Many Disciples Turn Back

Jesus speaks in the synagogue, where many disciples call the teaching hard and wonder who can accept it. He answers their offense by pointing beyond the present moment to the Son of Man's ascent and to the Spirit's life-giving words.

J⁵⁹esus said this while teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum. ⁶⁰On hearing it, many of His disciples said, “This is a difficult teaching. Who can accept it?” ⁶¹Aware that His disciples were grumbling about this teaching, Jesus asked them, “Does this offend you? ⁶²Then what will happen if you see the Son of Man ascend to where He was before? ⁶³The Spirit gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.

Jesus knows from the beginning who does not believe and who will betray him. He says no one comes unless the Father grants it, and many disciples then turn back and stop walking with him.

⁶⁴However, 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.) ⁶⁵Then Jesus said, “This is why I told you that no one can come to Me unless the Father has granted it to him.” ⁶⁶From that time on many of His disciples turned back and no longer walked with Him.