John 6:60-71 - The Great Departure - Bible Studies With Mark

 

 When many of his disciples heard it, they said, "This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?" But Jesus, knowing in himself that his disciples were grumbling about this, said to them, "Do you take offense at this? Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. But there are some of you who do not believe." (For Jesus knew from the beginning who those were who did not believe, and who it was who would betray him.) And he said, "This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father." After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. So Jesus said to the twelve, "Do you want to go away as well?" Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God." Jesus answered them, "Did I not choose you, the twelve? And yet one of you is a devil." He spoke of Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he, one of the twelve, was going to betray him. [John 6:60-71 ESV]

 

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John 6:60-71 is the conclusion to the "Bread of Life" discourse. Additionally, it documents a shift from Jesus attracting large crowds to being abandoned by many followers, narrowing his circle to the Twelve.

The Grumbling Disciples (v. 60-61)

After Jesus declares that one must eat his flesh and drink his blood, many of his followers react with shock. They describe his teaching as skleros, which translates to "hard" or "harsh." This doesn't necessarily mean it was hard to understand, but rather hard to accept.  Jesus, perceiving their "grumbling" (a term echoing the Israelites' complaints in the wilderness) challenges them. He asks if this "offends" them, using the Greek word skandalizei, implying that his words are a stumbling block to their faith.

Spirit vs. Flesh (v. 62-63)

To address their disbelief, Jesus points to his future Ascension:

 "Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before?" (v. 62)

He argues that if they find his earthly words difficult, how will they process the supernatural reality of his return to glory? He clarifies that his words are "spirit and life." He isn't advocating for literal cannibalism; rather, he is explaining that human logic ("the flesh") cannot grasp divine truths. Only through the Holy Spirit can one truly "consume" and believe in him.

Divine Sovereignty and Human Unbelief (v. 64-65)

Jesus reveals that he has known from the beginning who would not believe and who would betray him. He reiterates a core Johannine theme: faith is a gift. No one can come to Jesus unless it is "granted him by the Father." This highlights that belief is not merely a cognitive choice but a spiritual enablement.

The Great Departure (v. 66)

 "After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him."

This is one of the most thought-provoking verses in the Gospel. These were not just curious onlookers; they were "disciples" (learners) who decided the cost of following a "suffering" or "sacrificial" Messiah was too high. They preferred a political liberator or a literal bread-provider over a spiritual Savior.

Peter’s Confession (v. 67-69)

Jesus turns to the Twelve and asks, "Do you want to go away as well?" This is a moment of intense intimacy and testing. Peter, acting as the spokesman, offers a profound confession of faith. Peter recognizes that there is no alternative to Jesus when he asks, "To whom shall we go?" The remaining twelve realize that the acceptance ofJesus' teachings, though "hard," are the only source of life. 

The Shadow of Betrayal (v. 70-71)

The passage ends on a dark note. Even among the chosen Twelve, there is a "devil." By identifying Judas Iscariot as a future betrayer, John emphasizes that Jesus was never a victim of circumstance. He was fully aware of the treachery within his inner circle and remained in control of his journey toward the cross.

 Key Themes for Reflection

•  The Offense of the Cross: The gospel often offends human pride or logic. 
•  Sifting: Crisis and difficult teachings serve to separate true disciples from fair-weather followers. 
•  The Sufficiency of Christ: Like Peter, the believer arrives at the conclusion that despite the difficulties, Jesus is the only path to God.