[rwfromkansas]

Very detailed analysis.

BUT, the verse specifically says the problem with wanting to become a disciple is that they did not want to BELIEVE HE WAS THE SON OF GOD. They did not believe because they have to be drawn and they were not. Therefore, they are also not disciples.

This has eternal relevance and meaning for us regardless of context.

[so_real]

BUT, the verse specifically says the problem with wanting to become a disciple is that they did not want to BELIEVE HE WAS THE SON OF GOD.

They had doubts that Jesus was the Son of God, but Jesus was entirely capable of teaching and convincing them otherwise -- He was God after all. But that would have been contrary to the will of the Father. The twelve whom the Father had drawn and given Him did not require convincing; so Jesus refused to "prove" himself to the rest gathered as they had requested. Instead He cast them away, but first He paved the way (in part by shocking them so thoroughly with the talk of the Eucharist) for them to later come to understanding and accept Him (remember the will of the Father in John 6:40).

They did not believe because they have to be drawn and they were not.

In this I agree with you. The twelve did have to be drawn by the Father and given to Jesus. Absolutely. Put yourself in the shoes of an Old Covenant Jew. You've been expecting the Christ to come in power to rule and instead this Jesus character comes humbled to serve. The ability to work miracles would not convince you, as Abraham (purely man) had provided manna from God in Heaven. You (and I for that matter) would have been among those asking Jesus for "proof" -- unless we had first been drawn and given to Jesus by the Father.

This has eternal relevance and meaning for us regardless of context.

Again, I agree completely.