Study 5 – John 6 verses 66-69

Desertion and Decision-time

 

1. There are two kinds of “disciples” as shown in this passage. See also chapter 2 verses 23-25:
   

   These “disciples” who turned back from following Jesus said “this is a hard saying. Who can hear it?” Was it that they did not understand what he was saying, or was it that what they understood about him was unacceptable to them? Explain.
   Using Matthew 13 verses 18-23 the sermon spoke about three kinds of “disciples” who turn back from following Jesus,. These were “surface only”, “shallow root” and “worldly” disciples. Turn to that passage in Matthew and discuss how each of these three differs from true disciples.

2. In John 1:38, 6:67, 13:12 and 21:15-17, we find Jesus putting testing questions to his disciples. Why does our allegiance to Jesus need to be tested?
3. Peter’s answer in verses 68-69 is a wonderful confession. 
   

   Why is it “to whom shall we go”? (Clue: we are not saved by an “ism”) 
   What would you say to someone who told you “If you believe in the Bible and go to church you are a Christian”?
   What is it that makes Jesus unique according to verse 68? What does this say about all “alternatives” to Jesus? 
   How would a secularist view of verses 66-69 differ from your own?

4. Why is believing and knowing Jesus to be the “Holy One of God” important to a true disciple?
5. The sermon stated, “Believing and knowing who Jesus is should lead to believing in Jesus and knowing him personally.” Discuss.
6. You have studied the interchange between Peter and Jesus in 1-5 above. Now look at Christ’s words in verses 70-71. How has all this influenced:
   

   your relationship to Jesus;
   your view of what a disciple really is?

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Posted in Study Questions; Posted 7 years ago