If Matthew 5:48 is any indication, Jesus had high expectations for his followers. Hard teachings like Matthew 19:16-25 even made Jesus’ own disciples question their faith. Thus, to meet his lofty goal, Jesus selected 12 men, giving each special authority to act on his behalf, like an ambassador, Matthew 10:1. During their initial trial run which began in Mark 6:7, it appears by remarks made in Mark 9:14-29 that success didn’t always came easy or in this case, not at all. When all your attempts to please your boss, mentor and teacher fail, some fall by the wayside, John 12:6.
Meanwhile, Luke 10:1-20 implies an addition 72 disciples were appointed by Jesus and given similar responsibilities like the more famous 12. Since the first 12 Jesus called are sent out in Luke 9:1-9, Luke is not repeating himself by accident. Rather, Luke 10:17 suggests Jesus delegated an identical power to these men who were able to cast out demons, possibly healing others as well. However, when the crowds following Jesus grew beyond a reasonable limit, Jesus offered up the words of Luke 14:25-35 to communicate his standards and necessary sacrifices to maintain for the long haul. While none are mentioned to have left there on the spot, logic says people began to second guess their stance or commitment level.
The decision within the minds of many followers came to a climax in John 6:25-66. Jesus used the feeding of the 5,000 as a teachable moment, to further people’s understanding of who he was, “the bread of life,” John 6:51. Just as Jesus’ words puzzled Nicodemus in John 3:4, many disciples were left dazed, unable to grasp this spiritual message. This difficult teaching lead to grumbling among the ranks of the disciples according to John 6:60-61. While no names are given, John 6:66 clearly states that many of the 72 and possibly other categories of disciples abandoned Jesus. This is the day, prior to Jesus’ last Passover on earth, when the others fell away.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 