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Commentaries
English
John
  
66After this many of his disciples drew back and no longer went about with him.67Jesus said to the twelve, "Will you also go away?"


The miracle of the feeding of the five thousand created mass enthusiasm. However, Jesus showed up the deceit behind this enthusiasm, which was to lead many away from him. He does not want superficial zeal or piety, or mere credence for a dubious purpose. He desires a second birth, a sincere faith yielded to him without holding back. At the same time spies from the High Council in Jerusalem infiltrated his followers. They threatened those loyal with expulsion from Judaism, if they persisted in following the one they called the deluder. Many in Capernaum turned away, so that the masses of common folk turned against him. Even the faithful feared the authority of the Council. They felt that Jesus’ creed was extreme. Only a small minority of sincere followers stayed with him. The Lord was sifting the wheat from the chaff.
Prior to this, Christ had chosen twelve apostles from among his followers, reflecting the twelve tribes of his people. This number is made up of 3 x 4 representing heaven and earth, or more precisely, the Holy Trinity and the four corners of the earth. Thus, in his circle of disciples heaven and earth are intertwined.
After the parting, Jesus further tested his chosen ones, to confirm their call and said, "Do you also want to leave me?" With this question he constrained his disciples to decide their future course. In this way he asks you and your friends in anxious times and hours of persecution, do you wish to leave him or to stick by him? Which is more vital, traditions, emotions, logic or material security on the one hand, or your relation with Jesus?