LEARNING DAILY

John 6: 66, From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more.

As I have been studying the four Gospels, it has been obvious that Jesus attracted crowds wherever He went.  He healed all those brought to him who were sick, cast out demons when necessary, fed them when there was no food, and taught as One who had authority.  He provided for the needs of all who came to Him. 

On the occasion shared in John 6, Jesus had fed 5,000 with five barley loaves and two small fish, walked across sea toward Capernaum and calmed a storm.  The multitudes found Jesus and the disciples had gone over to the other side of the sea, so they followed them. When Jesus saw the multitudes, He said something I find very interesting.  "Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled.  Do not labor for the food that perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on him." (John 6: 26-27).  The people were seeking Jesus for physical sustenance, but He was offering them food for everlasting life.  They asked for signs and continued to talk about food, when the One who would meet their deepest needs was standing there with them. 

When Jesus began to tell them that He was the true Bread from Heaven that gives life to the world, they began to murmur amongst themselves.  He told them He was the bread of eternal life in heaven, not just the source of abundant life on earth.  And then he spoke words they did not understand.  He told them they must eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood.  If it were not for the Last Supper, His death on the cross, and the sacrament of communion we would not understand this statement.  Therefore, many of His disciples, when they heard this said, "This is a hard saying, who can understand it?" Some of the people surrounding Jesus wanted actual food to fill their stomachs.  Some were offended because of religious teachings - eating blood of any kind was forbidden.  But many found the words too hard to understand.  So, they left.

Today, multitudes follow Jesus.  There are churches where thousands and thousands of people attend.  Many pastors of those churches give very good messages that make the attendees feel really good about themselves but do not speak of sin.  Many churches have wonderful programs for those who attend their church; so, we have competition over programs (I heard that while attending a conference to build up pastors).  Well, that was before the covid-19 outbreak.  My question while writing this has been about what people will do when difficult times come.

I have had to answer why I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. Why do I follow Him?  Do I follow Him for accolades, for pats on the back, or for what I think He can do for me?  If so, my relationship to Him is weak and will fail when difficulties come.  My thought process will be much like the disciples who left when they did not understand Jesus’ teaching.  No! My faith is built on the Rock, a firm foundation based on what I believe to be God’s Word and what I have experienced in my walk with Him.  He has protected me, comforted me, cleaned up the mess I was, and used me in places and experiences only He could have given.  When difficulty comes that we do not understand, I expect Him to strengthen me, guide me, and provide for me.  Even though there were disciples who left Him, there were those who stayed and continued to follow Him.  He used them mightily to be His Church. 

Stay strong, Christian brother and sister, in Jesus Christ knowing that nothing happens without His permission; He is the One in control of all things!

 

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