John 6:66 After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him.

No, not that other 666 but rather this one. To me the issue of 666 isn’t so much about identifying the man as much as understanding the reasons behind behaviors.

2 Thessalonians 2:3 Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction,

What will cause the faithful to lose faith? If we can understand that important issue perhaps we might be able to avoid rebellion within ourselves. Maybe.

The first issue which should be addressed is the definition of disciple in John 6:66. They stopped following Jesus. Were they true disciples?

John 6:26 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves.

Ask ourselves, why do we follow Jesus? That is a very personal question, one I cannot answer for you. I know why I do, but I will not say it is the only answer and that it must be yours also. That comment can be used to declare pride is at the heart of my thoughts. Withholding my reasons does not prove humility. It is wisdom that says search the scriptures for answers.

John 6 represents a series of issues, teachings and challenges associated with people who were raised in the Jewish faith. If we were not raised in that faith their reasoning might be lost on us, even if we think we understand. Stand outside another man’s house and look through the window and tell me that what you can see from the outside lets you understand what it means to live there. It does not.

Some of the principles may still apply even though we are not Jewish.

• John 6:54 Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.
• John 6:56 Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him.

For the Jew these comments are in opposition to everything they were taught. The other argument is this: “I don’t know how to do that!”

Do we believe by faith? Romans 3:22 Romans 4:5 2 Corinthians 4:13 Hebrews 11:6