John 6:65-67

65 And He said, “Therefore I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father.”

66 From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. 

67 Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?”

“Do You Also Want to Go Away?”

 In verse 65, Jesus, the Master Teacher, reviews something He taught earlier in this chapter. In John 6:37, He said, “All that my Father gives me will come to Me, and the one who comes to me, I will by no means cast out.” In John 6:44, He said, “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day.” This is just another reminder to the people that Jesus and the Father are united in all things. In order to belong to Jesus, we must belong to God, and vice versa. John 6:45 explains how we are drawn to God. Jesus quoted Isaiah 54:13 saying, “And they shall be taught of God.” In order to be “taught of God”, we have to hear and learn from God’s Word. (John 6:45) We have to be in God’s Word regularly in order for Him to draw us to His Son. Jesus’ ability to tie everything together perfectly using Old Testament scripture and just the right amount of repetition is amazing! As a teacher myself, I am in awe of how He gets His points across. 

In verse 66, we see it confirmed that some of His disciples “went back and walked with Him no more.” How sad! They heard the words of life, yet turned away. When they counted the cost of truly following Jesus, it was too high for them. It reminds of the rich young ruler that wanted to know how to have eternal life. When Jesus told Him to sell all He had and follow Him, he went away sorrowful. (Matthew 19:16-30, Mark 10:17-31, Luke 18:18-30) The price was too high for Him. He wasn’t willing to give up his material wealth for Jesus. Jesus knew his heart which is why he told him he had to be willing to give up his earthly possessions. Jesus knows what truly means the most to me. Am I willing to give up the things I hold most dear for Jesus? 

There are so many who become Christians, but don’t remain faithful to Him. They are like these disciples who walked with Him no more. They started the journey with Christ, but realized that the cost was too high. It was too hard. What does the Bible say about people who leave Christ? 2 Peter 2:20-22 tells us, “For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: “A dog returns to his own vomit,” and, “a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire.” It says it would have been better for them to have never known. Why will it be worse for them? Here is what I think this means. If this were me, and I were standing before God on judgement day, after falling away, all I would be thinking about is how I had salvation in the palm of my hand. I knew the truth. I obeyed the truth, but I loved the world more than I loved Jesus. Oh, the regrets! And…..on top of that…..the influence that my falling away may have had on my husband and my children, possibly even my grandchildren as they stood before God. It makes me shudder just to think about it. Throughout my life, up until around 10 years ago, I had fallen away, and came back more than once. And I don’t mean that I completely quit going to church. I fell away in my heart. I fell away in my behavior as a Christian. I was a fake, and I hid it well. But I could never hide from God. This is why I frequently mention that showing up to the building does not make us faithful Christians. I can honestly say that I finally see the magnitude of what falling away does, not only to the person who has fallen, but to all who are in their sphere of influence. I will never fall away from My Savior again. Ever. 

Jesus then turned to the 12 and asked them, “Are you all going to leave me too?” Can you imagine being one of the twelve at that moment? Jesus knew from the beginning who was going to stay with Him. He knows right now who is truly with Him, and who is going to leave Him. How would I have responded? I can imagine Him asking me that now. Actually, He does ask me every time I am faced with trials and temptations…..”Greta Hoover, will you leave Me? Will you let yourself be pulled away from Me? Is it too hard to follow Me?” What is my response? Is He asking too much of me? 

God means for everyone to learn what the Bible teaches about how to be saved. It only takes an open heart for Jesus, and a willingness to put away what we’ve been taught in the past, and truly read what God’s Word says for ourselves…..and then accept what it says and obey it. If I can help you in any way, I would love to! Are you walking in the light? Are you in Christ? Are you saved? If you aren’t or you are not sure if you are, I’d love to help you. Are you a member of the Lord’s church, but are struggling spiritually in your walk with Christ? If you are…..believe me, I’ve been there many times, and I’d love to help you. If you have any questions, please reach out. 

I love God’s Word. It challenges me to be better…..to do more in His service. It is interesting and keeps me on the edge of my seat wondering what is going to happen next. It gives me confidence and builds me up, and it brings me to my knees when my soul needs convicting! Thank you Father for the wonderful gift of Your Word!

God’s Plan of Salvation

Below is the plan that God has set forth in His Word, for humankind to receive His grace that leads to salvation and an eternity with God in heaven. This plan is straight from the Bible. 

We have to hear His word. (Romans 10:17) 

Upon hearing the message of Jesus, we believe it. (Mark 16:16) 

Then, we confess Jesus’ name before men. (Matthew 10:32) 

Next, we repent of our sins. (Acts 2:38, Acts 3:19) 

Finally, we are baptized into Christ for the remission of our sins.  (Acts 2:38, Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:16, Romans 6:3-4, Acts 22:16, 1 Corinthians 12:13, Galatians 3:26-27) After baptism, God adds us to His church. (Acts 2:47)