John 6:37 – “All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.”
Extended Explanation
This verse is one of the most comforting promises in the Bible. Jesus assures us that everyone whom the Father gives to Him will come to Him, and He will never turn them away.
There are two powerful truths in this verse:
- God is the one who draws people to Jesus.
- Jesus says that all whom the Father gives Him will come to Him. This means that salvation is not just about human effort; God is at work in people’s hearts, drawing them to Jesus.
- Jesus will never reject those who come to Him.
- The second half of the verse is an amazing promise: Whoever comes to Jesus, He will never turn them away.
- No matter what someone has done, how broken they feel, or how unworthy they think they are—Jesus welcomes them completely.
This verse shows that salvation is secure in Jesus. Those who truly come to Him will never be rejected.
Historical Context
Jesus spoke these words to a crowd that had followed Him after the miracle of feeding the five thousand. They were focused on physical bread, but Jesus was trying to point them to something greater—eternal life through faith in Him.
However, many in the crowd did not believe (John 6:36). They had seen Jesus’ miracles, but they still refused to fully trust in Him. This verse is Jesus’ response to their unbelief. He is saying:
- Those who truly belong to God will come to Jesus.
- And those who come to Him will never be rejected.
This was an important message, especially for Jewish listeners who believed that their status as God’s chosen people was based on their ancestry and works. Jesus was making it clear that salvation is not about heritage or effort—it’s about being drawn by God and coming to Jesus in faith.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches several key truths about salvation:
- God is sovereign in salvation.
- Jesus says, “All those the Father gives me will come to me.” This means that God is the one who initiates salvation.
- People don’t come to Jesus on their own—God draws them to Him (John 6:44).
- True believers will come to Jesus.
- Jesus doesn’t say some will come—He says all the Father gives Him will come.
- This shows that when God calls a person to faith, they will respond.
- Jesus will never reject those who come to Him.
- No matter how sinful, broken, or lost a person is—Jesus welcomes them.
- This verse is a guarantee that once a person truly comes to Christ, they will never be cast out.
This verse destroys the fear that someone could be too sinful for Jesus to accept. No one who sincerely comes to Him will ever be turned away.
Literary Analysis
This verse has two key statements:
- “All those the Father gives me will come to me.”
- This is a statement of certainty—if the Father gives someone to Jesus, they will come.
- The verb “will” shows certainty, not possibility.
- “Whoever comes to me I will never drive away.”
- This is a statement of assurance—Jesus will never reject those who come to Him.
- The phrase “never drive away” (or “never cast out” in other translations) means absolute security in Christ.
This verse is part of Jesus’ longer conversation about being the Bread of Life. It connects with John 6:35, where Jesus said that those who come to Him will never hunger or thirst.
Biblical Cross-References
- John 6:44 – “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them.” Salvation begins with God’s call.
- John 10:28-29 – “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.” Jesus promises eternal security for those who belong to Him.
- Matthew 11:28 – “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Jesus invites everyone to come to Him.
- Romans 8:38-39 – “Nothing can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Jesus will never reject those who trust in Him.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse is a source of great comfort for believers:
- If you have come to Jesus in faith, you belong to Him forever.
- You do not have to fear being rejected or abandoned.
- If you truly believe in Jesus, you are secure in Him.
- No one is beyond God’s grace.
- Some people think they have sinned too much for Jesus to accept them.
- But Jesus says He will never turn away anyone who comes to Him.
- Salvation is a work of God.
- This verse reminds us that God is the one who draws people to Christ.
- We should pray for people to be drawn by God and trust Him to work in their hearts.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse is a beautiful picture of God’s love:
- God is the one who seeks and saves the lost.
- He draws people to Jesus, offering them eternal life.
- Jesus promises to never reject or abandon those who come to Him.
God’s love is not conditional—it is secure and unshakable. Once you are in His hands, nothing can separate you from Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
- Jesus is the Savior who welcomes all who come to Him.
- No matter a person’s past, Jesus is always ready to receive them.
- Jesus has complete authority over salvation.
- The Father gives people to Jesus, and Jesus secures them forever.
- Jesus’ promise is eternal.
- This verse is part of His greater mission—to save those who trust in Him and never let them go.
Jesus is not just a teacher or miracle worker—He is the source of eternal life.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does this verse give you assurance about your salvation?
- Why is it important to remember that God is the one who draws people to Jesus?
- What does it mean for your faith that Jesus will never reject those who come to Him?
- How does this verse encourage you to pray for those who don’t yet believe in Jesus?
- What would you say to someone who thinks they are too sinful for Jesus to accept?