41 So the Jews grumbled about him, because he said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.” 42 They said, “Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How does he now say, ‘I have come down from heaven’?” 43 Jesus answered them, “Do not grumble among yourselves. 44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day. 45 It is written in the Prophets, ‘And they will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me— 46 not that anyone has seen the Father except he who is from God; he has seen the Father. 47 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. 48 I am the bread of life. 49 Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. 50 This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. 51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.” John 6:41-51
Martin Luther is one of the world’s most voluminous writers, so much so, that works of his are still being published in Germany, and many of his writings still have not yet been translated into English. Fortunately, one of the works that has been translated into English is his writings on John’s Gospel.
When commenting on this passage, he gives this insightful comment. He says, “One could preach a hundred thousand years about these words and emphasize them again and again. Yes, one can’t speak enough about these words.” Which verse might he be saying this about? Take a look above before reading below.
He says this about verse 47. There, Jesus says, “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life.” This is the verse that we could hear preached for 100,000 years and still not have it be emphasized enough. This is the verse that tells salvation so simply. Let’s break it down.
Jesus says, “Truly, Truly…” Whenever we hear Jesus say these words, we would do well to pay attention and listen. What usually follows is something that is critical and important. If this was a play, the spotlight would be on this character. If this was a movie, the camera would be focusing on, and zooming in.
“I say to you…” Notice it is Jesus speaking. What comes next comes is from Him. It is trustworthy and true. It is not a pious thought by John the Apostle, or some wishful thinking by Him. It comes from Jesus, and is for you, that is, all people.
“…he who believes has everlasting life.” The one who believes in Jesus has eternal life. Notice that this is present. It is not in the past, nor is it in the future. We have eternal life, now. Luther thoughtfully points out: “We already have eternal life. If we don’t receive it while here on earth, we’ll never receive it after we leave. Eternal life must be attained and received in this body.” Whoever believes in Jesus is justified and forgiven, now. Good works don’t get one into heaven, but Jesus does. Eternal life is ours now because of Him. No wonder Luther says this could be preached 100,000 years and still not be emphasized enough!
In Christ,
Pastor Nick Kooi
(Originally published in Emmaus Footprints, Vol. XXIII, Number 1, August 2021)