What Jesus Did! 'New Life from the Spirit' — John 6:63-66

Saturday, May 16, 2026

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[Jesus said,] "The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life. But some of you do not believe me." (For Jesus knew from the beginning which ones didn't believe, and he knew who would betray him.) Then he said, "That is why I said that people can't come to me unless the Father gives them to me."

At this point many of his disciples turned away and deserted him.

— John 6:63-66 NLT

Key Thought

The Bible opens with the creative and life-giving power of God's word revealed: He speaks, and order is formed out of chaos and life out of inanimate dust. His Spirit hovers, and God fills his precious human creations with the breath of life! Jesus claims to have this same creative and life-giving power in his words. His words bring life. His words set loose the holy wind of heaven, and the Spirit brings life to those who are spiritually dead. The people of Jesus' day couldn't handle such powerful claims, especially on the heels of such demanding and hard teaching. The story begins with them wanting to make Jesus king, but he will not be king on their terms. He calls them to follow him as heaven's King, but most cannot accept that kind of king and turn away. Will you? Is Jesus the King of your life or do you want him to be just another religious "king" you can control on your own terms?

Today's Prayer

Father, I confess that I sometimes try to make Jesus into the kind of messiah, the kind of king, that I want him to be. Please forgive me! I want to honor him as you want him honored. I want to hear his words and be changed. I want to receive the Spirit he has promised and be transformed. I really do want Jesus to be my King. I confess this, and ask for your power and grace, in the name of Jesus, my Lord and King. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

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John 6:66
Devo: Today's Verse
"From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him."
Life-making
Devo: God's Holy Fire
"[Jesus said,] "The Spirit can make life. Sheer muscle and willpower don't make anything happen. Every word I've spoken to you is a Spirit-word, and so it is..."
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"[Jesus said,] "The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you — they are full of the Spirit and life.""
See All 11 Related Resources about John 6:63-66

Illustration

Illustration of John 6:63-66 NLT — "The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life. But some of you do not believe me."

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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