Topic:  What is meant in John Ch. 6?

Source of this posting: Moderator response

Date originally posted: November 3, 2003

Moderator who originally posted this source: Fr. Bill Long

Question:   Hi. My question is about John Ch 6. It says that Jesus knew from the very beginning those would not believe, and who would betray him. Is this predestination, and does the Catholic Church believe in predestination? Jesus later says that he chose the twelve even though he knew that one would betray him - why would Jesus do that? And why does Jesus say in Lk 5.39 that the old wine is better?Thanks.

Answer: 

Bethany,
In the sense that all things are foreknown by God, that is a constant theme in the scriptures.
Why would Jesus choose someone that betrayed him? Jesus chooses all of us, it us up to us to respond. Even those close to Jesus can betray him.
Luke 5:39 is meant to be ironic and offers an explanation for the rejection of some of the new wine that Jesus offers!
Thanks for the questions.
God bless