John Chapter 6 is a lot like John 3 where much could be said about it and barley scratch the surface of what is there. So I wanted to focus again on the crowds. Again they are with Jesus because of the signs he was doing. The language here does not signify genuine faith it actually mirrors the language of John 2, where the people have faith (epistos) and Jesus does not trust himself to that faith. Again it would be easy to cry out "cynic." Especially when you see how this first part of the chapter ends. The people are so grateful at Jesus multiplying the loaves, Jesus actually fears they might try to make him king and he has to retreat.
But look at the end of the chapter. It says that all but the twelve stop following him and go away. There where probably 15000 people there and only twelve remain after he says something difficult. 0.1 percent stay. This would kill most movements and devastate most leaders. Not Jesus, he knew not to trust the crowds. He knew the hearts of men. The crowd is a fickle mistress, let us follow our Lord's example and be weary of their praise.
Sola Fide!
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