John 6:66-69 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.… I. THE REASON FOR THE QUESTION. It was asked because — 1. It was a season of defection. In all churches and ages there have been times of flocking in and flying out; ebbs and floods; and it is well at such seasons that decisive questions should be put. 2. It was a season of defection among the disciples; not merely camp followers who went after Him for the loaves and fishes. And this sets forth the grievous guilt of those who wear their Prince's regimentals and then turn aside to false doctrine or sin. 3. It was a defection on account of doctrine because of the preceding discourse. 4. This defection was a "going back." They did not go off the straight road, they simply reversed their steps and went back to their old lives. 5. It was open defection. They once walked with Jesus in the public streets, but now they will have no more to do with Him. This was at least honest and better than many a modern hypocrite. II. THE QUESTION ITSELF. He might well press it for — 1. One of them would certainly do so. He only chose twelve, yet one was a devil. 2. All of them might do so, and apart from His grace would. "Let him that thinketh he standeth." 3. If they turned aside it would be specially sad. The chaff had been blown away and only the wheat was left, and that mixed with a little tares. These were picked men. How sad when an office bearer falls! 4. Apostasy is very contagious. Like sheep who, if one goes wrong, the next will follow. 5. He wishes His following to be perfectly voluntary. None can walk truly with Jesus who walk unwillingly. III. THE ANSWER WHICH QUICK-VOICED PETER GAVE. It was threefold. 1. "To whom shall we go?" The thought was intolerable. Would you like to follow your old sinful life again? 2. "Thou hast the words of eternal life." We cannot go away when we think of eternity. Those who turn back from Christ, what will they do in eternity? 3. We believe, and are sure, etc. Do you believe that? How then can you go away? (C. H. Spurgeon.) 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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