Discipleship with Nowhere Else to go to
Rev. Enoch Thompson | April 15, 2024 | John 6:66-70
KEY VERSE:
⁶⁸Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. ⁶⁹ We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God." John 6:68-69 (NIV)
MESSAGE:
The freewill of the human beings makes us free indeed to choose to follow the Lord Jesus or not to follow Him. Some have for all intents and purposes followed Christ and His teachings, but who for some reason at later times have declared non-loyalty to Him. Some raise questions as to whether they were following Him at all to start with.
John 6:67 (NIV) indicates that “From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.” Who were these “disciples”? Was the term here used loosely to refer to the crowds or to some who had been part of the intimate group? Well, we are to see in verse 67 that there were the Twelve, an inner core of committed ones (even though we will see in verse 70 that Judas Iscariot who did not leave with the other “disciples” physically, had a heart that would turn against the Master, and betray Him).
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Are you a “disciple” or a disciple? Yes, are you following the Lord Jesus Christ to the point that there is nowhere else to turn to, even when offered the chance? When tempted to turn away from Christ Jesus, respond like Peter, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God."
PRAYER:
Dear Lord Jesus, how it must have hurt you to see those disciples leave. But how much more it hurts you, when I, by word or deed show that I have moved away from you. Please help me to be steadfast in my faith commitment, and my walk with you. Please help all others who are tempted to walk away from you. For your dear Name’s sake, Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
DAILY word study: TO WHOM The phrase "to whom" in Greek is translated as "πρὸς τίνα" (pros tina), which denotes direction or orientation towards someone or something. Peter's question signifies a sense of commitment and dependence on Jesus alone as the source of truth, wisdom, and eternal life.
Peter's confession highlights the central importance of Jesus in the lives of His followers. It underscores the foundational truth that Jesus alone possesses the words of eternal life and that faith in Him is essential for salvation.
Reflections: Do we wholeheartedly trust in Him as the Holy One of God and the source of eternal life? Are we willing to follow Him faithfully, even when faced with challenges or doubts? How can we deepen our relationship with Jesus and grow in our understanding of His significance in our lives?
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