If we have trouble understanding and coming to terms with the teachings of Jesus in the gospel, then we can take some comfort from the reaction of the disciples in John’s community some decades after the death of Jesus. It seems that it was not only the members of the Jewish synagogue who were offended by his teaching, but also those Jews who had accepted Jesus as Messiah or Christ and had joined the community of believers. “This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?” they complain. They are referring to his teaching on the “bread” that he will give them. Once again, Jesus’ response introduces new teaching, teaching that can only raise more questions in their minds. He links “spirit” with “life”. Having used the term “flesh” of his body and of the life that he offers to those who eat of his flesh, he now introduces an element of doubt: flesh is now “useless”! We must be careful not to interpret this literally. It is typical of John to use the same word in a variety of ways. Here “flesh” is used negatively and metaphorically to refer to human weakness and sinfulness in contrast with “spirit” which evokes the creative spirit of God that moved over the waters at creation and the spirit of God that informed the word of the prophets.

The Johannine Jesus lays the ground for offering progressively deeper insights into his identity and destiny and into the meaning of a gospel way of life. The reference to his “ascending” recalls the earlier part of the gospel where he is presented as the pre-existent one, the one who comes from God and has already ascended to God (John 3:13). Once again, we are confronted with an ancient cosmology that places God in the heavens above. After his death, Jesus will tell Mary Magdalene that he has not yet ascended and instructs her to tell the disciples that he is ascending to God (20:17). It seems that John wants to keep emphasising the origins of Jesus as the eternal Word and the Wisdom of God.

There are many who refuse to grapple with the complexities and implications of his teaching and they turn away. Jesus asks his closest followers if they too will desert. Peter speaks for himself and his companions when he declares their undying allegiance: “To whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life.” Eternal life is the Johannine equivalent of the “kin-dom of God” or “of the heavens” of the other gospels. Most of us have wanted to abandon our commitment at some time or another. There are times when it seems to be all too hard. Peter’s declaration is a sobering one for us in times of doubt and an encouragement for those of us who seek to understand more deeply and to keep believing despite the challenges.

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