Meaning of John 6:67

This verse, John 6:67, occurs at a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry where many of his disciples, disheartened by his challenging teachings about eating his flesh and drinking his blood, turned away from him. Jesus, addressing the remaining twelve apostles, poses a rhetorical question, "You do not want to leave too, do you?" This question is not one of doubt or insecurity on Jesus' part, but rather a profound invitation for the Twelve to consciously choose their allegiance and understanding. It highlights the critical juncture where commitment to Jesus requires a deeper faith beyond mere intellectual assent or superficial following, probing the depth of their commitment and their willingness to embrace the challenging implications of his identity and mission.

Context and Background

The preceding discourse in John 6 is famously known as the "Bread of Life" sermon (John 6:22-59). Here, Jesus moves beyond the miraculous feeding of the five thousand to speak metaphorically about his own body and blood as the true sustenance for eternal life. This teaching was deeply unsettling for many, who interpreted it literally and found it scandalous. As a result, "many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him" (John 6:66). The question to the Twelve, therefore, is posed against the backdrop of widespread defection, emphasizing the exclusivity and demanding nature of true discipleship. It underscores that following Jesus is not always easy or popular, and can involve embracing truths that are difficult to comprehend or accept.

Key Themes and Messages

• The Crisis of Discipleship: The verse directly addresses the reality that following Jesus can lead to defection. It acknowledges that his teachings, particularly those that are spiritually profound or challenging to conventional understanding, can cause people to turn away.
• The Call to Deliberate Commitment: Jesus' question to the Twelve is not a plea for them to stay, but a challenge for them to make a conscious, deliberate choice. It forces them to examine their motivations and the basis of their commitment.
• The Nature of True Faith: The passage implies that true faith is not merely about following Jesus for miraculous provision or popular approval. It requires a willingness to embrace his radical claims and the deeper, spiritual meaning of his words, even when they are difficult.
• The Role of the Inner Circle: While many depart, the Twelve remain. Jesus' question to them acknowledges their continued presence, but still calls them to reaffirm their decision to stay, distinguishing them from the departing crowd.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This verse has enduring spiritual significance for believers today. It reminds us that genuine discipleship is not passive; it requires active engagement and a continuous reaffirmation of our commitment to Christ. When Jesus' teachings, or the demands of living a Christian life, become difficult or unpopular, we, like the disciples in John 6, are faced with a choice. The verse encourages self-examination: are we following Jesus for the right reasons? Are we willing to embrace the full scope of his claims, even when it requires sacrifice or challenges our understanding? It calls us to move beyond superficial adherence to a deep, personal conviction that anchors us to Christ.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

John 6:67 fits within the larger biblical narrative of the often-resistant human response to God's revelation and the persistent faithfulness of God's call. Throughout the Old Testament, Israel frequently turned away from God, yet God continually called them back. In the New Testament, Jesus' ministry is characterized by both attracting crowds and alienating many with his uncompromising message. This verse highlights the consistent theme that true followers of God are those who persevere through difficulty, not those who abandon the path when it becomes arduous. It also foreshadows the persecution and opposition that Jesus' followers would face, underscoring the need for unwavering loyalty.

Analogies

One analogy for this situation is a skilled craftsman training an apprentice. The master craftsman presents a challenging technique, one that requires not just imitation but a deep understanding of the material and the principles behind the craft. Some apprentices, finding the technique too demanding or the underlying theory too abstract, leave. The master then turns to the remaining apprentices and asks, "You're not going to leave, are you?" This question isn't about the master needing them, but about the apprentices confirming their commitment to mastering the difficult skill, understanding that true mastery comes through perseverance and embracing the challenging aspects of the art.

Another analogy is a marathon runner approaching a particularly steep and long hill. The runner sees many others dropping out, unable to sustain the effort. The runner pauses, not out of exhaustion, but to consciously reaffirm their decision to continue to the finish line, understanding that the reward at the end is worth the arduous climb. Jesus' question is akin to asking the remaining runners, "You're not turning back, are you?"

Relation to Other Verses

This verse resonates with other passages that speak to the cost of discipleship. For instance, Jesus himself stated in Luke 14:26-27, "If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple." This stark declaration mirrors the challenging nature of Jesus' teachings in John 6 and the subsequent departures. Similarly, Jesus' encounter with the rich young ruler (Matthew 19:16-22) illustrates how some found his demands too great and turned away, highlighting the selective nature of true discipleship. The perseverance of the Twelve, in contrast, is later validated by their continued presence at the crucifixion and their role in the early church, as seen in passages like Acts 1:14 and the book of Acts generally.