What Does It Mean when Jesus say No one come to me unless the father enables them in (john 6:65)
In biblical terms, being “granted” or “enabled“ refers to receiving divine empowerment to do something that a person cannot accomplish through natural effort or intellect. The Greek word used in John 6:65 for “enabled” is “δίδωμι” (didōmi) which means “to give, grant, bestow.” It implies that spiritual capacity is a gift, not a human achievement.
1. Salvation Is a Gift, Not a Human Decision
John 6:65 (NIV):
“He went on to say, ‘This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled them.’”
Jesus spoke these words after many of His disciples walked away due to His challenging teachings (John 6:60–66). He clarified that faith in Him is not merely a personal choice, but something that the Father must initiate and empower.
This echoes:
John 6:44 (NIV):
“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day.”
The word “draws” (Greek: helkō) implies an active pulling or attracting. Human beings, by nature, are spiritually dead (Ephesians 2:1), and only God can awaken the heart to seek Him (see also 1 Corinthians 2:14).
Salvation, then, is by grace:
Ephesians 2:8–9 (NIV):
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”
2. Spiritual Understanding Is Divinely Given
Matthew 13:11 (NIV):
“He replied, ‘Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them.’”
Jesus distinguishes between general hearing and spiritual understanding. While many heard the parables, only the disciples received insight into their true meanings. The word “given” again shows this is not natural comprehension, but divine revelation.
1 Corinthians 2:14 (NIV):
“The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness…”
Spiritual truths require the illumination of the Holy Spirit (John 16:13). That’s why theological education alone—without spiritual regeneration—can lead to head knowledge without transformation (Romans 12:2).
If you understand God’s Word correctly, this is cause for humility and gratitude, not pride.
3. Ministry Is Empowered by God’s Strength
1 Peter 4:11 (NIV):
“If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides…”
Here, the apostle Peter instructs all ministry to be spiritually sourced. No matter how gifted someone is, true ministry only bears fruit if it is done through God’s grace and power (see also Romans 12:6–8).
The apostle Paul reinforces this:
2 Corinthians 3:5–6 (NIV):
“Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God.”
4. Singleness for God’s Kingdom Is a Special Calling
Matthew 19:11 (NIV):
“Jesus replied, ‘Not everyone can accept this word, but only those to whom it has been given.’”
Jesus was responding to the disciples’ reaction to His teaching on divorce. He affirmed that celibacy for God’s kingdom is not a command for all but a spiritual calling granted to some.
Paul echoes this in:
1 Corinthians 7:7 (NIV):
“I wish that all of you were as I am. But each of you has your own gift from God…”
Remaining unmarried for the sake of undivided devotion to the Lord (1 Cor. 7:32–35) is a special gift—not a superior status but a specific calling for some believers.
Final Reflection: Respond When God Speaks
When you feel God stirring your heart—whether it’s through conviction, understanding, or desire to seek Him—don’t ignore it. That moment may be evidence of God’s grace drawing you.
Hebrews 3:15 (NIV):
“Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.”
Even people who witnessed miracles firsthand did not always respond:
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Pharaoh saw plagues but hardened his heart (Exodus 9:12).
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Judas Iscariot lived with Jesus for 3.5 years, yet betrayed Him (John 17:12).
It’s not enough to be near spiritual things—you must respond to God’s grace when it is given.
Call to Action: Obey the Gospel While You Can
If God’s voice is moving within you today, respond immediately:
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Repent – Turn from sin (Acts 3:19).
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Be Baptized – In full water immersion, in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 2:38).
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Receive the Holy Spirit – A promise for all who believe and obey (Acts 2:39).
Salvation is not something we can initiate, but when God opens the door, we must walk through it.
Prayer:
May the Lord grant you grace to hear, believe, and obey His voice. May He not pass you by. May you be found ready when He calls.
Shalom.