Meaning of John 6:37

This profound declaration by Jesus in John 6:37 encapsulates a cornerstone of His salvific mission and the nature of divine election. It asserts that the Father's sovereign choice and bestowal of individuals upon the Son are inseparable from their willing response to Him. This is not a passive process of predetermined individuals being compelled to come, but rather an active drawing by the Father that results in a genuine coming to Jesus, characterized by faith and acceptance. The reciprocal promise, "and whoever comes to me I will never drive away," underscores Jesus' unwavering commitment to all who seek Him, demonstrating the security and assurance of salvation for those who respond to His invitation.

Context and Background

John 6 is a pivotal chapter where Jesus addresses the crowds following His miraculous feeding of the five thousand. This event sparks a debate about spiritual nourishment versus physical sustenance, leading Jesus to declare Himself the "bread of life" (John 6:35). The subsequent discourse, including verse 37, delves into the divine initiative in salvation, the Father's role in drawing people to Jesus, and the assurance of eternal life for those who believe. The preceding verses (John 6:35-40) lay the groundwork for this statement, emphasizing that coming to Jesus is a result of the Father's work, and that Jesus will lose none of those given to Him.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Election and Human Response: The verse highlights the interplay between God's sovereign choice (the Father giving) and the human act of coming in faith. It suggests that those whom the Father chooses are enabled and drawn to respond to Jesus.
• The Father's Gift: The "all those the Father gives me" points to a predestined group, individuals chosen by the Father for salvation. This is not arbitrary but is rooted in the Father's love and purpose.
• Jesus' Assurance: The promise, "I will never drive away," is a powerful assurance of God's faithfulness and the security of salvation. No one who genuinely comes to Jesus in faith will be rejected.
• The Irresistible Grace (in a specific sense): While not meaning people are forced against their will, the Father's drawing is effective. It overcomes resistance and leads to a willing, faith-filled response.

Spiritual Significance and Application

For believers, John 6:37 offers immense comfort and assurance. It means that our salvation is not dependent on our own perfect performance or strength, but on the Father's initiative and Jesus' unfailing promise. It encourages perseverance in faith, knowing that our standing with God is secure because it is based on His eternal decree and Christ's perfect work. For those seeking salvation, it is an invitation to come to Jesus, with the guarantee that He will welcome them. It shifts the focus from self-reliance to dependence on God's grace.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This verse aligns with the broader biblical narrative of God's redemptive plan. It echoes Old Testament themes of God choosing a people for Himself (e.g., Deuteronomy 7:6-8) and New Testament emphasis on God's grace and the work of the Holy Spirit in drawing sinners to Christ (e.g., John 3:16, Romans 8:30, Ephesians 1:4-5). The concept of God's sovereignty in salvation is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, balanced by the consistent call to human responsibility and faith.

Analogies

1. The Shepherd and His Sheep: Jesus, the Good Shepherd, knows His sheep, and they hear His voice and follow Him (John 10:27). The Father gives the sheep to the Son, and the Son ensures none are lost.
2. The Magnet and Iron Filings: The Father draws individuals to Jesus like a powerful magnet draws iron filings. The filings don't resist the attraction; they are naturally drawn to it. Similarly, those given to Jesus are drawn by an irresistible, though not coercive, divine pull.
3. The Open Door: Jesus is the door (John 10:9). Those who come to Him find an open and welcoming entrance, never to be turned away.

Relation to Other Verses

• John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." This verse speaks of God's love and the condition of belief for eternal life, complementing John 6:37's emphasis on the Father giving and Jesus' assurance.
• Romans 8:30: "And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified." This Pauline passage outlines the golden chain of salvation, where predestination leads to calling, justification, and ultimately glorification, reinforcing the idea of God's sovereign plan in salvation, which John 6:37 is a part of.
• 1 John 2:19: "They went out from us, but they did not really belong to us. For if they had belonged to us, they would have remained with us; but their going showed that none of them belonged to us." This verse, when contrasted with John 6:37, highlights the security of true believers. Those who fall away demonstrate they were never truly among those the Father gave to Jesus.