Hard Words and the Cross

60 When many of his disciples heard it, they said, “This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?” 61 But Jesus, knowing in himself that his disciples were grumbling about this, said to them, “Do you take offense at this? 62 Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? 63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. 64 But there are some of you who do not believe.” (For Jesus knew from the beginning who those were who did not believe, and who it was who would betray him.) 65 And he said, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.”
John 6:60-65
+
Hard Words and the Cross
The words of Jesus often confront our sinful hearts. When He spoke of giving His flesh and blood for the life of the world, many found it unbearable. His teaching exposes our desire for a Savior on our terms, one who gives bread without sacrifice, glory without suffering. Yet the Spirit works through these very words to create faith, for they point us to the cross where the true Bread of Life was given for sinners. Our reason stumbles over such a Savior, but faith clings to Him who was lifted up for our salvation. We cannot come to Christ by our own strength; the Father draws us through the Gospel, through the foolishness of the cross, to life in His Son. Here, at the cross, we find the grace that sustains us when His Word seems too hard, for His flesh was given for the life of the world.