Who Isn't Driven Away

Scripture: But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe. All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. John 6:36-37

Observation: Jesus makes a very clear statement about the nature of faith and belief. He tells these people, some of whom are from Capernaum and some who sought him after the feeding of the 5,000, that there is a dynamic at play between believing in Jesus and in salvation. Those who believe will not only be saved, but will also remain in a relationship with Jesus. They will come to Jesus, and Jesus will keep them, never driving them away.

Almost immediately ... these people start being driven away. They beg Jesus for a sign and talk about more bread, so Jesus talks about the life-giving bread that comes from his sacrifice. In this, they grumble. All of this is reflected in verse 36 - it is evidence that, even though they have come to Jesus and have seen a miracle, they do not believe. Since they don't believe, and thus have not therefore been saved by faith, they are offended by Jesus' teaching.

And this is how it is with all people in history, and with everyone today. The message about Jesus is clear: Eternal life from God is available to anyone who believes that Jesus is the son of God and thus the Lord and savior of their life. Those that believe are drawn close and lean into the word of God and teaching of Jesus. However, those that don't believe are actually so offended by the message that they actively fight and resist it.

Application: In the church, we wonder out loud about why non-believers are so opposed to the good news that they angrily lash out at us. It doesn't really matter 'why', but we should understand that Jesus declared it would happen, and even demonstrated it. Jesus will not drive away any believer, but his words will, in fact, actively repulse non-believers. Thus, the first action in changing a person toward Jesus is not our evangelism, but rather it is God working on their heart. When God tries to bring a person to Jesus, only then will his words not repulse them. All we do is join him in the effort.

Prayer: Lord, evangelism isn't something we do independent of you, and bringing others to faith isn't something we do without you. In fact, these aren't really things we do at all, we only join you in your work that you are already doing. I know there are likely people around me in which you are working. Please guide me to join you there. Amen.