Christ in the Synagogue
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them that it was not his human flesh that would give life eternal, but
faith in his words and in the efficacy of the sacrifice he was to make
for the world. His teaching and example, his life and death, were
the heavenly food that was to give them spiritual life and vigor. He
reproved them because they had murmured when he said that he had
come down from Heaven. If they were not able to receive this truth,
how would it be when he ascended before their eyes to that Heaven
from whence he came?
Jesus knew that many followed him who hoped to receive temporal
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favors thereby. They looked for him to work some miracle that would
benefit them; but especially did they hope that he would eventually
free them from the Roman yoke. He also knew that there was one near
who would betray him. He told them that there were some among them
who believed not. “And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no
man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.”
He wished them to understand that their hearts must be open to the
Spirit of God before they could be drawn to him by faith. They must
be willing to have their errors reproved, to eschew evil, and lead holy
lives. The unbelief existing among the priests and rulers influenced the
people to be hesitating and doubtful. Jesus had given them sufficient
proof of his divinity; but their incredulous minds were ever seeking to
explain away his wonderful works. They reasoned that the disciples
might have been under a delusion when they saw him walking upon
the water.
True, they could not but admit that he had performed many mirac-
ulous cures, and plentifully fed a vast multitude from five loaves and
two small fishes; but their dissatisfied hearts queried, if he could do
these wonders, why might he not give health, strength, and riches to all
his people, free them from their oppressors, and exalt them to power
and honor? Then they would believe on him and glorify his name.
Thus they allowed themselves to be bound by unbelief and discontent.
Their gross minds refused to comprehend the meaning of his words, “I
am the bread which came down from Heaven.” His doctrine was too
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pure and exalted to attract their carnal hearts.
This discourse of Jesus cooled the enthusiasm of the people. If, by
becoming his disciples, they must live righteous lives, deny self, and
suffer humiliation, they had no desire to rally under his banner. Alas
for Israel! They knew not the time of their visitation! They refused