John tells us that many disciples heard
the tough words of Jesus and found it too hard to swallow. So they withdrew
from Him and no longer walked with Him. Essentially, Jesus was pressing the
people on the necessity to believe in Him. Yet we need to know that nothing deceives
Him. While many would be hoodwinked by outward show of believe, Christ would never
be deceived by outward show devoid of inward reality. Though one may pose to give
the impression of a genuine disciple, Christ can never be misled. Just in case
some may conclude that one can remain passive, since it’s the Father that will
draw us, we must perish that thought. We must remember that seeking God, and
His drawing us to Himself, actually work hand in hand. Jesus will never deny
any sincere seeker but we must sincerely draw near. As we sincerely seek Him,
He will continue to encourage us by drawing near to us. That’s what James has
said: “Draw nigh to God and He will draw nigh to thee.”
In verse 67, Jesus turned to the
Twelve and ask if they would also depart from Him. He is also asking us this question
today. For one thing, He has no desire for unwilling followers. His question
was a challenge and not a test. It is easy to follow the crowd and popular
opinions. The question is this: when the going gets tough will we be willing to
follow on? Our steadfastness in Him during trying times is a clear indicator of
purpose and intention. We need to pray
for grace and strength to remain faithful to Him no matter what.
Simon Peter, one of the Twelve,
bless his heart, responded to Him saying, “…Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou
hast the words of eternal life.” There were many who were attracted by His miracles,
but repelled by His teaching. Speaking on the apostles behalf, Peter made known
that they were unlike the rest. They were not drawn by the supernatural miracles
of Jesus, they were drawn by His life enriching Word. Peter had not only listened
with his physical ear only, he had also attended to Christ’s words with his
spiritual ear. Those words that Jesus had spoken had sunk deep into their
hearts. So as a genuine disciple of Christ, he believed and was fully convinced
that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God. Like Peter, we need to believe
the Word of Christ, to be sure. It is by faith that we will understand. When we
believe we will have assurance of the realities. The unbelieving will always remain
in ignorance concerning spiritual things.
Jesus’ response tells us that He has
supernatural knowledge. He told Peter that out of the Twelve He had personally
chosen, one of them would be the instrument of the devil and would betray Him. This
warn us to be careful, lest in our unguarded moments we unwittingly become the
devil’s tool, to inflict pain on the heart of God. Jesus was talking about Judas
Iscariot. He was not deceived by Judas, although the rest of the apostles were.
Remember that verse 71 is John’s comment years later. Christ while talking about
the betrayal, in His grace did not point him out then.
How have these verses challenged us?
For sure they are telling us to be true and to remain true to Christ. Many may
come and go, but we must remain unmoved. We must remain trusting even when
truths are hard to hear and harder to apply. We must go on with Him even when
we are snubbed for trusting in Him. And when we remain true to Jesus, we will
find Him true to us. Through it all, we will discover He is moving us in the direction
that make us an instrument for His glory.
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