Why Jesus’ Words Go Deeper Than Physical Needs
What Makes John 6:63 So Important?
In John 6:63, Jesus says, “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.” This verse comes right after Jesus talks about being the “Bread of Life.” It’s a powerful way of saying that He alone can truly satisfy our deepest needs. This satisfaction goes beyond just our hunger for food to our hunger for real, lasting meaning.
Spirit vs. Flesh: Two Ways to Live
Jesus is drawing a clear line between two approaches to life. “The flesh” means our human, physical side—everything we try to do by our own effort, strength, or understanding. This includes chasing after material things or thinking that rituals and rules alone can give us a relationship with God. Jesus says this way doesn’t get us what we truly need—it “profits nothing.” In other words, just relying on ourselves cannot give us eternal life. Focusing on earthly things doesn’t fulfill our souls.
Instead, it’s the Spirit—God’s Holy Spirit—who brings real life. The Spirit connects us to God, fills us with hope, and makes us truly alive inside. This is a life that lasts forever, not just for a moment.
Words of Life: More Than Just Ideas
When Jesus says, “The words I speak to you are spirit and they are life,” He means His teachings go beyond mere good advice. They are more than interesting theories. They’re full of God’s power. When we listen and believe, these words can actually change us from the inside out. They help us see things differently. They give us spiritual understanding. They fill us with real life—the kind that never runs out.
Spiritual Transformation: How We Change
This change happens when we accept Jesus’ words and let the Spirit guide us. It’s not about working harder or being perfect on our own. Trust in what Jesus says. Let go of chasing after only worldly things. Invite God to work in our hearts. When we do this, we become God’s children—people with a new purpose, hope, and future.
In the Bigger Story: Bread of Life and Beyond
John 6:63 comes after a big moment. Jesus had fed thousands with just a few loaves of bread. Then, He explained that He Himself is the “Bread of Life” (John 6:35). Many people struggled to understand this teaching, thinking only about physical bread. Jesus used this verse to show everyone that He wasn’t talking about eating bread in a literal way. He also wasn’t referring to His physical body literally. He was talking about something much deeper—the spiritual nourishment that only He can give.
Some followers found these teachings hard to accept and walked away. But Simon Peter, one of Jesus’ closest friends, responded, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68). Peter realized that what Jesus offered was much more valuable than anything in the world.
Why Does This Matter Today?
John 6:63 reminds us that real, lasting life can’t be found just in what we do. It’s not found in what we have or what we achieve. True life comes from God’s Spirit and believing in Jesus’ words. When we open our hearts to Him, we find meaning, direction, and hope that nothing else can give.
So, whenever you feel empty or wonder what life is really all about, remember this: it’s the Spirit who gives life. Jesus’ words are the key to being truly alive.
Minister A Francine Green
December 2025
afrancinegreen.com 