John 6: 59-71, The One With Words of Eternal Life

Jesus has identified himself as the "Bread of Life" and claimed the this "Bread" is his body which he gives for the life of the world.

John 6: 59-66, Only the Father brings people to Jesus

He said this while teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum.

60 On hearing it, many of his disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?”

61 Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, “Does this offend you? 
62 Then what if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before! 
63 The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life. 
64 Yet there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him. 
65 He went on to say, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled them.”

66 From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.
This series of teachings is occurring in Capernaum, where Jesus is living, on the west side of the Sea of Galilee.  The teaching about "eat my flesh, drink my blood" seems hard to the disciples.  It might be suggested that some disciples turn away from the cannibalism Jesus seems to suggest. Most likely these disciples turn away because of Jesus's audacious claim to be the Son of Man, the Messiah, and not just an interesting street preacher or entertainer.

Jesus directs the conversation back to his claims -- he is the Son of Man who descended from heaven and who will later "ascend" to where he was previously.

His followers receive his teachings if they are guided by the Spirit, but some will not be so guided, some will not believe and some will even betray him.

Throughout Jesus' ministry there were hundreds, even thousands of followers and disciples.  (No, not just 12!)  Here, after feeding five thousand, we are told that some of these are turning back and giving up on their Messiah.

John 6: 67-69, You have the words of eternal life

67 “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve.

68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 
69 We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.”
As disciples leave, Jesus turns to the inner circle of twelve and asks them what they want to do.

Good ole Simon Peter, quick to step forward and say what the others are thinking. His response is not a sentimental one, but rational.  Peter admits to being confused, but sees no other options!  The one before him seems to be the Messiah ... and the Messiah might say and do unexpected things.

I think at some point many Christians face this decision -- this life of discipleship is not how I envisioned it.  (Of course it is not.)  So what do I do?  I see no alternative but to follow the One who has the words of eternal life. Even if the steps seem painful and confusing.

John 6: 70-71, One will betray me

Then Jesus replied, “Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!” 
71 (He meant Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, who, though one of the Twelve, was later to betray him.)

The disciples are reminded that even in their midst, there will be betrayal. After the hundreds or thousands have responded in various ways, one might think that the inner twelve, the most committed of the followers, would be free of betrayal. But no....