What does "no one can come to Me" reveal about human ability? Setting the Scene John 6:44 records Jesus saying, “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day”. A few verses later He repeats, “This is why I told you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father” (John 6:65). Unpacking the Phrase • “No one” – every person without exception. • “Can” – ability, not permission. • “Come to Me” – believe in, trust, and embrace Christ for eternal life. Together, these words state that, left to ourselves, we lack the ability to approach Jesus savingly. Human Ability: What the Words Say • Spiritual inability is universal. • The limitation is internal, not circumstantial; it lies in the will and heart. • Effort, intellect, or heritage cannot bridge the gap (cf. John 1:12-13). Why Our Ability Falls Short • Sin’s bondage: “Everyone who sins is a slave to sin” (John 8:34). • Darkened understanding: “The god of this age has blinded the minds of the unbelieving” (2 Corinthians 4:4). • Moral unwillingness: “There is no one who seeks God” (Romans 3:11). God’s Initiating Work • The Father “draws” – an active pull, not a mere invitation. • This drawing is effectual: those drawn will be “raised up at the last day” (John 6:44). • It is a gift: “It has been granted to him by My Father” (John 6:65). • The Spirit applies it: “When He comes, He will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment” (John 16:8). How This Shapes Our Response • Gratitude replaces boasting (Ephesians 2:8-9). • Urgency to depend on God in evangelism—He must open hearts (Acts 16:14). • Assurance grows; the same power that drew us keeps us (John 10:28-29). Key Takeaways • Human ability, unaided by God, is insufficient to come to Christ. • Salvation begins with the Father’s initiative, carried out by the Son, applied by the Spirit. • Recognizing our inability magnifies God’s grace and fuels humble, confident faith. |
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