The Profound meaning of John 6:63 (It is the SPIRIT who gives life; the flesh profits nothing)

 

John 6:63 is a verse from the Bible that holds profound significance and can have a transformative impact on how we live our lives. 

Context 

This verse is part of a discourse between Jesus and his disciples after significant events—the feeding of the 5,000, and walking on water. In this chapter, Jesus performs the miracle of multiplying loaves of bread and fish to feed a multitude. In the same chapter, he walked on water. Following these miraculous events, many people started following Jesus, captivated by His miraculous power and teachings.
During this discourse, Jesus speaks about Himself being the bread of life (verses 26-36), emphasizing the importance of believing in Him for eternal life. He talks about the necessity of consuming His flesh and blood symbolically, which perplexes and troubles some of His followers.

Understanding John 6:63

 

The verse reads:

 

"It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life."

In this verse, Jesus contrasts the flesh and the Spirit, highlighting the primacy and vitality of the spirit over the flesh (physical matters). He stresses that the words He speaks are Spirit and Life-giving. In essence, Jesus is pointing out that the life He offers isn’t merely physical or worldly but spiritual and eternal. Jesus is pointing out that His words carry spiritual truth and life.

Again, He emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit in bringing understanding, conviction, and transformation to individuals.

 

What John 6:63 Teaches Us

1. Focus on Spiritual Growth

 

This verse teaches us to place value on or focus on spiritual growth and nourishment. Just as physical nourishment sustains our bodies, spiritual food sustains our souls. Investing time in prayer, meditation, and studying the word of God can feed our inner selves and provide strength during challenging times.

2. Prioritizing the Eternal

 

This verse reminds us to prioritize eternal values over temporary worldly things. While material possessions and achievements are important, nurturing our spiritual growth and building meaningful connections hold eternal significance. Knowing that "the flesh profits nothing" doesn’t mean disregarding physical needs but recognizing that material possessions, status, or wealth are not the ultimate sources of fulfillment. It encourages us not to put our hope on the transient but to focus on the eternal. This verse helps us to evaluate the significance of worldly matters versus spiritual truths.

 

3. Words are Powerful

 

In this verse, Jesus emphasizes the potency of His words. His words are not just mere physical words, but they are Spirit and Life-given. Matthew 4:4 highlights that Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. 

Our words also hold power. Speaking positively, offering encouragement, and expressing kindness can uplift others and bring life to situations. 

 

 

4. Seeking Guidance from the Spirit

 

When we acknowledge that the Spirit plays a significant role in giving life and not the physical alone, it will help us to seek guidance, wisdom, and direction from Him. Developing a relationship with the Holy Spirit can bring clarity and peace in decision-making.

 

5. Living in Alignment with Spiritual Truths

 

The word of God is truth and has spiritual eternal value. Psalm 119:160 says, "The entirety of Your word is truth, And every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever." 

Jesus’ words are full of the Spirit and life. His words are true because He is the truth Himself. (John 14:6)

Applying His teachings of love, compassion, forgiveness, faith in our daily interactions can transform our lives and the lives of those around us.

 

Conclusion

 

John 6:63 encapsulates a powerful message about the supremacy of the spiritual over the physical and the life-giving nature of Jesus’ words or teachings. It challenges us to consider where we invest our energies and what we prioritize in our lives.

In a world often consumed by material pursuits, this verse reminds us of the enduring significance of the spiritual realm and guides us toward a more meaningful life.