John 6:52-71

The Central Idea of the Text is that Jesus offends many by His teaching that eternal life comes to those who believe in Him.  Eating and drinking is a picture of believing in Jesus for salvation. Hostile Jews rejected Jesus’ teaching that He was from God and that eternal life comes only to those who eat His flesh and drink His blood—a picture of believing on Jesus for salvation (John 6:52-58; cf. John 6:40).  Jesus’ teaching occurred in the synagogue at Capernaum (John 6:59).  Jesus’ followers understood what He was saying, but found it difficult to accept (John 6:60-62).  Jesus plainly states that His words refer to things spiritual that require faith to accept (John 6:63-64), which only the elect receive (John 6:65).  Many of Jesus’ disciples turned away from Him because His teaching became too radical for them to accept (John 6:66).  Jesus then tested the Twelve concerning their understanding of His words and Peter—speaking for the group—confessed they believe and know Jesus is the Holy One of God (John 6:67-69).  Jesus accepts Peter’s statement, but corrects him concerning one person, Judas, whom He declares will betray Him at a future time (John 6:70-71).