Thursday, August 20, 2009

Reflection on John 6:56-69

Scripture
Simon Peter answered, “Lord to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”

Observation
Some of the disciples started grumbling about Jesus' teaching about eating His flesh and drinking His blood. They found Him offensive.

Jesus placed the choice before them- these are the words of life. Take it or leave it.

John is very clear that Jesus knew who His true followers were. Some who were not true disciples gave up on Him and refused to follow Him.

Jesus must have been rather discouraged by this. He turned to Peter and asked him, “What about you Peter?”

Peter replied, “Where can we go? You have the words of eternal life.”

Application
Sometimes it is really hard to follow Jesus. His directions, His doctrines bad His specific guidance for us seem to cause us distress.

We find it hard to understand God's ways.

At times we are offended by Him.

True disciples recognise the tensions in following Jesus, but trust that He has it all worked out.

I might not always like the path that God is leading me along. But like Peter I ask “Where else can I go?” The way of Jesus may seem difficult or confusing at times, but the choice of not following is even harder. Do I really want to give up on eternal life? Do I really want to go back to a life with no purpose?

Prayer
Thank you Lord that you are the Way, the Truth and the Life. I don't always understand your ways but I trust that your way is better for me than any way I could devise myself. When I'm tempted to be exasperated, Lord help me to remember that your ways are higher than my ways. Amen.


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