John 6:67 – “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve.

Extended Explanation

This verse takes place at a crucial moment in Jesus’ ministry. Many of His followers had just turned away because they could not accept His teaching (John 6:66). Now, Jesus turns to His closest disciples—the Twelve—and asks if they will leave Him too.

1. Jesus asks a direct and personal question.
   • Instead of begging them to stay, He gives them the freedom to choose.
   • He is testing their commitment, asking if their faith is genuine.
2. Jesus does not change His message to keep followers.
   • Many had walked away because His words were hard to accept, but Jesus did not soften His teaching.
   • He cared more about truth than about popularity.
3. This is a moment of decision for the disciples.
   • They had been following Jesus for some time, but now their commitment would be tested.
   • Would they stay even when others left? Would they trust Him even when they didn’t fully understand?

Jesus’ question is not just for the Twelve—it is a question every believer must answer: Will we stay with Jesus, even when following Him is difficult?

Historical Context

1. Many followed Jesus for the wrong reasons.
   • Earlier in John 6, Jesus miraculously fed 5,000 people (John 6:1-14).
   • Many followed Him only for food and miracles (John 6:26).
2. Jesus’ teaching offended many.
   • He had just said that people must eat His flesh and drink His blood (John 6:53-58).
   • The Jews misunderstood Him, thinking He meant this literally.
   • Instead of trusting Him, many walked away (John 6:66).
3. This was a defining moment for Jesus’ inner circle.
   • Would they follow the crowd and leave, or would they trust in Jesus no matter what?
   • Their decision here would shape their future as His closest followers.

Jesus’ question comes at a turning point—this is where true disciples are separated from those who were just following for convenience.

Theological Implications

1. True faith is tested in difficult moments.
   • It is easy to follow Jesus when things are going well, but what happens when He asks us to trust Him beyond our understanding?
   • Many turned away, but the true disciples stayed.
2. Jesus gives people the freedom to choose.
   • He does not force people to follow Him—He gives them the opportunity to decide.
   • Faith must be a personal decision, not something forced.
3. The cost of discipleship is real.
   • Jesus never promised that following Him would be easy.
   • Many left because they were unwilling to surrender their expectations and trust in Him.

This verse reminds us that real disciples stay, even when following Jesus is hard.

Literary Analysis

1. This verse is a contrast to John 6:66.
   • John 6:66 – Many disciples turned back and stopped following Jesus.
   • John 6:67 – Jesus asks the Twelve if they will also leave.
   • This sets up a clear division between true and false disciples.
2. Jesus asks a question, rather than making a statement.
   • Instead of saying, “You will stay, right?”, He asks, “Do you want to leave too?”
   • This gives His disciples a chance to openly declare their faith.
3. This moment prepares for Peter’s confession of faith.
   • In the next verse (John 6:68), Peter speaks up on behalf of the Twelve and declares that Jesus has the words of eternal life.
   • This makes it clear that true disciples stay because they believe in Jesus fully, not just because of what He gives them.

This verse is written in a way that forces the reader to consider their own response—would they stay or leave?

Biblical Cross-References

• John 6:66 – Many disciples turn back and stop following Jesus.
• John 6:68-69 – Peter responds with faith, declaring that Jesus has the words of eternal life.
• Matthew 10:38 – “Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me.”
• Luke 9:62 – “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”
• 2 Timothy 4:10 – Paul describes a man named Demas who left because he “loved the world” more than Christ.

These verses confirm that true disciples stay with Jesus, while false disciples walk away when things get hard.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

1. We must decide if we will stay with Jesus, even when it is hard.
   • Following Jesus is not always easy—it requires trust, faith, and commitment.
   • When we face challenges, will we stay with Him or turn back?
2. Faith must be personal, not just cultural.
   • Many follow Jesus because it’s what their family or community does.
   • But real discipleship means choosing to follow Him personally, no matter what others do.
3. Jesus’ question applies to us today.
   • When the world rejects Jesus, when His teachings challenge us, when life gets difficult, Jesus asks us:
   • “Do you want to leave too?”
   • How will we answer?

This verse challenges us to make a personal decision to stand with Christ, even if others walk away.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

1. God’s love gives us the freedom to choose.
   • He does not force us to stay—He invites us to make a personal commitment.
2. God’s love remains even when others reject Him.
   • Even though many left, Jesus did not stop loving them—but He also did not change His message to keep them.
3. God desires true disciples, not just followers seeking benefits.
   • He wants people who follow Him because they truly love Him, not just for what He can give them.

This verse shows God’s love is not controlling—it invites, challenges, and calls us to real commitment.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

1. Jesus remains faithful, even when people leave Him.
   • He does not change who He is to keep followers—He remains the same.
2. Jesus invites true commitment, not temporary excitement.
   • The Twelve stayed because they truly believed He was the Son of God.
3. Jesus asks every person to make a decision.
   • Just as He asked the Twelve, He asks each of us: “Will you stay with me?”

Jesus is calling us to be true disciples, not just temporary followers.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What do you think Jesus was feeling when He asked this question?
2. Why did some disciples leave while others stayed?
3. What are some reasons people walk away from Jesus today?
4. How can we stay faithful to Jesus, even when His teachings are difficult?
5. How would you personally answer Jesus’ question: “Do you want to leave too?”