Meaning of John 6:39

This verse from John 6:39 articulates a core tenet of Jesus' mission and the Father's plan: the preservation and ultimate resurrection of those given to Him. It speaks to the divine assurance that no true follower will be lost. This promise is rooted in the sovereign will of God the Father, who entrusts individuals to the Son. Jesus' role is not merely to save them from sin but to ensure their eternal security, culminating in their resurrection on the final day. This assurance provides profound comfort and underscores the immutability of God's redemptive purpose.

Context and Background

John 6 unfolds in the aftermath of Jesus' miraculous feeding of the five thousand. The crowds, having been physically satisfied, are now seeking Jesus for more bread, desiring a continuation of the miraculous provision. Jesus, however, shifts the focus from physical sustenance to spiritual nourishment, speaking of Himself as the "bread of life" (John 6:35). This discourse leads to a division among His followers, with many finding His teachings too difficult and departing (John 6:66). It is within this context of both popular appeal and subsequent rejection that Jesus declares His unwavering commitment to those the Father has given Him. The disciples' wavering faith and the crowd's misunderstanding highlight the significance of Jesus' assurance of eternal security for the elect.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Election and Preservation: The phrase "all those he has given me" points to a divine selection or entrusting of individuals to Jesus by the Father. This is not a random selection but a purposeful act of God's will. The promise "I shall lose none" emphasizes the security and preservation of these chosen individuals within God's plan.
• The Father's Will: Jesus explicitly states that this preservation is "the will of him who sent me." This highlights the subservience of Jesus' actions to the Father's ultimate plan and desire. It underscores the divine origin and authority behind salvation.
• Resurrection at the Last Day: The ultimate guarantee of their preservation is their future resurrection. This points to the eschatological hope of believers, where their physical bodies will be redeemed and glorified, signifying the completion of God's salvific work.

Spiritual Significance and Application

For believers, this verse offers immense comfort and assurance. It means that their salvation is not dependent on their own fluctuating strength or perfect performance, but on the unfailing power and love of God. It encourages steadfast faith, knowing that even in moments of doubt or spiritual struggle, God's grip on them is secure. This truth can empower believers to face trials with confidence, understanding that their ultimate destiny is guaranteed. It also calls for a deeper appreciation of God's sovereignty and grace in choosing and keeping them.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

John 6:39 aligns with the overarching biblical narrative of God's redemptive plan, which began in Genesis with the promise of a Redeemer and culminates in the book of Revelation with the establishment of a new heaven and new earth. It echoes Old Testament promises of God's faithfulness to His covenant people and New Testament teachings on predestination and the eternal security of believers found in passages like Romans 8:28-30 and Ephesians 1:4-5. The concept of the Father giving individuals to the Son is also a recurring theme, underscoring the unity of the Godhead in the work of salvation.

Analogies

One analogy to understand "those he has given me" is that of a shepherd entrusting his flock to a trusted guardian. The shepherd (the Father) has faith in the guardian (Jesus) to protect and bring every sheep safely to the fold. Another analogy could be a king entrusting precious jewels to a loyal captain, with the absolute certainty that the captain will not allow a single jewel to be lost or damaged. The emphasis is on the security and infallibility of the one entrusted with the care of these precious individuals.

Relation to Other Verses

• John 10:28-29: "I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of my Father's hand." This passage directly parallels John 6:39, emphasizing both Jesus' and the Father's protective power over believers.
• Romans 8:38-39: "For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord." This Pauline declaration reinforces the idea of an unbreakable bond between God and His people, mirroring the assurance in John 6:39.
• Ephesians 1:4-5: "even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will." This passage speaks to the pre-temporal choice of believers, aligning with the concept of those "given" by the Father.