The test was too great. The enthusiasm of those who had sought to take Jesus by force and make Him king grew cold. This discourse had opened their eyes. No earthly rewards were to be realized from connection with Him. They had welcomed His miracle-working power but would not come into sympathy with His self-sacrificing life. If He would not obtain their freedom from the Romans, they would have nothing to do with Him. HLv 260.3
Jesus told them plainly, “There are some of you that believe not,” adding, “Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto Me, except it were given unto him of My Father.” If they were not drawn to Him, it was because their hearts were not open to the Holy Spirit. HLv 260.4
By the public rebuke of their unbelief, these disciples were still further alienated from Jesus. Wishing to wound the Saviour and gratify the malice of the Pharisees, they turned their backs on Him and left Him with disdain. They had made their choice; they walked no more with Jesus. HLv 260.5
By the words of truth, the chaff was being separated from the wheat. See Matthew 3:12. Because they were too self-righteous to receive reproof, many turned away. Souls are tested today as were those disciples in the synagogue at Capernaum. When truth is brought home to the heart, they see the need of an entire change, but are not willing to take up the self-denying work. They go away offended, murmuring, “This is an hard saying; who can hear it?” HLv 261.1