As a child, I often would not immediately comply with my parents’ wishes for me to do my chores. I frequently made them repeat their instructions before I complied. On occasion, they would tell me a third time. If they told me three times, I knew that I needed to pay very close attention to their instructions and immediately fulfill them because there would not be a fourth time.

In the passage of John 6:22-59, Jesus is addressing a crowd of people following him for several reasons. Some were his devoted followers, some were seeking to kill him, but many were looking for a handout. Jesus’ purpose wasn’t to give food to fill people’s bellies; he came to provide the bread of life. His words to the crowd are, in part, a rebuke of their motives, and this speech causes many to turn away.

During this short section, Jesus says a phrase three times, “I will raise him up on the last day.” (Jn 6:40, 44, 54) Jesus is clear, anyone who comes to Jesus and believes in him will have eternal life, but Jesus is also clear that he and he alone will raise the dead to life. This power to save from death cannot be found in any created thing. Thrice he warned the crowd, and after this many of his disciples even turned back and no longer walked with him (Jn 6:66.) Reader listen carefully, pay very close attention to Christ’s words, and do not delay your response. Our Lord declared thrice that he would raise the dead. Have you declared him as your savior?

In Christ,

Chappy