Thursday, May 11, 2017

Thursday, May 11

THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2017

"Simon Peter answered him, 'Lord, to whom shall we go?  You have the words of eternal life.  We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.'" (John 6:68,69)


In today's reading, we find the disciples standing firm, led by Simon Peter, as Jesus faces abandonment from the crowds.  This episode underscores that discipleship involves self-denial and overcoming natural objections to Christ's teaching.  Yet, why would there have been objections?  Didn't the crowds recognize Him for Who He is?

After Jesus's teaching about being the "bread of life," we may imagine that the crowds had two common themes running through their minds:  confusion and indignation.

Their confusion likely arose from the apparent foreignness of this teaching.  Given the revelation that God had captured in the Scriptures and through His prophets, the people of Israel would have struggled to understand the context of Jesus's statements.  He seemed to be indicate a different and direct means of coming to the Father:  through Him.  Some members of the crowd might have wrestled with the compatibility of the Mosaic law and this teaching.  And, practically speaking, how would they "eat" His flesh and "drink" His blood?

At the same time, the crowd would have fought against indignation.  Their leaders had clearly taught the superiority of the revelation they had received.  Hadn't God spoken directly to Moses?  Hadn't His people received manna from heaven as evidence of their chosen status before God?  Why would this lowly carpenter without formal education lecture them and mention that their ancestors' manna had not saved them from death?  Where did He gather the nerve to insult them?

Just as the crowds didn't accept Jesus's teaching that day, we find many modern people who reject the truth claims that Jesus makes.  Ultimately, we see that He points not to a new philosophy, but rather to Himself as God's revelation and mediator.  As we talk with friends who may be struggling to grasp spiritual concepts, we may refocus attention on the key question:  "Who is Jesus to you?  Would you like to know Him?"

Just as the light of the sun reveals the world around us, so too may we experience full revelation through the light of the Son.  Knowing the Person of Jesus Christ, as Simon Peter and the other disciples did, allows us to understand His truth.  Through knowing the Son, we then know the Father and receive eternal life (John 17:3; 1 John 5:11-13).

As we approach Christ and seek to follow Him, may we find encouragement that He will teach us with grace and truth:  "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am humble and gentle in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matthew 10:28-30)


Lord Jesus, thank You for revealing Your truth to us and calling us to Yourself.  We seek to know You fully.  Please reveal more of Yourself and Your truth into our lives so that we may glorify Your Name.  We would like to go beyond our human limitations so that we may be Your steadfast disciples.  Give us courage to press forward into You.  We love You and honor You today.  In Your holy Name, amen.

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