God’s Mission
John 6:60-71
Many Disciples Desert Jesus
60 On hearing it [Jesus' instruction to eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of Man], many of his disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?”
61 Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, “Does this offend you? 62 Then what if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before! 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. 64 Yet there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him. 65 He went on to say, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled them.”
66 From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.
67 “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve.
68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.”
70 Then Jesus replied, “Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!” 71 (He meant Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, who, though one of the Twelve, was later to betray him.)
God’s mission this week is seen through the need to enter the narrow door – or gate or if you prefer.
To enter through the door is parallel with coming to God through Jesus and becoming united with the Father. Through Jesus we access to the Father. You don’t get there without Him. In fact, Peter says in Acts 4:12 that there is no other name under heaven by which anyone can be saved.
This teaching is offensive to many today. But that’s not new. It was offensive back in Jesus’ day too! Jesus had a few teachings that were so offensive they drove people away. But like a true disciple, Peter said something like “hard teachings or not, where else can we go? You got the words of life. We know that You are the Holy One of God – we’re still in”.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, Your words are full of life and Spirit. I believe this and pray that You would have Your Word and Spirit breathe life and spirit into me – even through the hard teachings. Like Peter and the other disciples, help me to stay with You even in the hard times; and help me to say as a disciple of today, “ Lord to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” Amen.
Micro-Meditation Scripture
Psalm 119:9-16 (Beth)
- How can a young person keep his way pure?
By living according to your word. - I seek you with all my heart;
do not let me stray from your commands. - I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you. - Praise be to you, LORD;
teach me your decrees. - With my lips I recount
all the laws that come from your mouth. - I rejoice in following your statutes
as one rejoices in great riches. - I meditate on your precepts
and consider your ways. - I delight in your decrees;
I will not neglect your word
Micro-Meditation
Teaching or Command of God
Hebrews 13:4
Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.
Matthew 5:8
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Micro-Meditation
Pondering Point
When you consider the words pure and straying in your life, what do they stir up in you?
Why?
What does purity (Psalm 119 verse 9) look like in your life?