John 6:60-69

"Therefore many of his disciples, when they heard this, said: "This speech is shocking; who can listen to it?" But Jesus, knowing in himself that his disciples were murmuring about this, said to them: "Does this stumble you? What, therefore, if you should behold the Son of man ascending to where he was before? It is the spirit that is life-giving; the flesh is of no use at all. The sayings that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life. But there are some of you that do not believe." For from the beginning Jesus knew who were the ones not believing and who was the one that would betray him. So he went on to say: "This is why I have said to you, No one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father."

Owing to this many of his disciples went off to the things behind and would no longer walk with him. Therefore Jesus said to the twelve: "You do not want to go also, do you?" Simon Peter answered him: "Lord, whom shall we go away to? You have sayings of everlasting life; and we have believed and come to know that you are the Holy One of God."


This account is talking about the time when Jesus stated that his followers would have to "feed on his flesh and drink his blood, so as to have everlasting life." A number of the disciples misunderstood what Jesus said and thought that he was talking about a literal meaning. They were stumbled and left off from following Jesus.

I thought Jesus' reaction was interesting - he turns to Peter and asks him if he wants to go, as well. I notice that he didn't say to the disciples who remained: "Well, you have to shun those other ones now because they think differently." That is a contrast to what happens in the congregation today, if anyone questions or openly disagrees with a teaching promoted by the Governing Body.

Wallflower

 

Hi Wallflower,
This particular scripture does not deal with shunning/disfellowshiping. It is more about understanding the deeper teachings of Jehovah’s plan for the structure of his organization. The whole of the Israelite nation was an example, or shadow of the kingdom arrangement. These were not all disciples/followers of Jesus, but were what is called “hangers-onâ€. They were Jews, looking for a sign. (Joh. 6:30-31) He had just fed a large crowd on the other side of the lake. These were only looking for more physical food. (Joh. 6:34) As long as the message and promise was appealing to them, they believed. When they asked what God’s will was, he gave them the answer. (Joh. 6:39-40)

That’s not what they wanted to hear. (Joh. 6:41-42) Like many in any religious group, there are those who wish to take advantage of the fellowship of the members, and not necessarily the message. As it is stated, Jesus knew who were true believers and who would betray him. What did it mean when he said, “This is why I have said to you, no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.�

It meant that there were those who were followers, but not for the right reasons. They were not granted by Jehovah. Judas was one of those. And, Jesus knew it. How did Jesus know? (Joh. 12:4-6) Those with little faith in Jesus as the chosen one, left off following him. They chose to leave because they no longer had faith in Jesus. They were not shut out or shunned, or disfellowshiped. Yes, the GB have taken the seat of Moses.(Mt. 23:2) But Paul said, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.†(2 Cor. 5:10 NASB )