John 6:37
Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
All that the Father giveth me - The neuter gender, παν, is probably used here for the masculine, πας. Shall come to me - All that are drawn by the Father, Joh 6:44, i.e. all those who are influenced by his Spirit, and yield to those influences: for as many as are Led (not driven or dragged) by the Spirit of God, they are the children of God, Rom 8:14. God sent his prophets to proclaim his salvation to this people; and he accompanied their preaching with the influence of his Spirit. Those who yielded were saved: those who did not yield to these drawings were lost. This Spirit still continued to work and to allure; but the people being uncircumcised both in heart and ears, they always resisted the Holy Ghost; as their fathers did, so did they; Act 7:51. And though Christ would have gathered them together, as a hen would her chickens under her wings, yet they would not. See the note on Mat 23:37. Those who come at the call of God, he is represented here as giving to Christ, because it is through his blood alone that they can be saved. God, by his Spirit, convinces of sin, righteousness, and judgment; those who acknowledge their iniquity, and their need of salvation, he gives to Christ, i.e. points out unto them the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. Our Lord may here also refer to the calling of the Gentiles; for these, according to the ancient promise, Psa 2:8, were given to Christ: and they, on the preaching of the Gospel, gladly came unto him. See ample proofs of this in the Acts of the Apostles. I will in no wise cast out - The words are exceedingly emphatical - ου μη εκβαλω εξω, I will by no means thrust out of doors; excellently rendered by Matthew of Erberg in his Italian Bible - Io non cacciaro fuori, I will not chase him out of the house. Our blessed Lord alludes to the case of a person in deep distress and poverty, who comes to a nobleman's house, in order to get relief: the person appears; and the owner, far from treating the poor man with asperity, welcomes, receives him kindly, and supplies his wants. So does Jesus. Newer did he reject the suit of a penitent, however grievous his crimes might have been. He is come to the house of mercy; he is lying at the threshold: the servants bid him come in - he obeys, and stands trembling, waiting for the appearing of the Master, doubtful whether he is to be received or rejected: the Master appears, and not only grants his suit, but receives him into the number of his family: he alleges his unfitness, his unworthiness, his guilt, his crimes, his ingratitude: no matter, all shall be blotted out through the blood of the Lamb, and he be put among the children, and on none of these accounts shall he be put out of the house. The Gentiles shall be as welcome as the Jews; and the invitation to them be as free, as full, and as hearty: they shall become his adopted children, and never be cast out, as the Jews have been. O thou God of love! how able and Willing art thou to save the vilest of the vile, who come unto thee! Thou art not the God of the Jews only, thou art also the God of the Gentiles. Rejoice, therefore, ye Gentiles, with his people.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
All that, &c.--This comprehensive and very grand passage is expressed with a peculiar artistic precision. The opening general statement (Joh 6:37) consists of two members: (1) "ALL THAT THE FATHER GIVETH ME SHALL COME TO ME"--that is, "Though ye, as I told you, have no faith in Me, My errand into the world shall in no wise be defeated; for all that the Father giveth Me shall infallibly come to Me." Observe, what is given Him by the Father is expressed in the singular number and neuter gender--literally, "everything"; while those who come to Him are put in the masculine gender and singular number--"every one." The whole mass, so to speak, is gifted by the Father to the Son as a unity, which the Son evolves, one by one, in the execution of His trust. So Joh 17:2, "that He should give eternal life to all that which Thou hast given Him" [BENGEL]. This "shall" expresses the glorious certainty of it, the Father being pledged to see to it that the gift be no empty mockery. (2) "AND HIM THAT COMETH TO MEI WILL IN NO WISE CAST OUT." As the former was the divine, this is just the human side of the same thing. True, the "coming" ones of the second clause are just the "given" ones of the first. But had our Lord merely said, "When those that have been given Me of My Father shall come to Me, I will receive them"--besides being very flat, the impression conveyed would have been quite different, sounding as if there were no other laws in operation, in the movement of sinners to Christ, but such as are wholly divine and inscrutable to us; whereas, though He does speak of it as a sublime certainty which men's refusals cannot frustrate, He speaks of that certainty as taking effect only by men's voluntary advances to Him and acceptance of Him--"Him that cometh to Me," "whosoever will," throwing the door wide open. Only it is not the simply willing, but the actually coming, whom He will not cast out; for the word here employed usually denotes arrival, as distinguished from the ordinary word, which rather expresses the act of coming (see Joh 8:42, Greek), [WEBSTER and WILKINSON]. "In no wise" is an emphatic negative, to meet the fears of the timid (as in Rev 21:27, to meet the presumption of the hardened). These, then, being the two members of the general opening statement, what follows is meant to take in both,
John Gill Bible Commentary
For I came down from heaven,.... by change of place, or local motion; for Christ is the immense, infinite, and omnipresent God, and cannot be said properly to move from place to place; for he fills all places, even heaven and earth, with his presence, and was in heaven as the Son of God, at the same time he was here on earth as the son of man: wherefore this must be understood in a manner becoming his proper deity, his divine sonship, and personality: this descent was by the assumption of the human nature into union with his divine person, which was an instance of amazing grace and condescension. The Jew (m) objects to this, and says, "if this respects the descent of the soul, the soul of every man descended from thence; but if it respects the body, the rest of the evangelists contradict his words, particularly Luke, when he says, Luk 2:7 that his mother brought him forth at Bethlehem.'' But this descent regards neither his soul nor body, but his divine person, which always was in heaven, and not any local descent of that; but, as before observed, an assumption of human nature, which he took of the virgin on earth; and so there is no contradiction between the evangelists; nor is descent from heaven unsuitable to Christ as a divine person, since it is ascribed to God, Gen 11:7; and if God may be said to go down from heaven by some display of his power, and intimation of his presence, Christ may be said to descend from heaven by that marvellous work of his, taking upon him our nature, and walking up and down on earth in the form of a servant; and which was done with this view, as he says, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me; that is, not to do his own will, as separate from his Father's, and much less as contrary to it; otherwise he did come to do his own will, which, as God, was the same with his Father's, he being one with him in nature, and so in power and will; and though his will, as man, was distinct from his Father's, yet not repugnant, but resigned unto it: and this will he came to do, was to preach the Gospel, fulfil the law, work miracles, and obtain the eternal redemption and salvation of his people. What the above Jewish writer (n) objects to this part of the text is of very little moment: whose words are; "moreover, what he says, "not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me", shows, that he that sent, is not one and the same with him that is sent, seeing the will of him that is sent, is not as the will of him that sends.'' It is readily granted that they are not one and the same person; they are two distinct persons, which sending, and being sent, do clearly show; but then they are one in nature, though distinct in person, and they agree in will and work. Christ came not to do any will of his own different from that of his Father's; nor do these words imply a difference of wills in them, much less a contrariety in them, but rather the sameness of them. (m) R. Isaac Chizzuk Emuna, par. 2. c. 44. p. 434. (n) R. Chizzuk Emmuna, par. 2. c. 44. p. 434.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:37-40 Jesus’ mission in the world is sure to succeed. God sent Jesus (6:38) and calls people to follow him (6:37, 44). Those who come to him are secure in Jesus’ promise that he will not reject them or lose them (6:39). 6:37 those the Father has given: God moves in people’s hearts, bringing them to Jesus.
John 6:37
Jesus the Bread of Life
36But as I stated, you have seen Me and still you do not believe.37Everyone the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will never drive away.38For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but to do the will of Him who sent Me.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Power of His Resurrection
By Major Ian Thomas8.6K42:35Resurrection1SA 16:1PSA 107:20LUK 1:30JHN 6:37EPH 2:8PHP 2:12In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of demonstrating the presence of God in every aspect of our lives. He uses the story of David and Goliath to illustrate the power of faith over physical weapons. The preacher highlights that God is not looking for worldly accomplishments or talents, but rather for individuals who have learned to live by the principle of faith. He also emphasizes the significance of God's word, particularly Jesus Christ, as the ultimate expression of God's message.
(John) 10 - the Light Refused
By Alan Redpath6.6K48:12JohnJHN 6:1JHN 6:37JHN 6:41In this sermon, the speaker discusses the content of chapter six of the Bible, focusing on the theme of Christ as the Bread of Life. The sermon covers the feeding of the five thousand as an illustration, followed by an interruption and its interpretation. The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding Jesus' teachings and warns against announcing knowledge while displaying ignorance. The sermon concludes with Jesus proclaiming again and highlighting the connection between our need and His supply.
Pardon for the Greatest Sinners
By Jonathan Edwards5.0K28:57Audio BooksPSA 25:11PRO 8:4MAT 9:13MRK 16:15JHN 6:37ROM 5:20COL 1:231TI 1:13In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that pardon and forgiveness are offered to all sinners, regardless of the magnitude of their sins, if they come to God seeking mercy. The invitations of the gospel are universal, calling out to all who thirst and labor. Jesus promises that anyone who comes to Him will not be cast out. The preacher highlights that the purpose of Christ's coming into the world was to remedy the sinfulness of humanity, and therefore, the more sinful a person is, the greater their need for Christ. The sermon emphasizes the glory of God's grace in the redemption of Christ, which is sufficient to pardon even the greatest sinners.
Faith to Fulfill All of God's Will
By Zac Poonen5.0K1:26:38Absolute SurrenderEXO 14:14MAT 11:28MRK 9:23JHN 6:371CO 10:261TI 6:61JN 5:3In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of doing more and giving more in order to have God's presence in our lives. He uses the example of Zacchaeus, who went above and beyond to make sure he didn't cheat anyone and experienced salvation as a result. The speaker also highlights the significance of keeping a good conscience and humbling oneself, as God gives grace only to the humble. He shares the story of a man who had been paralyzed for 38 years, trying unsuccessfully to be healed, until Jesus came and offered him healing without the need for any other person's assistance. The speaker concludes by urging listeners to surrender every aspect of their lives to God, as a demonstration of true faith and trust in Him.
(John - Part 28): The Basis of True Conversion
By A.W. Tozer4.8K52:23ExpositionalISA 54:13JER 31:34MAT 6:33JHN 6:37JHN 6:44ACT 9:1In this sermon, the preacher discusses the misconception that God is constantly watching for the devil's next move and trying to block him. He argues that this belief leads to a lack of fear and trembling before God and a low level of Christianity. The preacher emphasizes that before God brings a person to Jesus, He tests them and teaches them. He references the Bible verse that says "they shall all be taught of God" and highlights the importance of God's guidance in drawing people to Jesus.
Marks of the Elect
By A.W. Tozer4.2K39:16Elect Of GodMAT 3:11MAT 6:33MAT 16:17JHN 6:37JHN 10:26JHN 14:62CO 7:10In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of moral sensitivity and how it relates to the reception of the gospel. He emphasizes that not everyone is receptive to the message of God, and that there are many who do not respond to it morally. The preacher uses the analogy of rain falling on a fruitful field to illustrate how the gospel can either make a person fruitful or have no effect at all. He then goes on to explain that those who are morally sensitive and responsive to the voice of God are considered blessed, as they have a deeper understanding of the Father and the Son. The preacher concludes by stating that there are five marks that identify those who are receptive to God, and encourages the audience to reflect on these marks to see if they apply to them.
Christ the Center
By David Platt3.3K43:34MAT 16:18MAT 16:24JHN 3:30JHN 6:37JHN 12:32ACT 2:36ACT 11:24ACT 13:48ACT 18:9HEB 13:13This sermon emphasizes the importance of knowing Christ intimately, trusting Him completely, proclaiming Him boldly, and obeying Him sacrificially. It highlights that the church is built on the foundation of Christ and the proclamation of His glory. The call is to lay down our lives for His mission, leading to ultimate satisfaction and fulfillment in Him.
His Name -- the Counsellor
By C.H. Spurgeon3.2K48:48GEN 10:32PSA 55:22JER 45:5JHN 6:37ROM 8:28EPH 1:41TI 1:15In this sermon, the preacher discusses the title given to Christ as a counselor. He explains that Christ is a counselor in three ways: as God's counselor, as our counselor in times of trouble, and as a counselor for those seeking worldly greatness. The preacher emphasizes that God's ways may seem roundabout to us, but He always goes straight to His purpose. He encourages listeners to cast their burdens upon the Lord and seek greatness in Christ rather than worldly pursuits. The preacher also highlights the significance of Christ's birth and how it relates to the past and future of the world.
How to Be Cleansed & Filled With the Spirit
By Gerhard Du Toit3.1K1:27:07Filled With The SpiritLUK 11:13JHN 6:37ROM 6:1HEB 9:14In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God. He shares a story about a drummer who fell off a cliff during a march and was left behind by Napoleon's army. The drummer, realizing he would not be rescued, played his own death march. The speaker then discusses the significance of personal accountability and the need for men to meet with others to discuss their relationship with God. He highlights the importance of experiencing God's peace and rest, referencing passages from the book of Hebrews and Romans. The sermon concludes with the speaker encouraging the audience to seek the freedom and light that comes from God's word.
Easter Morning
By Carter Conlon3.1K31:25EasterMAT 7:24JHN 6:37ROM 3:23ROM 6:23REV 20:11In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that everything we long for in life, such as purpose, direction, and stability, can be found in Jesus. He quotes Jesus' words about building our lives on a foundation that cannot be shaken. The speaker also discusses the challenges and uncertainties of life, including sudden changes and the impending final shaking of the world. He highlights the love and grace of Jesus, who took upon himself the punishment for our sins and offers forgiveness and a new life. The speaker passionately urges the audience to taste and see that God is good and to embrace the new life of forgiveness that Jesus offers.
(Basics) 66. Don't Believe Satan's Lies
By Zac Poonen3.0K13:15MAT 3:17JHN 6:37HEB 8:12In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of identifying Satan's deception in order to avoid problems in our lives. The sermon is based on 2nd Thessalonians chapter 2, which talks about a world ruler who will be an instrument in Satan's hands and deceive many people. The preacher emphasizes the need for believers to speak the truth and not tell lies for personal gain. The sermon also addresses the lies that Satan tells, such as making believers feel condemned and accepted by God based on their works rather than repentance and faith in Christ.
Prophecy - Part 1
By John Walvoord2.8K50:21MAT 6:33JHN 3:3JHN 6:37REV 19:11In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that trouble and tribulation are a part of life, but the three and a half year period of the Second Coming of Christ will be a time of unparalleled trouble. The preacher urges the audience to reflect on their salvation, their service to the Lord, and their love for Him. The sermon also highlights the dramatic description of Christ's Second Coming as described in Matthew 24, emphasizing the power and authority of Jesus. The preacher concludes by emphasizing the importance of accepting the free gift of salvation through faith in Christ.
Power Over All the Power of the Enemy
By Leonard Ravenhill2.7K1:10:51EnemyJDG 6:34MAT 6:33MAT 16:19MAT 17:21JHN 6:37ACT 2:17EPH 6:11In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the joy and humor of a lovely little girl and the realization of his own aging as a grandparent. He reminisces about his own childhood and the stories his grandparents told him about their experiences in Egypt. The speaker then discusses the temptation of worldly pleasures and the ease of making vows that are difficult to keep. He emphasizes the need for true repentance and surrender to God's grace, highlighting the limitations of human efforts. The sermon concludes with a reference to the story of Rip Van Winkle and the importance of engaging in meaningful discussions and arguments.
Balance Arminianism Calvanism?
By Colin Anderson2.7K43:21CalvinismJHN 6:37ROM 9:22In this sermon, the speaker begins by using a metaphor of a mountain range to illustrate the journey of life and the challenges we face in understanding divine election and predestination. He acknowledges that there are aspects of these concepts that may be beyond our intellectual grasp, but emphasizes the importance of seeking and understanding what the Word of God teaches on the subject. The speaker then shares a personal anecdote about running with his son and feeling a sense of urgency to convey a message, similar to his urgency in discussing the biblical balance between minimalism and maximalism. He concludes by urging the audience to turn to the Word of God and reads a portion from Psalm 139 as a theme for the sermon.
Helps in Soul-Winning
By Gerhard Du Toit2.6K1:04:21Soul WinningMIC 7:18MAT 11:28LUK 15:7JHN 1:9JHN 6:37ACT 3:19ROM 3:23In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the condition of man as lost in order to effectively share the gospel. He mentions conducting seminars on soul-winning and counseling pastors for salvation. The speaker highlights the power of the Word of God in convicting individuals of sin and shares a personal experience with the president of South Africa who was saved. He also provides practical advice for soul-winners, emphasizing the need for reliance on God and addressing difficulties that may arise during counseling. The sermon references the Bible verse Hebrews 4:12 to emphasize the power of the Word of God.
Free Will -- a Slave
By C.H. Spurgeon2.6K48:53MAT 11:28LUK 13:34JHN 5:40JHN 6:37ACT 17:30ROM 3:23ROM 10:13In this sermon by H. Spurgeon, titled "Free Will a Slave," the preacher focuses on the concept of free will and its relation to salvation. He begins by telling a parable about a man who sends servants to collect rent from his vineyard, but they are mistreated and killed. Finally, the man sends his son, hoping for reverence, but he is also rejected. Spurgeon argues that this parable supports the idea that man does not have free will to turn to God, but rather it is God who gives the will and power for salvation. He emphasizes that every man is spiritually dead and in need of Jesus Christ for life.
Faith Victorious
By C.H. Spurgeon2.0K44:50MAT 6:33MAT 15:1MAT 15:21MRK 7:1JHN 6:37In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of external rituals and ceremonial practices in worship. He emphasizes that true defilement before God is not a matter of externals, but rather concerns the condition of the heart. The preacher encourages believers to focus on the gospel and the invitation of Jesus to come to him, rather than getting caught up in debates about election or specific ways of worship. He uses the example of a woman who, despite being far from God and influenced by the devil, became a great believer by humbly accepting her status as a "dog" and seeking the crumbs from the master's table.
The Guaranteed Harvest
By Paul Washer1.9K1:17:26EvangelismPSA 2:6MAT 6:33JHN 6:37ACT 1:8EPH 1:4REV 5:1REV 7:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not wasting one's life and giving more to the cause of Christ. He urges the audience to prioritize the Great Commission and the gospel over worldly pursuits. The preacher warns the young people in the congregation that they will be held accountable for their privilege of hearing the Bible taught. He also highlights the need for believers to have a deep knowledge of God and a vision of Christ. The sermon concludes with the introduction of a strong angel proclaiming a message that is meant for the entire universe.
Does This Offend You?
By Rolfe Barnard1.8K21:10MAT 6:33JHN 6:26JHN 6:37JHN 6:44JHN 6:53JHN 6:59JHN 6:66In this sermon, the preacher discusses how the preaching of the word of God can have different effects on people. It can either draw them closer to God or push them away. The preacher emphasizes that the preaching of God's sovereign grace will always accomplish its purpose. The sermon focuses on three foundational truths preached by Jesus in John chapter 6, which caused many people to be offended and walk away. The preacher warns against being offended by the Gospel and urges listeners not to ignore the truth of their lostness and the need for salvation through Jesus Christ.
K-530 Jacob Wrestling
By Art Katz1.6K40:43JacobGEN 28:13GEN 32:28MAT 6:33JHN 6:37JHN 10:27ACT 2:21ROM 10:12In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the demanding nature of worshiping God. He criticizes the indifference and casualness with which people treat God, while they invest time and energy in other pursuits. The speaker shares his personal journey of seeking philosophical answers to his life predicament, realizing that he needed transformation that could not be achieved through words alone. He recommends reading a journal he kept during a 14-month trip, which deeply impacted his heart. The sermon also references the encounters Jacob had with God in the Bible, highlighting the importance of knowing and worshiping the God of Abraham and Isaac.
The Fight (Reading)
By J.C. Ryle1.5K45:50ECC 12:6ISA 63:2JHN 6:37JHN 10:28ROM 6:14ROM 8:38ROM 16:20PHP 1:6HEB 13:5REV 21:7In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the concept of spiritual warfare and the struggle that Christians face in their journey towards eternal rewards. He emphasizes that true Christianity is not a passive endeavor, but rather a fight and a warfare. The preacher highlights the importance of relying on God's promises and the assurance that He will fulfill them. He encourages believers to trust in God's provision, strength, and faithfulness, reminding them that sin will not have dominion over them and that God will ultimately bring victory over Satan.
One of the Master's Choice Sayings
By C.H. Spurgeon1.4K39:28PSA 73:26MAT 6:33MAT 11:28MAT 14:16JHN 6:37ROM 8:35REV 3:4In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that as believers, we should not be burdened by excessive serving or suffering. Our surroundings should not have control over us, but rather, we should have control over them. Through Christ's love, we are called to be more than conquerors in all things. The preacher encourages the audience not to depart from Christ because of any circumstances or challenges they may face. He reminds them that many others have faced difficult circumstances and yet remained steadfast in their faith. The strength that was given to those who came before us is also available to us. The preacher addresses the concerns of the audience, assuring them that no matter where they live or what they endure, they can still remain close to Christ. He emphasizes that being busy and engaged in work is not a disadvantage, as Satan is often far from those who are occupied. Even in the most arduous of tasks, we can find rest and strength in drawing near to the Lord. The preacher also addresses the issue of wealth, acknowledging that it can often lead people away from Christ. However, he reminds the few wealthy saints that they too can remain close to Christ and that riches do not have to hinder their relationship with Him. He encourages them to not let the responsibilities and burdens of wealth distract them from their fellowship with the Lord. Overall, the sermon emphasizes the importance of remaining steadfast in our faith regardless of our circumstances, and the availability of God's strength and grace to help us overcome any challenges we may face.
Joshua Miktarian Funeral - Part 4
By Jason Robinson1.4K04:55JHN 6:37This sermon emphasizes the importance of depending solely on Jesus for salvation and turning away from sin. It highlights the spiritual poverty in the nation and the need for Jesus to fill the emptiness in our hearts, not money, sex, or worldly pursuits. The message calls for a personal relationship with Jesus, citing His promise of rest and acceptance for those who come to Him.
(John) the Lord's Prayer for His Followers at That Time
By Willie Mullan1.4K1:07:58The Lord's PrayerMAT 6:33JHN 6:37JHN 17:6ROM 8:30EPH 1:42TH 2:131PE 1:2In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of receiving and embracing the message of the Lord. He mentions his responsibility to bring the message to the congregation in two meetings on the Lord's day morning. The speaker also discusses the concept of being lost again and warns against doubting the trustworthiness of Jesus. He then focuses on John chapter six, specifically verse 37, where Jesus states that all those given to him by the Father will come to him. The speaker highlights the simplicity of this statement, emphasizing that while election and predestination exist, individuals still have the responsibility to come to Christ for salvation.
(Pdf Book) How I Got Joy Unspeakable and Full and Glory
By Bakht Singh1.3K00:00EbooksJoy in ChristTransformationPSA 139:23JER 29:13MAT 28:18JHN 6:37JHN 15:16EPH 2:8REV 3:20Bakht Singh shares his transformative journey from bitterness and atheism to experiencing unspeakable joy through Jesus Christ. Initially resistant to Christianity, he recounts how his life changed dramatically after he accepted Christ, leading to a profound sense of peace and purpose. Singh emphasizes that true joy comes from a personal relationship with Jesus, which surpasses worldly ambitions and material satisfaction. He encourages others to seek this joy and to trust in God's power to transform their lives. His testimony serves as a powerful reminder of God's grace and the importance of surrendering to Him.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
All that the Father giveth me - The neuter gender, παν, is probably used here for the masculine, πας. Shall come to me - All that are drawn by the Father, Joh 6:44, i.e. all those who are influenced by his Spirit, and yield to those influences: for as many as are Led (not driven or dragged) by the Spirit of God, they are the children of God, Rom 8:14. God sent his prophets to proclaim his salvation to this people; and he accompanied their preaching with the influence of his Spirit. Those who yielded were saved: those who did not yield to these drawings were lost. This Spirit still continued to work and to allure; but the people being uncircumcised both in heart and ears, they always resisted the Holy Ghost; as their fathers did, so did they; Act 7:51. And though Christ would have gathered them together, as a hen would her chickens under her wings, yet they would not. See the note on Mat 23:37. Those who come at the call of God, he is represented here as giving to Christ, because it is through his blood alone that they can be saved. God, by his Spirit, convinces of sin, righteousness, and judgment; those who acknowledge their iniquity, and their need of salvation, he gives to Christ, i.e. points out unto them the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world. Our Lord may here also refer to the calling of the Gentiles; for these, according to the ancient promise, Psa 2:8, were given to Christ: and they, on the preaching of the Gospel, gladly came unto him. See ample proofs of this in the Acts of the Apostles. I will in no wise cast out - The words are exceedingly emphatical - ου μη εκβαλω εξω, I will by no means thrust out of doors; excellently rendered by Matthew of Erberg in his Italian Bible - Io non cacciaro fuori, I will not chase him out of the house. Our blessed Lord alludes to the case of a person in deep distress and poverty, who comes to a nobleman's house, in order to get relief: the person appears; and the owner, far from treating the poor man with asperity, welcomes, receives him kindly, and supplies his wants. So does Jesus. Newer did he reject the suit of a penitent, however grievous his crimes might have been. He is come to the house of mercy; he is lying at the threshold: the servants bid him come in - he obeys, and stands trembling, waiting for the appearing of the Master, doubtful whether he is to be received or rejected: the Master appears, and not only grants his suit, but receives him into the number of his family: he alleges his unfitness, his unworthiness, his guilt, his crimes, his ingratitude: no matter, all shall be blotted out through the blood of the Lamb, and he be put among the children, and on none of these accounts shall he be put out of the house. The Gentiles shall be as welcome as the Jews; and the invitation to them be as free, as full, and as hearty: they shall become his adopted children, and never be cast out, as the Jews have been. O thou God of love! how able and Willing art thou to save the vilest of the vile, who come unto thee! Thou art not the God of the Jews only, thou art also the God of the Gentiles. Rejoice, therefore, ye Gentiles, with his people.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
All that, &c.--This comprehensive and very grand passage is expressed with a peculiar artistic precision. The opening general statement (Joh 6:37) consists of two members: (1) "ALL THAT THE FATHER GIVETH ME SHALL COME TO ME"--that is, "Though ye, as I told you, have no faith in Me, My errand into the world shall in no wise be defeated; for all that the Father giveth Me shall infallibly come to Me." Observe, what is given Him by the Father is expressed in the singular number and neuter gender--literally, "everything"; while those who come to Him are put in the masculine gender and singular number--"every one." The whole mass, so to speak, is gifted by the Father to the Son as a unity, which the Son evolves, one by one, in the execution of His trust. So Joh 17:2, "that He should give eternal life to all that which Thou hast given Him" [BENGEL]. This "shall" expresses the glorious certainty of it, the Father being pledged to see to it that the gift be no empty mockery. (2) "AND HIM THAT COMETH TO MEI WILL IN NO WISE CAST OUT." As the former was the divine, this is just the human side of the same thing. True, the "coming" ones of the second clause are just the "given" ones of the first. But had our Lord merely said, "When those that have been given Me of My Father shall come to Me, I will receive them"--besides being very flat, the impression conveyed would have been quite different, sounding as if there were no other laws in operation, in the movement of sinners to Christ, but such as are wholly divine and inscrutable to us; whereas, though He does speak of it as a sublime certainty which men's refusals cannot frustrate, He speaks of that certainty as taking effect only by men's voluntary advances to Him and acceptance of Him--"Him that cometh to Me," "whosoever will," throwing the door wide open. Only it is not the simply willing, but the actually coming, whom He will not cast out; for the word here employed usually denotes arrival, as distinguished from the ordinary word, which rather expresses the act of coming (see Joh 8:42, Greek), [WEBSTER and WILKINSON]. "In no wise" is an emphatic negative, to meet the fears of the timid (as in Rev 21:27, to meet the presumption of the hardened). These, then, being the two members of the general opening statement, what follows is meant to take in both,
John Gill Bible Commentary
For I came down from heaven,.... by change of place, or local motion; for Christ is the immense, infinite, and omnipresent God, and cannot be said properly to move from place to place; for he fills all places, even heaven and earth, with his presence, and was in heaven as the Son of God, at the same time he was here on earth as the son of man: wherefore this must be understood in a manner becoming his proper deity, his divine sonship, and personality: this descent was by the assumption of the human nature into union with his divine person, which was an instance of amazing grace and condescension. The Jew (m) objects to this, and says, "if this respects the descent of the soul, the soul of every man descended from thence; but if it respects the body, the rest of the evangelists contradict his words, particularly Luke, when he says, Luk 2:7 that his mother brought him forth at Bethlehem.'' But this descent regards neither his soul nor body, but his divine person, which always was in heaven, and not any local descent of that; but, as before observed, an assumption of human nature, which he took of the virgin on earth; and so there is no contradiction between the evangelists; nor is descent from heaven unsuitable to Christ as a divine person, since it is ascribed to God, Gen 11:7; and if God may be said to go down from heaven by some display of his power, and intimation of his presence, Christ may be said to descend from heaven by that marvellous work of his, taking upon him our nature, and walking up and down on earth in the form of a servant; and which was done with this view, as he says, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me; that is, not to do his own will, as separate from his Father's, and much less as contrary to it; otherwise he did come to do his own will, which, as God, was the same with his Father's, he being one with him in nature, and so in power and will; and though his will, as man, was distinct from his Father's, yet not repugnant, but resigned unto it: and this will he came to do, was to preach the Gospel, fulfil the law, work miracles, and obtain the eternal redemption and salvation of his people. What the above Jewish writer (n) objects to this part of the text is of very little moment: whose words are; "moreover, what he says, "not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me", shows, that he that sent, is not one and the same with him that is sent, seeing the will of him that is sent, is not as the will of him that sends.'' It is readily granted that they are not one and the same person; they are two distinct persons, which sending, and being sent, do clearly show; but then they are one in nature, though distinct in person, and they agree in will and work. Christ came not to do any will of his own different from that of his Father's; nor do these words imply a difference of wills in them, much less a contrariety in them, but rather the sameness of them. (m) R. Isaac Chizzuk Emuna, par. 2. c. 44. p. 434. (n) R. Chizzuk Emmuna, par. 2. c. 44. p. 434.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:37-40 Jesus’ mission in the world is sure to succeed. God sent Jesus (6:38) and calls people to follow him (6:37, 44). Those who come to him are secure in Jesus’ promise that he will not reject them or lose them (6:39). 6:37 those the Father has given: God moves in people’s hearts, bringing them to Jesus.