Do you also want to go away?

READ: 1 Kings 7, 8 ; Psalm 147 ; John 6: 41-71

SCRIPTURE: John 6: 63 The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life.

OBSERVATION: When Jesus spoke of the spiritual truth that his flesh and blood are the source of life, there was a commotion among the Jews who were in the synagogue. Many of Jesus’ disciples (this means that apart from the twelve disciples, Jesus had many other disciples) also said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?” Let us be clear: Jesus’ teaching is not hard to understand. But accepting and believing it could be difficult. As Jesus repeatedly emphasized, it is the work of the Father who enables a person to accept and to believe Jesus.

In John 6:63, Jesus says of the difference between the spiritual life and carnal life (See Jn.3:6). Jesus’ words are not empty talks; “they are full of the Spirit and life.” However, not all who heard Jesus’ words did not believe him. Only those who allow the Holy Spirit to quicken their heart accept Jesus and receive eternal life. Without understanding Jesus’ words, many of his disciples departed from him. They may have felt that Jesus’ teaching was not only hard to accept, offensive as well. They may have different expectations about Jesus. However, when Jesus asked his twelve disciples whether they also wanted to go away from him, Peter rightly said, “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).  If we follow Jesus only for miracles and for our earthly life, his teaching would be difficult to accept. If we follow him for eternal life, we will find the strength  for our spiritual life in him and his words. 

APPLICATION: My willingness to accept Jesus’ words plays an important role in my spiritual life. I need to understand the importance of spiritual life and the uselessness of worldly life. Jesus is the life-giver. Mere understanding of Jesus’ words is not enough. I need to believe Jesus’ words. Believing Jesus' words helps me to know who he is. He is “the Holy One of God.” For eternal words and life, to whom shall I go other than Jesus?  

PRAYER: Jesus, thank you for your life-giving words. Lord help me to believe your words not only for physical life but for eternal life. There is none like you.  Help me to meditate on your words everyday to receive the strength for a healthy spiritual life that never moves away from you . Amen.

 - Arputharaj Samuel +91 9538328573