TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
On hearing it, many of his disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?” From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. John 6:60, 66
Read: John 6:59-69
Listen: John 6
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Jesus’s words offend the crowd. They want Jesus to be the second Moses and rescue them from Rome. His teaching takes them in a different direction, and they struggle to understand. It challenges them to think differently and pursue him for more answers. Basically, it isn’t what they want to hear, so they grumble and leave.
This still happens today. People leave churches and stop following Jesus because something he says is hard to understand and challenges them in a way they don’t want to be challenged. It isn’t what they want to hear about forgiveness, serving others, generosity, sexual standards or marriage. When we get offended and disappointed, we often choose to quit. Watch this video clip as Pastor Aaron Buer explains what to do when you don’t want to follow what Jesus says.
However, the twelve disciples choose to stay. Jesus asks them, “Do you want to leave too?” Peter replies, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God (John 6:68).” The twelve heard the same words as the crowd and are probably just as confused. But they believe Jesus is God, so they are willing to stay and trust him. Peter’s words serve as an amazing example for us today. There may be seasons when we struggle to understand something Jesus says or find it hard to believe. We need to stay and trust him. When we recognize the life Jesus offers, there is truly nowhere else to go.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Write in your journal anything Jesus teaches that you don’t agree with or understand. Pray over each item and ask God to help you see what he means. Like the twelve, commit to following with the belief that he is God and will give you understanding.
2022 BIBLE MEMORY PRACTICE
Develop spiritual roots and tap into the power of God’s word by memorizing monthly a Bible verse! View previous verses at beyondtheweekend.org/biblememorypractice.
“This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the Lord. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.”
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
