As I read the Gospels, it intrigues me of how closely the disciples disposition directly correlates to our tendencies here in the 21st Century.

 

Let me explain.

 

Jesus went about doing good, healing all who were sick and diseased, casting out devils, teaching in synagogues, temples, and in the Marketplace. 

 

Naturally, a crowd took up the wonderful opportunity to see The Son of God in action.

 

Within the crowds, were a diversity of people; tax collectors, Pharisees, scribes, onlookers, the ones being ministered to, and disciples.

 

Though Jesus did some really amazing things in the way of manifesting The Kingdom of God on earth through His ministry, Jesus often would say some pretty hard things.

 

His teaching ministry  was earmarked by parables, short stories about their way of life that illuminated a kingdom concept. Giving the ones who heard Him clarity in “seeing” what He was saying. 

 

In John 6, Jesus begins illuminating the correlation between the manna that came from Heaven in the Old Testament, and HIM being the Bread of Heaven in the Present. 

 

As He is speaking about His impending sacrifice, He details the fact that, just as the people of old ate of the manna that was provided from Heaven and were full, all who would eat of His flesh, and drink of His blood would have even more than physical sustenance; they would obtain eternal fellowship and life with Him and Father God (YHWH).

 

Jesus, of course, speaking allegorically and symbolically, of those who would consume His words, accept the reality of His Identity and Position as Messiah and King, make Him apart of themselves, give way to His teaching as Bread that comes directly from Heaven; that they themselves, would enter into an eternal Hope of strength, communion, and intimacy with Him and The Father.

 

We would think that the point would land for the believers…But it didn’t go too well.

 

“At this point many of his disciples turned away and deserted him.” John 6:66

 

Isn’t that just like us many times? When there is a hard truth, or a misunderstanding, or a disagreement with truth, we turn away, desert the truth! Even after all that we have seen, experienced, and observed!

 

Often, the tough truth reveals the character and motive of a person.

 

I remember hearing my mentor say, “good times don’t reveal who you have in your life, it’s the bad times that do that!”

 

Take note, that everyone  can be with you in the mountain tops of life, but no many will tolerate you in the valleys of life.

 

After that saying, many disciples, not all, but many desert Him..

 

Then Jesus turned to the Twelve and asked, “Are you also going to leave?” 

 

Isn’t that interesting? As people are leaving, Jesus turns to the ones that remain and challenge them. Almost likened into a testing of their stance with what He said.

 

Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God. ””

‭‭John‬ ‭6:66-69‬ ‭NLT‬‬

 

Peter, as you know has said some really “off things” in his time with Jesus, had done some really “off things”, but in this passage, He was spot on to where I believe many of us must return to and remain at.

 

“Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life!!”

 

This disposition and faith is what Christ Is coming back to look for in His church ! (Luke 18:8)

 

A disposition of patient endurance as tribulation rises around us, a faithful heart to complete the work He has given us, and discerning spirit to know who is from God and who is not, a prayerful life that is given to inviting Him into our midst and circumstances, and a faith FILLED and submitted heart that recognize that we have been given the Bread of Life, a new covenant written in His blood, and a Newness of life as we trust Him!!

 

The days ahead may be difficult. They may be something that we have never experienced before, but we can trust in the Savior, Who is our Daily Bread.

He will sustain us, protect us, keep us, and give us His Peace.

So, to answer the question, “where do we go from here?” We don’t run FROM Him like those early disciples. No, we Run TO Him, receive from Him, trust in Him. Jesus, Who is our Lord, our Savior, and Peace.

 

Grace and Peace

 -AT