Hello, Cherished Friends and Church Family,
There is a fascinating and unusual passage of Scripture found in the gospel of John, chapter 6. Jesus began to introduce some hard teachings about what lay ahead for him and for those who would follow him. Near the end of the chapter, we read this significant verse: “When many of his disciples heard this, they said, ‘This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?'” (John 6:60).
The text goes on to say, “Because of this, many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him” (John 6:66). He had been at the peak of his popularity, but now the crowds began to thin, and the twelve members of his inner circle of followers began to be concerned. It’s almost as if Jesus could read what they were thinking, and so Jesus turns to them and says, “Do you want to leave, too?” (John 6:67).
Peter is sitting there listening to all this and here is how he answered Jesus. He said, “Lord, to whom can we go? You alone have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God” (John 6:68-69).
When you decide that you’re going to walk away from Jesus, you have to know what you are walking to. What are you embracing, in place of Jesus? There may be some out there, but I’ve never known anyone to leave Christianity to embrace another belief system. They just drop out — and end up not believing in anything.
Peter understood that following Jesus may be hard, it may be costly, but when he considered the other options, he realized there is no other option. To whom shall I go? Because who else has the words of eternal life? Walking away from Christianity doesn’t clarify anything; we just come back with scars and bruises while we’re still asking the same questions.
You see, no one else is offering you eternal life. If you’re a Christian, then you have come to know that there is one who makes a way for you to receive eternal life. Sure, it will be hard sometimes; you’ll be asked to do a lot, to give a lot, and to live a different way. But do you know what hangs in the balance? Do you know what hangs in the balance of your willingness to follow Jesus Christ?
It’s whether or not you hear words of eternal life.
Who else is offering you eternal life?
Bruce Jones, Pastor
Imagine Church
