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Commentaries
English
John
  
5. The sifting out of the disciples
(John 6:59-71)
59This he said in the synagogue, as he taught at Capernaum.60Many of his disciples, when they heard it, said, "This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?"


This discourse on the bread of God and the feeding on Jesus’ body was delivered on different occasions. He repeated some themes and deepened the content gradually. John, however, collected the discussions into one collection. We see Jesus in the synagogue at Capernaum teaching his audience indirectly that he is better than Moses, and that all believers should partake in his body and blood.
Such a revelation was beyond the grasp even of his loyal followers. They began to question and raise doubts. They had resolved to obey God and to serve him, but they were confused by the absurdity of body and blood being eaten and drunk. At the height of their bewilderment the Lord mercifully opened the minds of his faithful followers, to grasp the parable of the Bread of Life.