How Long Will You Follow?

Friday, February 11, 2011

Reading: John 6:60-71

Reflection: There are three statements in this reading that are both challenging and disturbing. The first of those is when the disciples state, "This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?" In other words, the honeymoon is over. The disciples were apparently willing to follow so long as the miracles were plentiful and the teaching was easy. However, the teaching has now become difficult. In fact, so difficult that unless a person is drawn by the Father and led by the Spirit, they will not be able to embrace it. Now, the challenge for me is to ask myself if I am drawn by the Father and led by the Spirit. The disturbing part is that there were many who had been following Jesus who apparently were doing so in the flesh only. It appears that it is possible to follow for a while...in the strength of the flesh...but a point will come where the flesh is not strong enough and it will begin to question just how profitable it is to follow this Jesus.

This brings me to the second disturbing statement. John records that "from this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him." Did you hear that? In the Bible, the word repent means to turn around and go in an opposite direction. That is what these so called disciples actually did to Jesus. They didn't just struggle with doubts. They actually repented from their decision to follow Jesus, turned around, and walked away. What a challenge for me. Do I have a price tag for following Jesus? Is there a teaching or price which I am unwilling to endure to follow Jesus? Will I follow hard after Jesus no matter what, or will I cash it in and walk away when the road gets difficult?

Finally, this act of walking away is pictured for us as a betrayal. John records the fact that Jesus knew from the very beginning that some of His disciples would betray him. Thus, walking away from Jesus is not viewed as a reevaluation of one's life...it is a betrayal of God and His chosen servant. When we begin to follow Jesus and later change our minds, its just as bad as Judas handing Jesus over. Both are viewed as a serious betrayal of trust. May God give me His Holy Spirit that will strengthen me to follow Jesus no matter how hard the teachings become, no matter how difficult the road becomes, and no matter how many of my friends may walk away. May I be faithful to the one who has the words of life!