In this week’s text, Pastor Brian unpacked John 6:60-71 and we learned that Jesus offended people. Some of which were “disciples” of Jesus, (anyone who was following Jesus around, but not necessarily believing in him.) And in verse 66, we read that these disciples left after this particular teaching.

Jesus understood rejection. He also understood that the truth of his Father is something that needs to be illuminated–and it is actually counter-instinctual. We are not born wanting to believe the truth of Jesus’ divinity.

You can be a committed part of the crowd and not a believer. Have you been following without believing?

Grow Together

Read this from the Bible together:

John 6:60-71  
*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. 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.” 70 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.)*

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Some key statements and questions put forward that are important for us to talk about…

This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it? Jesus isn’t afraid to say the hard thing. In your own life, have Jesus’ words ever made you consider walking away from him? If so, what words were they?

The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life. Yet there are some of you who do not believe.” Some of us know we need God but we don’t want him. Have you ever shifted your prayers from asking God for something you want to asking God to help you want him?

From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. Jesus knows what rejection feels like. Have you experienced rejection over your faith in your life? Do you have friends or family that have walked away from Jesus? Does it comfort you to know that Jesus did too?

Next Steps

”What the crowd wanted, Jesus would not give.” - F.F. Bruce We learned last week that the crowds were hungry for a magic show from Jesus, but not the blood of Jesus. Do you believe that if God were good he would always give you what you want?

”Many people leave Jesus and go looking for easier words.” Is there a part of you that wonders if you could be the next person to walk away from Jesus? Where is your heart and your headspace concerning the gospel?

Are you waiting for someone to start something you should start yourself? Whether its at work, in your Group, in your DNA, or in your own family—are there things you know are missing in your discipleship to Jesus? What are those things? And are you willing to be the one to go first?