John 6:66-69 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.… What the first battle is to an army whose general wishes to test its courage, so was this trial to the disciples. In this crisis there were two causes of trouble and temptation for their faith. I. THE FORSAKING OF JESUS BY THE MULTITUDE. 1. The inclination of most men is to yield to the authority of numbers. This is seen in the camp of the freest philosophy as well as in that of religion. Nothing is more rare and difficult than adhesion to truth in the face of dominant opinions, as is shown by the history of great inventors, teachers, martyrs. In the eyes of the multitude truth, like victory, lies on the side of great battalions. 2. All is not absolutely false in this assumption. True religion should be the lot of all; and the gospel is universal. Yet it has never made any appeal or sacrifice to popularity and has triumphed in the teeth of antipathy and resistance. 3. On the other hand, as in the text, there are defections from it, and these defections severely try those who abide. II. THE STRANGE CHARACTER OF THEIR MASTER'S TEACHING. At present the subject of the discourse seemed fantastic and impossible. But by and by in the Cross they understood it, which teaches us that the gospel contains mysterious points which raise difficulties and objections which are only to be overcome gradually. Most accept it on a side which responds most to their inmost aspirations, and accept the rest on trust; and, after years of Christian experience, they come to a comprehension of the harmony of revelation. Suppose, then, one of you in a situation like the apostles, what must you do? 1. The partisans of absolute authority say, "Submit yourselves, and the more difficult the submission, the more valuable the faith." But it is never safe for a man to go against his conscience, and it is no honour to God to bring him the heart of a slave and the blind obedience of a fanatic. 2. Reject every doctrine that wounds the conscience or the reason. This is what these disciples did, and forgot many admirable discourses and works of mercy. And how many to day yield without a struggle, never trying to get to the bottom of their doubt, nor asking if there is not a deeper meaning! 3. The faithful apostles by their example seem to say, "Wait." Why? (1) Because religious truth must be full of mystery. A Divine revelation which should not surpass our comprehension would be no revelation. (2) Because the fault may be less in the doctrine than in our minds. (3) Because an experience a thousand times repeated proves that that which hurts us is precisely that which ought to heal us. Were the Pharisees right in being offended at the universality of the gospel? (4) Because the greater part of the gospel enlightens, consoles and sustains. Will you reject this for the fraction which you misunderstood? (5) Because experience may, and will, show you the futility of your objection, "If any man will do," etc. (E. Bersier, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.WEB: At this, many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. |
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