Jesus Christ is one of the most influential religious figures in history. He attracted a lot of followers during his time, but not everyone stayed by his side.
In fact, many of his disciples left him for various reasons. Let’s take a closer look at why this happened.
The Context
Jesus was born into a Jewish family and grew up practicing Judaism. He began preaching and teaching in his early 30s, attracting a lot of attention from people who were looking for hope and salvation. Jesus claimed to be the Son of God and promised eternal life to those who believed in him.
The Miracles
One of the main reasons that people followed Jesus was because of the miracles that he performed. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, and even raised the dead. These acts were seen as proof of his divine nature and drew many people to him.
The Teachings
In addition to performing miracles, Jesus also taught about love, forgiveness, and compassion. His message was one of hope and salvation for all who believed in him. Many people found comfort in his teachings and were inspired to follow him.
The Controversy
However, not everyone was pleased with Jesus’ message. The religious leaders of the time saw him as a threat to their authority and accused him of blasphemy. They also didn’t agree with some of his teachings, such as forgiving sins or healing on the Sabbath.
John 6:66-68
As a result of this controversy, many disciples began to leave Jesus. In John 6:66-68, it says “From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.” This was after Jesus had given a difficult teaching about eating his flesh and drinking his blood.
Lack Of Understanding
Another reason that some of Jesus’ disciples left him was because they didn’t fully understand his message. In Matthew 13:10-17, Jesus explains that not everyone will understand his teachings. Some people will hear but not truly listen, while others will be blinded by their own beliefs.
The Betrayal
Finally, one of Jesus’ own disciples betrayed him. Judas Iscariot agreed to hand over Jesus to the authorities in exchange for money. This act led to Jesus’ arrest and eventual crucifixion.
The Conclusion
In conclusion, many disciples left Jesus for various reasons. Some were drawn away by controversy or a lack of understanding, while others betrayed him. Despite this, Jesus’ message has endured and continues to inspire people all over the world today.