John 6:62 - Then what if you would see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before?
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What does "John 6:62" mean?
This verse, John 6:62, is a challenging one, and its meaning is deeply connected to the context of John 6, specifically Jesus' discourse on the Bread of Life. To understand it, let's break it down:
Context is Key:
The Problem: Jesus has just delivered a difficult teaching about eating his flesh and drinking his blood to have eternal life (John 6:53-58). This teaching is deeply unsettling to many of his followers. They find it repulsive and incomprehensible, leading to murmurings and questions (John 6:60-61).
The Reaction: Many disciples begin to turn away from Jesus (John 6:66).
Understanding the Verse:
"Then what if you would see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before?" This is a rhetorical question from Jesus. He's essentially saying:
"If you're already struggling with the idea of eating my flesh and drinking my blood, what will you do when you see me ascend back to heaven?" The ascension will be even more baffling and challenging for those who are caught up in a literal, physical understanding of his words.
"If you're focused on the physical and earthly aspects of my ministry, how will you possibly grasp the spiritual reality of my being and my ultimate destiny?" He's challenging them to look beyond the visible to the invisible, beyond the earthly to the heavenly.
Possible Interpretations and Significance:
1. Emphasis on the Spiritual Nature of the Bread of Life: Jesus is subtly hinting that his words about eating his flesh and drinking his blood are not meant to be taken literally. He's pointing to a deeper spiritual truth about receiving him as the source of life through faith. The ascension will further highlight that his presence and nourishment are not tied to a physical body, but to a spiritual reality.
2. The Ascension as Proof of His Divinity: The ascension will be the ultimate vindication of Jesus' claims about his origin and identity. He's implying that he came from heaven and will return to heaven, thus affirming his divine nature. The ascension will demonstrate that he is not just a man, but the Son of God.
3. A Test of Faith: Jesus is testing the faith of his followers. Will they abandon him because of his challenging words, or will they persevere in faith, seeking to understand the deeper meaning of his teachings? The ascension will be a further test of their commitment.
4. Fulfillment of Prophecy/Messianic Expectations: The ascension alludes to Daniel 7:13-14, where the "Son of Man" ascends to God's throne. This highlights Jesus' role as the Messiah who will be glorified and have dominion over all.
In Summary:
John 6:62 is a powerful and multifaceted statement. It serves as:
A rebuke to those who are focused on the literal and physical.
A subtle hint about the spiritual nature of his teachings.
A foreshadowing of his ascension and glorification.
A test of the faith of his followers.
An affirmation of his divine identity and origin.
The verse ultimately challenges us to look beyond the surface, to embrace the spiritual realities that Jesus reveals, and to trust in him as the Son of God who came from heaven and returned to heaven.
John 6:62 - Then what if you would see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before?
What does "John 6:62" mean?
This verse, John 6:62, is a challenging one, and its meaning is deeply connected to the context of John 6, specifically Jesus' discourse on the Bread of Life. To understand it, let's break it down:
Context is Key:
The Problem: Jesus has just delivered a difficult teaching about eating his flesh and drinking his blood to have eternal life (John 6:53-58). This teaching is deeply unsettling to many of his followers. They find it repulsive and incomprehensible, leading to murmurings and questions (John 6:60-61).
The Reaction: Many disciples begin to turn away from Jesus (John 6:66).
Understanding the Verse:
"Then what if you would see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before?" This is a rhetorical question from Jesus. He's essentially saying:
"If you're already struggling with the idea of eating my flesh and drinking my blood, what will you do when you see me ascend back to heaven?" The ascension will be even more baffling and challenging for those who are caught up in a literal, physical understanding of his words.
"If you're focused on the physical and earthly aspects of my ministry, how will you possibly grasp the spiritual reality of my being and my ultimate destiny?" He's challenging them to look beyond the visible to the invisible, beyond the earthly to the heavenly.
Possible Interpretations and Significance:
1. Emphasis on the Spiritual Nature of the Bread of Life: Jesus is subtly hinting that his words about eating his flesh and drinking his blood are not meant to be taken literally. He's pointing to a deeper spiritual truth about receiving him as the source of life through faith. The ascension will further highlight that his presence and nourishment are not tied to a physical body, but to a spiritual reality.
2. The Ascension as Proof of His Divinity: The ascension will be the ultimate vindication of Jesus' claims about his origin and identity. He's implying that he came from heaven and will return to heaven, thus affirming his divine nature. The ascension will demonstrate that he is not just a man, but the Son of God.
3. A Test of Faith: Jesus is testing the faith of his followers. Will they abandon him because of his challenging words, or will they persevere in faith, seeking to understand the deeper meaning of his teachings? The ascension will be a further test of their commitment.
4. Fulfillment of Prophecy/Messianic Expectations: The ascension alludes to Daniel 7:13-14, where the "Son of Man" ascends to God's throne. This highlights Jesus' role as the Messiah who will be glorified and have dominion over all.
In Summary:
John 6:62 is a powerful and multifaceted statement. It serves as:
A rebuke to those who are focused on the literal and physical.
A subtle hint about the spiritual nature of his teachings.
A foreshadowing of his ascension and glorification.
A test of the faith of his followers.
An affirmation of his divine identity and origin.
The verse ultimately challenges us to look beyond the surface, to embrace the spiritual realities that Jesus reveals, and to trust in him as the Son of God who came from heaven and returned to heaven.