Many Disciples Turn Back

(Matthew 8:18–22; Luke 9:57–62; Luke 14:25–33)

59 [Jesus] said this while teaching in [the] synagogue in Capernaum. 60 On hearing [it], many of His disciples said, “This is a difficult teaching. Who can accept it?”

61 Aware that His disciples were grumbling about this [ teaching ], Jesus asked them, “{Does} this offend you? 62 Then what [ will happen ] if you see the Son of Man ascend to where He was before?

63 The Spirit gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. 64 However, there are some of you who do not believe.” (For Jesus had known from [the] beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray Him.)

65 Then [Jesus] said, “This is why I told you that no one can come to Me unless the Father has granted it to him.”

66 From that [time on] many of His disciples turned back and no longer walked with Him.