John 6:2 informs us that the crowd followed Jesus around because of the miraculous healings he performed. Surely they must all be dedicated followers to leave their homes behind and give so much time to hearing his teachings? Yet, in this passage, Jesus cuts to the chase and explains things for what they really are. He tells them what they’re too blind to see, or proud to admit. They follow him because he is beneficial to them. They like the miracles and free food. So, he tells them, they don’t truly need the material things he’s providing them, but spiritual things. They need eternal life which is available to them through him (6:51). This is because “the Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing” (6:63).
In many ways, Jesus was not a people pleaser. He delivered messages that were sometimes very difficult to hear and hard to understand. This passage expresses that Jesus even knew who believed and who didn’t. It’s as if he’s trying to weed them out by saying such forward things. It’s like he’s trying to make them aware of their unbelief rather than convince them to believe. Verse 66 tells us that many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him from that point on. It’s then that he turns to his chosen twelve and addresses them personally. Would they do the same? We only know Peter’s response, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God" (6:68-69). Here Peter takes a stand, he states his choice of belief. More importantly, he makes the connection Jesus is the one whom will provide them with eternal life. He understands that Jesus is sent by God to do his will.

John 6:22, John 6:26, John 6:35-38, John 6:39, John 6:40, John 6:41, John 6:42, John 6:43, John 6:44, John 6:45, John 6:46, John 6:47, John 6:48, John 6:49, John 6:50, John 6:51, John 6:52, John 6:53, John 6:54, John 6:55, John 6:56, John 6:57, John 6:58, John 6:59, John 6:60-65, John 6:66 and John 6:67-69