Written byRayne Paz, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Salvador, Brazil

Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.” (Jn 6:68-69 NIV)

Do you remember what or who led you to Christ? There are many paths that lead someone to know Jesus. Some people knew Him from a young age through their parents or guardians, while others come to know Him as teenagers or adults.

In the verses we will work through today, we will see that some people had the privilege of meeting Christ personally, but there was one common detail: the message was not enough for them to remain with Him. In fact, the message seemed somewhat irrelevant by worldly standards. In John chapter 6 (read the entire chapter), Jesus was becoming known; it was no longer necessary for Him to be introduced to the people who came to Him. He seemed like a good teacher, with good things to offer His followers, especially in the most recent get-together where there was even a free meal. But this time, merely thinking He was a good teacher that shared good physical food was not sufficient to continue following Him. Jesus leaves the carnal sphere and presents to those people the true benefit of following Him. However, it was not exactly what the crowd expected to hear.

Just like those people, we once came to know Christ, perhaps initially through some of His material blessings, but there comes a time when we are confronted with truths that are hard to accept. We are put to the test as to whether we are remaining in Him for the right reasons. There comes a time when we must decide to stay. Jesus’ words confront our deepest convictions, and suddenly we find ourselves giving up what we previously thought in order to believe exclusively in Him.

The word used by one of His followers in verse 60 translated as “hard” comes from the Greek word sklhro/ß (sklēros). It does not mean “hard to understand” but rather “harsh,” “severe,” or “unpleasant.” Therefore, it is not that Christ’s message is incomprehensible to us, but rather that it is uncomfortable to our will; it is disagreeable to “self,” and at times it frustrates our expectations.

Jesus’ words were offensive, not incomprehensible. However, sometimes being offended is necessary to make a decision. Jesus already knows our answer, whether we will follow Him or not, just as He also knew the disciples’ answer. But He wants to hear us say it to others and to ourselves, just as Peter recognized, accepted, and proclaimed that there is no other way (verse 68). Deciding to stay means understanding who Jesus is, His redemptive work, and the plan of salvation. It is looking with spiritual eyes of satiety and contentment at the living and eternal food, not waiting for what we may enjoy in this life that is temporary and useless. Jesus is the food that gives eternal life, satisfying us forever.

There is a Portuguese song that sums this up very well: “Christ offers what He is.” Jesus offered the bread of life because He is life itself. Unfortunately, the people in John 6 were not prepared for this. Life here on earth mattered more to them. 

Some will not bear this truth or will not be willing to give up their convictions in the name of Christ. Like Peter, we must recognize that there is no one else with whom we can completely trust our lives, not because of what He offers, but because of who He is. That moment was an important step for the twelve: becoming a disciple consists of giving up this life and recognizing that outside of Christ there is nowhere to go. 

What about us? Will we decide to stay?