John 6:66 English Standard Version (ESV) After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him.
I ended yesterday’s offering with the comment that it has happened before. Let us see what that means as it is sent to us in the 6th chapter of the gospel of John.
This chapter is broken up into several sections. First there are the miracles. Secondly the words to people in general. Third is the words to the Jews. Then finely the confession of faith.
The miracles begin with the feeding of five thousand with five loaves of bread and two fish. Then Jesus walks on the water to be received into the boat that left without Him.
During His speech to the common people He said in verse 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.”
During His speech to the Jews there response to His declaration of being The Bread of Life in verse 52 “The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?”” This request was in violation of the Mosaic Law. They challenged His authority to change the law.
During His speech to His disciples He said in verse 65 “And he said, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.””
Immediately after this comment comes our opening quote John 6:66 which is a confession of faith in that many of His followers, of which only 12 were apostles, confessed that God had not called them and that they did not follow Jesus by faith. Then they stopped following Jesus.
This is why it is important to properly understand being chosen, being called and following Jesus by faith and for no other reason.