DISCIPLES
WHY MANY DISCIPLES LEFT JESUS (JOHN 6:66-67)
John 6:66-67 recounts a pivotal moment when many of Jesus’ disciples turned away from him: “From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. ‘You do not want to leave too, do you?’ Jesus asked the Twelve.”
Context and Reasons for Departure
This mass departure occurred after Jesus gave his challenging teaching about eating his flesh and drinking his blood (Jn 6:53-54). There are several reasons why many disciples found this teaching difficult to accept:
1. Contradiction with Jewish Dietary Laws:
– Prohibition of Blood: Jewish law strictly prohibited consuming blood, as it represented life. God instructed Noah, “Only meat with its lifeblood still in it you shall not eat” (Gen 9:4). Leviticus reiterates, “Anyone who consumes blood shall be cut off” (Lev 17:13-14).
– Prohibition of Cannibalism: The idea of eating human flesh was abhorrent and associated with extreme famine or barbarism. Jeremiah prophesied a tragic situation leading to cannibalism as a punishment for forsaking God: “I will have them eat the flesh of their sons and daughters” (Jer 19:9).
2. Literal Interpretation:
– The listeners interpreted Jesus’ words literally rather than spiritually, making the teaching seem impossible and offensive. Jesus’ teaching about eating his flesh and drinking his blood was meant to be understood in a spiritual context, foreshadowing the Holy Eucharist which he would later establish at the Last Supper.
3. Challenge to Preconceived Notions:
– The teaching contradicted their preconceived notions about the Messiah and his kingdom. They expected a political liberator, not someone who spoke of such radical and seemingly bizarre practices.
Spiritual Lessons
This event illustrates several important spiritual truths:
1. Following Jesus Requires Faith Beyond Human Understanding:
– True discipleship means trusting Jesus even when his teachings are difficult to comprehend. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Prov 3:5-6).
2. God’s Ways Often Contradict Human Wisdom:
– What seems foolish to the world may be the very wisdom of God. “For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom” (1 Cor 1:25).
3. Jesus Values Quality of Faith Over Quantity of Followers:
– Jesus was willing to let the crowd leave to preserve the truth of his message. Authentic faith is more valuable than the number of followers.
4. Genuine Faith Perseveres Through Challenges:
– Those who truly believe in Jesus will remain faithful even when faced with hard teachings. Peter’s response illustrates this: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (Jn 6:68-69).
REFLECTION
This passage serves as a reminder that following Jesus may sometimes mean embracing teachings that go against cultural norms or personal preferences. It challenges us to examine our own faith and commitment to Christ, especially when faced with difficult biblical truths.
The account also offers hope – while many left, the Twelve remained faithful. Even when we don’t fully understand, we can choose to trust Jesus, knowing that his words are “spirit and life” (Jn 6:63).
The departure of many disciples following Jesus’ discourse on the Bread of Life reveals the difficulty of accepting teachings that challenge our understanding. It underscores the need for spiritual discernment and trust in Jesus’ words. This passage calls Christians to deeper faith and commitment, encouraging perseverance in the face of challenging doctrines. By reflecting on this event, believers can find strength and hope in their journey of faith, assured that Jesus’ words bring eternal life.