(The following is the April 13 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read John 6 and pay close attention to verses 60-69.)
John records a moment when many of Jesus’ disciples stopped following him. His comments about eating his flesh and drinking his blood were particularly problematic. The thought would have been disgusting, especially before they understood how Jesus would die and the significance of remembering his sacrifice regularly in the church through the Lord’s Supper. “When many of his disciples heard this, they said, ‘This teaching is hard. Who can accept it?’” (v. 60). After more conversation, we learn, “From that moment many of his disciples turned back and no longer accompanied him” (v. 66).
Jesus then asked the twelve apostles, “You don’t want to go away too, do you?” (v. 67). Peter replied with a question and affirmation: “Lord, to whom will we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God” (vv. 68-69). Peter acknowledged the apostles’ utter dependence on Christ. They may not have yet understood everything about his death and resurrection to come, but they understood that only he was worthy of their lives. How could they leave Jesus for anything or anyone else?
Countless distractions, including worthy causes, clamor for our attention. We make choices daily about what is important and how we spend our time. We all give our lives to something or someone. The question is, “to whom will we go?” Will we live for ourselves, work, family, friends, ambitions, community, etc., or will we prioritize serving and honoring Christ?
We must not turn away from Jesus when life gets hard or faith seems challenging. Like Peter, our conviction must be that Jesus is the Holy One of God, and only he is worthy of giving our all.
Next Step:
What would your life be like without Christ? Can you even imagine that scenario? Thank God if he has called you from death to life and if you know the One who has the words of eternal life. Cherish him.
