“Are you also going to leave?”
Jesus Christ
“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.”
Peter
Thoughts
John 6 • This chapter is full of so many good things. So many that I know I can never come close to “unpacking” all the truths and lessons. Peter has just witnessed Jesus feed several thousand people with a few fish and loaf of bread. He witnessed him walk on the Sea of Galilee, calm a storm, and was personally supernaturally transported to another place. He heard Jesus teach that his body was bread and his blood was life; a meal that Peter must eat if he wanted to live eternally.
Peter probably (my opinion) did not understand that Jesus was speaking metaphorically and I am sure he did not comprehend the ultimate sacrifice of body and blood that Jesus would offer. Yet, Peter still felt drawn to Jesus; an attraction that would continue to grow throughout his life. Others around Jesus began to abandon him; unable to understand the eternal truths that Jesus was teaching and unwilling to acknowledge him as the Son of God.
But Peter was going no where; the verses today give us a glimpse into a conversation between him and Jesus. It is a poignant ending to a great chapter! Peter believed “who” Jesus was; not fully understanding in his mind, but certainly following his heart that was being called and led by the Holy Spirit. He had seen the miracles and heard the message; he believed.
It is Peter’s response to Jesus’ question that really haunts me; “Lord, to whom would we go”? When I read it I think of a man who has seen all that life “throws” at someone. He was a blue collar worker; a fisherman. Long hard days and cold nights was what he was used to. People, position, and power did not impress him; yet he yearned for something more.
Peter was drawn to Jesus (v. 44 “For no one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them to me”), as a matter of fact Jesus speaks of this “drawing” no fewer than four times in this chapter (vv. 37,39,44,65). I don’t fully understand this concept of some being drawn to Jesus and others not; but I can testify that I have no memory of NOT being drawn to God. My earliest recollections as a child are of wondering who God was and not wanting my actions to upset or cause him anger.
Just like Peter, I came to place in my life when I quit wondering or worrying about God. When the Holy Spirit asked me if my desire to follow Jesus was real, I responded in my spirit, “Who else can I turn too, where else can I go?”
“I hear your complaining. Does what I say offend you? Then what will you think if you see the Son of Man ascend to heaven again? The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life.” Jesus Christ