• New Testament Reading: John 6:53-7:52
• Old Testament Passage: Numbers 14:11
• Points to Ponder

“Many of His Disciples Turned Back”

It is the confident attorney who will bring up evidence that seems to support the case against his
client. Yet that’s exactly what John does - not only here but in many places. He faced the objections
and arguments against Jesus head on as he attempted to convince his readers that these were of no
real substance. It’s as if the prosecution said, “If Jesus is really who he claims to be then why did so
many people not believe in and follow him? He lost many disciples. Even his family mocked his
claims. And certainly none of the chief priests and Pharisees ever gave credence to this deceiver.”

John explained that Jesus lost many followers because he refused to compromise his expectations for
his disciples. Jesus wasn’t into quantity, but quality. Any one who did not truly believe that he was
“the Holy One of God” would, sooner or later, quit, because, for them, his teachings were too hard.
His brothers would eventually come around and not all the Pharisees were convinced that Jesus was a
fraud.

In fact, the debate among the people raged on. The crowds were actually divided as to his true
identity and nature. Some did side with their leaders and even declared, “You are demon-possessed.”
Some remained uncertain, but there were many who said, “He is the Christ.”

• Questions to Consider: What arguments do people use today to support their claim that
Jesus was, at best, nothing more than a religious teacher? This is what Christianity is all about -
the true identity and nature of Jesus. Faith in Jesus as “the Holy One of God” is the foundation
for true discipleship. How solid is your foundation?