We Are Taught by God

Lesson #111

In the last six lessons we have considered the statement made by Jesus in John 6:44: “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him” (ESV). The position that was taken in those lessons was that the drawing does not include everyone, but only those who actually come to Jesus. There are verses that many present that they claim indicates that all are drawn and then we decide if we want to actually come. We will come to those verses later in our study of John and will leave our discussion of them until we encounter those verses. It is important that we get back to our verse by verse study and pick up where we left off.

After saying “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him,” Jesus continues by saying, “It is written in the Prophets, ‘And they will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me— not that anyone has seen the Father except he who is from God; he has seen the Father. Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life” (John 6:45 – 47 ESV). This statement will help us understand how the Father draws us.

Those who the Father draws in verse 44, Jesus says, “will all be taught by God.” Each one who is drawn will receive spiritual instruction that will prepare him for spiritual birth. Jesus then says, “Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me.” These who are drawn are given the ability to hear and learn from God. This understanding continues as the Father brings them to Jesus. Every single one who is drawn and receives this teaching comes to Jesus. No one is lost along the way; they all come and experience the new birth. God’s teaching is so effective that all come into a saving relationship with Jesus.

There is a new covenant that God spoken of by Jeremiah (Jeremiah 31:33 – 34), which will include all believers. Under this covenant God will place his law within our hearts through his teaching. It is this teaching that takes place in those being drawn. Since all that are being taught come to Jesus one must conclude that not everyone is not drawn and taught by God. It is this teaching that overcomes our rebellion, opens our understanding to the truth and gives us the ability to believe. Without God working in our heart we are unable to come to Jesus and each heart that God works in will come without exception. Take some time and recall the background that led to your salvation.

Prayer

Father, during my time in China I saw the damage done by western Christians who came with intentions of making converts with convincing arguments. One of my seeking students was hurt so badly by this approach that it took years before she was willing to listen again. Several other of my students told me they prayed the requested prayer just to stop the pressure of the conversation. Father, it became so clear to me that we don’t convince anyone to become a believer. It is not by our schedule but yours. Father, forgive us for our arrogance in our method of advancing the gospel.