John 6:67
So Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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John 6:67
So Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Jesus asks the Twelve, "Do you want to go away as well?" not because He doubts their loyalty, but with a gentle nudge. The phrasing implies an expectation of a negative answer, highlighting that true commitment isn't forced, but a chosen, willing response, especially when others are turning away.
After Jesus delivered a challenging teaching on eating his flesh and drinking his blood, many of his followers found it too difficult and left. In the face of this widespread defection, Jesus turned to his closest disciples, the twelve, asking if they too intended to abandon him. This moment tests the loyalty of those who remained, as they face the choice of following Christ when others turn away.
Jesus has just watched a huge crowd walk away after a challenging teaching. Now, he turns to his closest followers, the twelve, with a question that cuts to the heart. What does this moment reveal about God's desire for our faith?
A Gentle Inquiry, Not a Demand
When Jesus asks the twelve, "Do you want to go away as well?" (John 6:67), it's not because he's unsure of their loyalty or doesn't know their hearts. He knows! This question is incredibly tender, a direct appeal to their will. Many commentators note that the Greek word used here suggests an expectation of a negative answer – 'Surely you don't want to go, do you?'
Faith is a Choice
This moment underscores a profound truth: genuine faith is never forced. Jesus doesn't manipulate or coerce. He presents himself, his words, and the reality of following him, and then he asks us, 'Will you stay?' He deeply desires us to remain with him, but he allows us the freedom to choose. This isn't just for the original twelve; it’s a question echoing through time to every believer.
In the wake of so many departures, Jesus doesn't abandon his remaining followers. Instead, he issues a pointed question. What makes the faith of the twelve (and ours) able to withstand the storm when others fall away?
Tested Loyalty, Deep Conviction
This wasn't just a casual remark; it was a crucial moment of testing for the twelve apostles. Many had found Jesus' teaching about his flesh and blood too hard to accept (John 6:66). In this context, Jesus' question to the twelve isn't just about whether they'll physically leave, but whether they’ll abandon his message and his mission.
More Than Just Numbers
Jesus wasn't discouraged by the crowd's departure. His focus shifted to those who remained. He’s not concerned with maintaining large numbers for popularity's sake. He’s interested in genuine, committed followers. The response of Peter, speaking for the eleven, reveals the bedrock of their faith: 'Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life' (John 6:68). Their commitment wasn't based on ease or popular opinion, but on an unwavering belief in Jesus' unique authority and the life-giving truth of his message.
The verse occurs immediately after a significant turning point where many followers, unable to accept Jesus' challenging teaching about Himself as the Bread of Life, abandon Him. Jesus' question to the twelve is a poignant moment of testing loyalty amidst widespread defection.
c. AD 28-30— this verse
Jesus' Ministry in Galilee
Jesus conducts His public ministry, teaching, healing, and gathering followers in the region of Galilee. This period sees the feeding of the multitude and Jesus' subsequent discourse.
c. AD 29
Feeding of the Five Thousand
Jesus miraculously feeds over five thousand men, plus women and children, with only five loaves and two fish. This event draws a large crowd and leads to many seeking Him.
c. AD 29
Jesus Walks on Water
Following the feeding of the five thousand, Jesus walks on water to reach His disciples in their boat, further demonstrating His divine authority.
c. AD 29
Discourse on the Bread of Life
Jesus delivers a profound discourse explaining that He is the true bread from heaven, and that His flesh is life indeed. Many find this teaching difficult and offensive.
This passage presents a stark choice between life and death, similar to Jesus' question, emphasizing that God presents options and individuals must choose their path.
1 Samuel 12:25Samuel warns Israel that if they persist in evil, both they and their king will be swept away, echoing the serious consequences of turning away from God's chosen leadership.
Matthew 16:16Peter's confession here, that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, directly answers Jesus' implied question in John 6:67 and shows the foundation upon which the disciples' loyalty was built.
Acts 1:25After Jesus' ascension, the disciples chose Matthias to replace Judas, demonstrating a commitment to the apostolic calling that began with their decision to remain with Jesus despite others leaving.
1 Corinthians 15:5This verse mentions Jesus appearing to the twelve after the resurrection, highlighting their continued faithfulness and God's affirmation of their choice to stay with Him.
barnesJohn 6:67: "Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?"
The twelve - The twelve apostles. Will ye also go away? - Many apostatized, and it was natural now for Jesus to submit the question to the twelve. "Will you, whom I have chosen, on whom I have bestowed the apostleship, and who have seen the evidence of my Messiahship, will you now also leave me?" This was the time to try them; and it is always a time to try real Christians when many professed disciples become cold and turn back…
vincentJohn 6:67: "Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?"
The twelveJohn assumes that the number is known. It is implied in the twelve baskets of fragments. As in so many other instances in this Gospel, facts of the synoptic narrative are taken for granted as familiar.Will ye also go away? (μὴ καὶ ὑμεῖς θέλετε ὑπάγειν)The interrogative particle μὴ shows that a negative answer is expected. Surely ye will not. Will ye go is not the future tense of the verb to go, but is expresse…
Jesus asks the Twelve, "Do you want to go away as well?" not because He doubts their loyalty, but with a gentle nudge. The phrasing implies an expectation of a negative answer, highlighting that true commitment isn't forced, but a chosen, willing response, especially when others are turning away.
After Jesus delivered a challenging teaching on eating his flesh and drinking his blood, many of his followers found it too difficult and left. In the face of this widespread defection, Jesus turned to his closest disciples, the twelve, asking if they too intended to abandon him. This moment tests the loyalty of those who remained, as they face the choice of following Christ when others turn away.
After Jesus delivered a challenging teaching on eating his flesh and drinking his blood, many of his followers found it too difficult and left. In the face of this widespread defection, Jesus turned to his closest disciples, the twelve, asking if they too intended to abandon him. This moment tests the loyalty of those who remained, as they face the choice of following Christ when others turn away.
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Amidst the departures, Jesus reminds the twelve of their calling. What does this 'choosing' by Jesus mean for our security and purpose, especially when surrounded by doubt and dissent?
Chosen for a Purpose
Jesus’ statement, "Have I not chosen you twelve?" (John 6:70), is a powerful reminder of divine election. This wasn't a random selection. They were chosen by Christ himself, set apart for a specific mission. This choice isn’t based on their merit or performance, but on God's sovereign will and grace.
The Contrast: Chosen and Fallen
Jesus immediately follows this with the stark reality: "And yet one of you is a devil." This highlights a critical theological point: divine election does not guarantee human perseverance without a genuine response of faith. While God’s choice is sure, our participation in His grace requires a willing heart. This doesn’t negate the security of the true believer, but it emphasizes that the grace to 'go away' or 'stay' is ultimately rooted in God's enabling power, a power He grants to those He has truly chosen and who truly believe.
c. AD 29
Many Disciples Depart
Due to the challenging nature of Jesus' teaching, many of His followers turn back and no longer walk with Him. This creates a crisis of commitment.
"So Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?”" — Jesus asks the Twelve, "Do you want to go away as well?" not because He doubts their loyalty, but with a gentle nudge. The phrasing implies an expectation of a negative answer, highlighting that true…