podcast free for listeners everywhere at;
patreon.com/JeremyMcCandless

This Podcast is Hosted at;
https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com

Subscribe here to receive my new church history podcast every few weeks at.
https://thehistoryofthechristianchurch.buzzsprout.com


Episode Notes:

We saw last time that Jesus, following His healing of the man at the pool of Bethesda, faced two major accusations from the Jewish leaders:

• Breaking the Sabbath.
• Making Himself equal with God.

Because of these accusations, the leaders began to plot His death more seriously. Initially, they might have discussed this in small groups, but now they were determined to stop Him. The plot to kill Him grew as Jesus demonstrated His deity through His actions and teachings. The backdrop to His long sermon discourse in John 5:19-47 is the healing miracle and the subsequent dispute. In this extended discourse, Jesus makes several important claims and then provides proof for these claims. Let’s examine His claims starting from verse 19.

Jesus’s Claims:

• Equality with the Father:
• Giver of Life:
• Judge of All:
• Honour Equal to the Father:
• Source of Eternal Life:
• Authority over Resurrection:

Proofs of His Claims:

Jesus doesn't just make claims; He provides evidence to support them. In verses 31-47, He presents three key proofs:

• The Testimony of John the Baptist:
• The Works of Jesus:
• The Testimony of the Father and the Scriptures:

Why Do Some Refuse to Believe?

Despite the compelling evidence, many people still refused to believe in Jesus. In verses 40-47, Jesus addresses the reasons behind their unbelief:

• Seeking Human Glory:
• Lack of Love for God:
• Misplaced Trust in the Law:

Conclusion:

The message from this passage is clear: Jesus is the Son of God, and the evidence of His identity is overwhelming. His claims are backed by the testimony of John the Baptist, His miraculous works, and the Scriptures. Yet, belief in Jesus is not merely an intellectual decision; it’s a matter of the heart and will.

People refuse to believe in Jesus not due to a lack of evidence, but because of their desire for human approval, their lack of love for God, and their misplaced trust in their own righteousness. Jesus invites us to examine our hearts and choose to trust in Him. The offer of eternal life is open to all who will believe. Let us respond to Jesus, the Son of God, and experience the transformation and eternal life that only He can provide.

Support the Show.

Jeremy McCandless is creating podcasts and devotional resources | Patreon

Help us continue making great content for listeners everywhere.
https://thebibleproject.buzzsprout.com