New Testament
John 6:60
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Many of his disciples, when they heard this, said, "This is a hard saying; who can accept it?"
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Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it?
What John 6:60 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, many of Jesus' followers express their struggle with his teachings. They find his message difficult to understand and accept, indicating that some of his teachings challenge their beliefs and expectations. This moment highlights the tension between spiritual truths and human understanding. The disciples are grappling with the implications of Jesus' words, which often require deep faith and a willingness to embrace concepts that may seem illogical or hard to follow. Their reaction shows that not all who hear Jesus' message will easily accept it, revealing the divide between those who are willing to follow him and those who are not. This verse serves as a reminder that faith can sometimes be challenging and that understanding spiritual truths often requires a deeper commitment and openness to God's ways, which may differ from human reasoning.
How to apply John 6:60 to your life
When faced with difficult teachings or challenges in faith, it's important to seek understanding and not shy away from hard questions. Engaging with scripture and discussing doubts with others can strengthen our faith and help us grow spiritually. Embrace the journey of faith, even when it feels tough.
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: The Bread of Life (John 6:22–71)
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Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
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At a Glance — the Book of John
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 85-95
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- All believers
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does John 6:60 mean?
John 6:60 shows that many of Jesus' disciples found his teachings difficult to accept. They expressed confusion and struggle with his message, highlighting the challenge of understanding spiritual truths.
What is the significance of the phrase 'hard saying' in John 6:60?
The phrase 'hard saying' in John 6:60 indicates that the teachings of Jesus can be challenging and may conflict with personal beliefs. It reflects the difficulty some followers have in accepting profound spiritual truths.
How can we apply the message of John 6:60 in our lives?
We can apply the message of John 6:60 by being open to questioning and seeking understanding when faced with difficult teachings. Engaging with scripture and discussing doubts can help strengthen our faith.
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