One early morning, due to jet lag, I found myself reflecting on John 6:67, where Jesus inquires, “Will you leave me too?” This contemplation has led me on a journey that I would like to share with you. In this passage, Jesus The christ poses these surprising words to His twelve disciples following what many considered one of the most perplexing and, arguably, “unappealing” discourses of His public ministry up to that point.

The Context

The context is crucial: Jesus had miraculously fed a crowd of approximately 20,000 with five loaves and two fish. When the crowd pursued Him, He revealed their true intentions, indicating that they sought Him not for spiritual sustenance but for material gain. In His grace, He encouraged them to seek what truly matters—Himself.

“Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on Him, God the Father has set His seal.” (John 6:26–27)

The Climax of the Dialogue

Jesus then makes statements that provoke anger, confusion, and offense among His audience:

1. **Comparison to Moses:** Jesus contrasts His miracle of feeding “20,000 in one day” with Moses’ provision for “millions of Israelites in the wilderness throughout their lifetime.” At first glance, Moses’ miracle appears superior. However, Moses provided only temporary sustenance for forty years, and many died in unbelief. In contrast, Jesus offers not only temporary sustenance but, more importantly, the promise of eternal life to those who partake of Him, assuring that they will never die (John 6:49-51).

2. **Claiming His Divine Role:** Jesus clarifies that it was not Moses who provided the bread, but His Father, revealing that He is the true bread from heaven (John 6:32-33). This redefines the understanding of the wilderness miracle, shifting the focus from Moses to the Greater Moses standing before them.

3. **Confrontational Imagery:** Jesus deliberately employs provocative language regarding “eating His flesh and drinking His blood,” a concept that would have been abhorrent to His Jewish audience, which included hostile unbelievers, false disciples, and His core community, including the twelve (John 6:53-56).

Is this portrayal of “gentle Jesus, meek and mild” a deliberate attempt to create opportunities for offense? Yes, and there is a purpose behind it.

Separation and Consecration for Three Groups

Jesus has assurances from His Father that all whom the Father gives to Him will come to Him, and whoever comes to Jesus will never be turned away (John 6:37). Furthermore, “No one can come to Him unless the Father who sent Him draws them, and Jesus will raise them up at the last day” (John 6:44). Based on these promises, He begins to distinguish genuine followers from those who are merely curious, confident that He will lose none of those who belong to Him. He separates the sheep from the goats and leads the sheep into a deeper level of consecration.

The Jews – Hostile Unbelievers

Initially, the Jews expressed their dissatisfaction through murmuring (John 6:41), which escalated to outright disputes (John 6:52). Rather than correcting them, Jesus allowed His words to reveal their true desires, ultimately granting them the desire for a world without Him. This reflects Jesus’ approach towards hostile unbelievers: remaining in their darkness because they suppress the truth, embrace the lie, and prefer the darkness.

The False Disciples – The Curious

Another group, referred to as disciples, followed Jesus or at least a version of Him based on their limited understanding. This group also struggled with His teachings. Jesus challenged them, asking if they were offended, essentially implying, “You have yet to see the full scope of my message!” He did offer some clarification, recognizing their role as learners (John 6:63). Nevertheless, many of these disciples ultimately chose to walk away from Jesus The christ. Among this group, Jesus indicated that some do not believe and will even betray Him. While understanding is valuable, it requires more than mere knowledge to remain faithful amid offense and disappointment; it necessitates heartfelt belief.

The Committed Core – The Disciple

This is where many of us may find ourselves. The committed core is not exempt from doubt or confusion regarding Jesus’ actions or teachings. He turns to them (and to us), asking, “Will you leave me too?” (John 6:67). Despite our questions, we choose to remain because He has called us and is sustaining us. He uses these moments of offense to deepen our consecration, guiding us to trust Him beyond our understanding or immediate desires. He leads us to a place of pure love for God for His own sake.

Our Need for Heart Revelation of Jesus The Christ

When God calls you to Jesus and sustains you, He imparts a revelation of His Son, transcending mere intellectual understanding. It is this revelation of Jesus that anchors you. Peter’s revelation—that Jesus possesses the words of eternal life—keeps him grounded even in the face of offense (John 6:68), unlike the false disciples. We, too, will encounter moments that tempt us to abandon our faith due to misunderstandings or disappointments, whether related to unanswered prayers, marital struggles, or health crises.

However, like Peter, it is essential to possess a revelation of the unparalleled value of Jesus in order to withstand offense. Revelation leads to consecration. It is the joy and purpose of the Holy Spirit to provide you with heart revelations of Jesus. If you find yourself currently offended (or will be at some point), I encourage you to ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to the extraordinary wonder of Jesus Christ.

My Revelation of Jesus

One of the unparalleled values of the Lord is that He alone addresses our deepest needs.

**Love:** We receive perfect love from Jesus, who loves His own to the utmost. We can find rest in that love, liberated from the futile pursuit of seeking validation in fame, work, relationships, or transient acceptance on social media. Moreover, because we are loved, we gain the capacity to love others. Jesus loves us perfectly and eternally!

**Light:** We all require wisdom to navigate life. We need clarity regarding what is good and bad, wise and foolish, worthwhile and worthless, as well as guidance on life’s purpose and the means to achieve it. Jesus serves as our light and wisdom; He is the light of humanity.

**Life:** We need an inner power that propels us toward righteousness and away from our inherent sinfulness. We require a new nature characterized by love for others and wisdom from above. Jesus is our Life!

What is your heart’s revelation of Jesus?

Please share your thoughts in the comments so that we may all learn and grow together.