Many of His disciples turned back.

John 6:65-66, And he said, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.” After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him.

Jesus knew that there were those who would not accept His teaching; he wasåç not talking about life in the flesh, but life in the spirit: “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.” His disciples did not want to go away, for they knew that He had the words of eternal life. We don’t see Jesus running after those who left trying to convince them to come back, we glimpse one of the great mysteries of faith: “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.” This leaves us no room for arrogance. Why me? Why you? Why not him?

We who believe join with Peter in humbly proclaiming: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.”

ESV Lectionary