The disciples did not respond...
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The disciples did not respond well to hard words from Jesus, and neither do we. When we divide the world into believers and non-believers, we forget about a third group -- those who want to believe, but for whom the demands of belief are just too hard. In verse 66, John reminds us of those for whom the road Jesus walked was too rough and rocky. They backed down, withdrew, fell away. Can they return again; do they have a second chance? John doesn't say. In the twelve who remain, Jesus also detects some wavering, for he asks if they, too, want to leave. Peter speaks for them all when he answers, "Lord, to whom shall we go?" Though the way is hard, though they yearn for a more tranquil existence, they simply have no alternative but to follow. When you have experienced the bread of life, when you have let Jesus take his place in your heart, to whom else can you go?
