Why did many of Jesus’ disciples go back and walk no more with him?

Many who had been following Jesus turned away after his hard teaching about himself as the bread of life. They struggled with his words and did not accept the spiritual meaning he was giving. Their leaving shows that their commitment was only on the surface. When his teaching cut across their expectations and comfort, they chose to walk away instead of trusting him. This falling away exposes hearts that were never truly changed, and shows that hearing the message is not the same as truly believing and holding to it when it becomes costly or hard to understand.

What does Jesus mean when he asks the twelve, “Will ye also go away?”

When Jesus asks the twelve, “Will ye also go away?”, he is facing them with a clear choice. Many others have already left, and he turns to his closest followers, not because he lacks knowledge of their hearts, but to draw out their faith. His question tests and strengthens their commitment. It invites them to think seriously about whether they will stay with him when others leave. Instead of trying to keep them by softening his words, he lets them see that following him means holding fast to his teaching, even when it is not easy or popular.

What does Peter mean by saying Jesus has the words of eternal life?

Peter’s answer shows why he and the others stay. When he says, “Thou hast the words of eternal life,” he is saying that Jesus’ teaching brings real, spiritual life that never ends. Peter understands that no one else can offer what Jesus offers. Even if Jesus’ words are hard, they are life-giving. Peter is not claiming to understand everything, but he knows enough to be sure that leaving Jesus would mean turning away from the only source of salvation and true hope. His words model a faith that clings to Christ because of who he is and what he gives.

Why does Peter confess that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God?

Peter’s confession, “We believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God,” shows both faith and certainty. He is saying that Jesus is the promised Messiah, the one anointed by God to save his people, and that he is the Son of the living God, sharing God’s unique life and authority. This is not a casual opinion but a settled conviction in Peter and the other true disciples. Their faith is grounded in what they have heard and seen from Jesus. This confession is what keeps them from leaving when many others fall away.

What does Jesus mean when he says, “Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil”?

When Jesus says this, he reminds the twelve that he himself chose them as his close followers. Yet among them is one who is called “a devil,” meaning an enemy and accuser, not that he is literally a demon, but that his character fits the devil’s work. The passage explains that he is speaking about Judas Iscariot, who would later betray him. This shows that being outwardly close to Jesus and involved in his work does not guarantee a true heart. It warns that hypocrisy can exist even in the inner circle and that Jesus has always known who truly believes.

Who is Judas Iscariot in this passage, and what is said about him?

Judas Iscariot is named as the son of Simon and one of the twelve disciples. In this passage he is identified as the one who would betray Jesus. Jesus hints at this by saying that one of the twelve is a devil, and the narrator clarifies that he is talking about Judas. Judas had walked with Jesus, heard his teaching, and shared in his ministry, yet his heart was not changed. His presence among the twelve shows that a person can be very near to the things of God outwardly, and still be on a path of betrayal and unbelief inside.

What does this passage teach about true discipleship and false discipleship?

This passage sets two groups side by side. Many disciples turn back and stop walking with Jesus when his teaching is hard. Their faith proves to be temporary and shallow. The twelve stay, and Peter speaks for them, confessing that Jesus has the words of eternal life and is the Christ. Yet even among the twelve there is Judas, described as a devil, who will betray Jesus. So true disciples are those who stay with Christ because they trust him as the only source of eternal life. False disciples may follow for a time, but fall away or betray when tested.

How can believers today respond when Jesus’ words seem hard or challenging?

This passage shows that when Jesus’ words are hard, people either walk away or cling to him more deeply. A believer today can follow Peter’s example. Instead of leaving, we can admit that some things are hard to grasp, but still say, “To whom shall we go?” That means choosing to stay with Jesus because only he has the words of eternal life. It also means asking God for understanding and a willing heart rather than changing or ignoring what Jesus says. Holding to his words, even when they confront us, is part of real, lasting discipleship.

Why is this passage important for understanding faith and apostasy?

This passage shows that not everyone who starts out following Jesus continues with him. Many leave when his teaching clashes with their expectations, showing that their earlier following was not rooted in real faith. At the same time, it shows what lasting faith looks like in Peter’s confession and in the choice of the eleven who remain. It also warns that even close involvement in Jesus’ work, like Judas had, does not replace a true heart change. Together, these things help us see the difference between outward religious interest and a deep trust that holds to Christ to the end.

John.6.66

John 6:66

KJV

From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.

Many Disciples Turn Back

These things said he in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum.

Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it?

When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you?

What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before?

It is the Spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are Spirit, and they are life.

But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.

And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.

From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.

Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?

Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.

And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.

Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?

He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.

Cross References

No cross references available for this verse.