"On hearing it, many of his disciples said, 'This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?'...From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.
'You do not want to leave too, do you?' Jesus asked the Twelve. Simon Peter answered him, 'Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God." John 6:60, 66-69
How far are you willing to go with Jesus? Only until it becomes too hard? Or are you willing to go all the way?
The "disciples" who turned back on the occasion recorded in the text were not the last to start and not finish the journey of discipleship with Jesus. Those who turn back often begin with the wrong aim. They only want what Christ can do for them. Once the benefit gained is outweighed by the cost of discipleship they leave the trail.
Peter on the other hand represents the faithful who stick with Christ when obedience is hard as well as when blessings are abundant. Peter persevered because he had become convinced of who Jesus is and that the only life worth having comes through following Him.
If we are going to be in company with Peter then we must move from one who has set out on the journey with personal benefit in mind to one who has become so convinced of Jesus that we could not do anything other than follow Him. Are you there yet?
Father, I want to go all the way with Jesus through this life. Deepen my conviction of who He is and strengthen me for "hard" obedience.
I'm praying for you.
Pastor Mark
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