John 6:67-71

I received praises to God from Pammie last night. After three hours of surgery, the doctors were very pleased and Royce came through well. He was pooped (and I’m sure his parents were exhausted). The big heart surgery has been scheduled for six weeks from now. Thank you, LORD, for your faithfulness! On to the end of chapter 6...

When Jesus’ teaching became too hard for the Jews and many of his disciples, they bailed on Him. So Jesus looked to the handful remaining, the twelve He had chosen, and asks them, “You do not want to leave too, do you?” (John 6:67) And this was one of those moments when Peter came through:

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.” (vs. 68-69)

Jon Courson points out that, although they had seen the miraculous works of Jesus, it was His words that convinced them. Jesus had said that His words were spirit and life. Commitment to Christ comes from hearing His Word (Romans 10:17). Being with Jesus and hearing His teaching had completely convinced Peter that no one else had the words of eternal life. Peter had tasted of the LORD and had seen:

Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. (Psalm 34:8)

Courson also notes the order of Peter’s declaration: first they believed and then they knew. This is one of the interesting things about faith. Believing is seeing! You need to take that step of faith before you will KNOW. And, indeed, that’s what the verse from Psalm 34 says. Taste first, and then you will see.

The majority of Jesus’ listeners that day were offended (vs.61). His words created sharp disagreement and the crowd left. It’s interesting that if your were at a party and brought up the name of any other religious leader (Buddha, Mohammed, etc.) you would probably provoke much interest. However, bring up the name of Jesus and many will be offended. His name is offensive to the majority. But to the minority, His words are eternal life.

After Peter’s bold affirmation of faith, Jesus responded, “Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!” (vs. 70). In hindsight, John was able to note that Jesus was speaking about Judas (vs. 71), but I wonder, since John doesn’t tell us, what that remark stirred in their brains. Did it alarm them? Did they look around suspiciously at each other? I’m sure Peter, at least, thought, “Not me!!!” :)

This chapter was full of amazing lessons! Jesus made such outrageous claims! We will see many more. Surely, this carpenter from Nazareth creates controversy. But If you have tasted of the Bread of Life, you know there is nowhere else to go! He alone has the words of eternal life!