John 6:67-69 Then said Jesus to the twelve, Will you also go away?… I. In this reply of the apostle's is implied A CONVICTION OF THE INSUFFIENCY OF ALL HUMAN MEANS FOR THE ATTAINMENT OF SALVATION. "Lord, to whom shall we go?" Shall we apply to the scribes and Pharisees? Shall we inquire of the ceremonial or moral law? Shall we submit to the decisions of reason? 1. The scribes and Pharisees, and other doctors of the law among the Jews, at that period were blind leaders of the blind. Their corruptions had darkened their minds, and thrown a veil over the sacred writings; so that the plainest prophecies were misunderstood, and the most important doctrines perverted by them. 2. The apostles were equally convinced that life and salvation could not be obtained from an observance of the ceremonial or moral law. (1) With respect to the former — they knew that the tabernacle service was chiefly typical, shadowing forth good things to come. (2) With respect to the latter — even if they could not recollect that they had been guilty of any gross immorality, yet they knew that they were far from that perfection which the law demands. 3. They were also persuaded of the entire insufficiency of reason to point out to them the path of life. Untaught by revelation, what knowledge can we obtain respecting the salvation of a sinner? II. The text implies that they had A FIRM BELIEF IN CHRIST'S PERFECTIONS AND QUALIFICATIONS AS A SAVIOUR, "Thou hast the words of eternal life." 1. This is the language of faith, and expresses the sentiments and exercises of every soul that flees to the Saviour for refuge. 2. In this confession they acknowledge, also, a belief in His ability to instruct men in the way of life. 3. It also implies faith in Him as the only atoning sacrifice. 4. To be a perfect Saviour, He must be able, also, to ensure everlasting life to those whose sins He expiated; and, therefore, He must be possessed of power to apply His purchased salvation to the souls of His people. III. From such a view of His offices, and a complete satisfaction in His undertaking and character, arises an unconquerable desire for the blessings which He has to bestow; and hence the words of the text are to be considered as expressing A FIRM RESOLUTION TO ADHERE TO HIM AS THEIR SAVIOUR AND LORD. "To whom shall we go," say the disciples, "but unto Thee." 1. United to Him they see safety; separated from Him they behold inevitable death. 2. This holy resolution is formed, not merely from necessity, but from a conviction of the honour, delight, and immortal glory which await the followers of the Lamb. (W. L. Johnson.) Parallel Verses KJV: Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?WEB: Jesus said therefore to the twelve, "You don't also want to go away, do you?" |
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