How can we apply Jesus' response in John 6:61 to modern-day skepticism? Setting the Scene “Aware that His disciples were grumbling about this teaching, Jesus asked them, ‘Does this offend you?’” (John 6:61) • Jesus has just presented a hard saying: “unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you” (John 6:53). • Some disciples complain; the crowd is unsettled. • Instead of softening the message, Jesus exposes the heart issue with a direct question. Jesus Reveals the Heart Issue • Skepticism often disguises offense at God’s sovereignty and truth, not merely intellectual doubt. • By asking, “Does this offend you?” Jesus turns the spotlight from the content of His words to the condition of their hearts (cf. Hebrews 4:12). • His question invites self-examination rather than argument. Principles for Responding to Skepticism Today 1. Identify the real stumbling block – Most objections mask deeper issues: pride, moral resistance, fear of surrender (Romans 1:18-21). 2. Keep the message intact – Jesus does not dilute His teaching; fidelity to Scripture must trump the urge to appease (2 Timothy 4:2-4). 3. Ask probing, gracious questions – Questions uncover motives and encourage reflection (Proverbs 20:5). 4. Point toward spiritual reality – “The Spirit gives life; the flesh profits nothing” (John 6:63). Emphasize the spiritual stakes, not just intellectual assent. 5. Invite a decision – After many leave, Jesus asks the Twelve, “Do you also want to leave?” (John 6:67). Skeptics must still choose. Practical Applications • In personal conversations – Listen for what truly offends: God’s authority, exclusivity of Christ, moral demands. – Respond with gentle questions: “What about Jesus’ claim troubles you most?” (1 Peter 3:15). – Share the unchanged gospel; trust the Spirit to convict. • In teaching and preaching – Present hard truths—sin, judgment, the cross—without apology. – Explain, but do not edit, difficult passages. • On social media – Engage skeptics respectfully. Pose clarifying questions rather than launching into debates. – Offer Scripture that addresses heart issues (Psalm 14:1; John 3:19-21). • Within the church – Prepare believers for cultural pushback by modeling Jesus’ firmness and compassion. – Encourage testimony: Peter’s confession “You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68-69) counters doubt with lived faith. Key Supporting Scriptures • 1 Corinthians 1:18 – “The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing.” • Proverbs 18:2 – “A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in airing his opinion.” • Jude 22-23 – “And indeed, have mercy on those who doubt; save others, snatching them from the fire.” • Colossians 4:5-6 – “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Takeaway Jesus’ response models a balance of unwavering truth and heart-searching dialogue. Modern skepticism is best met by exposing underlying offense, maintaining the full counsel of Scripture, and inviting personal response to the living Word. |
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