In this passage we see 1) the crowds desertion, set in contrast to 2) Peter’s declaration. The crowds are offended by Jesus’ teaching and “turn back and no longer walked with him” (v 66). Jesus’ challenging teaching sifts out the committed followers from the casual, the true disciples from the false. In contrast to the crowds, Peter and the other remaining disciples stand firm in their faith, against the current of popular opinion about Jesus. And, Jesus reminds his disciples that in the end, it is not their feeble grip on him that keeps them secure in their salvation, but his powerful grip on them.