John 6:66

From this moment on many of his followers rejected him and no longer followed him. John 6:66 EFP

So there it is!  The truth is revealed in stark and simple words.  If nothing else we realize his previous references to “disciples” is more inclusive than the twelve.  But at the same time it is sad.  They rejected him—turned their back on him, and ceased to follow him any longer.  Why?  His message?  Too hard to understand?  Too demanding?  Was it all the talk of eating flesh and drinking blood?

Why does anyone cease to be a believer in the Christ?  I can think of three basic reasons.  One is misunderstanding.  The second is failed expectations.  The third is the fear of the cost of discipleship.  All are present in this passage. All are misplaced. The first can be a result of a internalizing a warped picture of God as a result of life experience or an imperfect messenger.  It can even be as a result of an intentional obtuseness intended to absolve the hearer of any personal responsibility.  The second is simply the act of placing on God human expectations that are contrary to the character of God.  He is not, for instance, a vending machine that runs on prayer.  And finally, there is an unwillingness to face the reality of the cost of being a disciple.  It is not payment, it is the reality of life as a follower of Christ.  There is a battle being waged, and there are casualties—martyrs for the cause.  I need to look inside myself and address these issues when they arise in my life.  I want to follow Jesus always and forever!