Many Turn Away

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: John 6:60-71

 

John 6:66-67

From that time many of His disciples went ^[d]back and walked with Him no more. ⁶⁷ Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?”

(NKJV)

 

Christmas is a time of great joy. It is a time when we spend time with those we love and exchange gifts in expression of our love. However, let us not get caught up in the commercialism of Christmas and take time to reflect on the greatest Christmas gift of all, the gift of God’s only Son (John 3:16) who while born humbly as a baby in a manger in Bethlehem, would die for the sins of humanity providing reconciliation to God (2 Corinthians 5:21). I pray knowing this will draw us closer to God and not offend us into falling away as those in this text did.

 

The disciples following Jesus found his teaching regarding eating His flesh and drinking His blood difficult to understand (John 6:60). This prompted  Jesus to ask them if what he said offended them (John 6:61). Jesus then asked them what if they should see the Son of Man ascend to where He was before, a reference to his coming ascension (Acts 1:9-11; John 6:62). Jesus then teaches that it is the Spirit of God that gives life and that the flesh profits nothing with the words Jesus speaks bringing life (John 6:63). Jesus then tells them that some do not believe because He knew some did not believe and would betray Him (John 6:64). This prompts Jesus to say no one can come to Him unless the Father grants him or her permission (John 6:65).

 

Many disciples left Jesus due to this with Jesus asking the Twelve if they too planned to leave (John 6:66-67). Peter responds by asking Jesus to whom they should go because Jesus has the words of eternal life with the disciples believing He is the Christ, the Son of the living God (John 6:68-69). Jesus replies by telling them that He chose them but that one of them was a devil, speaking of Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, who would betray him (John 6:70-71).  

 

Jesus had amassed a large following due to the miracles he performed (John 6:1-14). However, when Jesus begins to teach about his purpose for coming, to offer His body and shed His blood to forgive their sins, they find it hard to understand. Some may also have thought Jesus’ teaching about eating His flesh and drinking His was condoning cannibalism (John 6:53-58), something forbidden in Jewish law that does not include human flesh in what is permissible to eat (Deuteronomy 14:4-5). Interpreted as promoting cannibalism, one might have interpreted Jesus’ teaching as offensive. However, Jesus is not speaking of one consuming His flesh or drinking his blood but speaking as the Lamb of God who would through his sacrifice on the Cross provide the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of humanity (John 1:29). Peter, when asked by Jesus provided a spiritual interpretation when he told Jesus He had the words of eternal life (John 6:68).

 

In the modern age of mass and social media, it is easy for pastors and Church leaders to amass large followings. While this helps spread the Gospel message, it also brings the temptation to avoid controversial or hard teaching that people may not understand or find offensive. However, controversial issues like sin and how it separates one from God are part of the Gospel for it is why Jesus, God in the flesh, came to earth. Failing to teach on these issues cheats people of the knowledge of why Jesus came to us and how much Jesus loves us.

 

This Christmas, as we celebrate the birth of our Savior in Bethlehem (Luke 2:1-20), may we not forget that this baby would die for our sins and then resurrect from the dead in victory over sin which separates us from God (2 Corinthians 5:21). I want to encourage ministers of the Gospel not to shy away from speaking out against sin out of fear of offending some in the Church. Jesus experienced a falling away when He spoke of his purpose for coming but out of His deep love for humanity, fulfilled His purpose as the Lamb of God. A lost and dying world needs an encounter with the Lamb of God and forgiveness from sin.

 

I want to invite anyone reading this post who has not prayed for salvation from their sins and to make Jesus the Lord of their life through the confession of their belief in Jesus as their Savior to do so now by praying with me,

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

May the Lord challenge, convict, and bless everyone reading this post.