How can we remain steadfast when teachings are hard to accept? When Followers Turn Away “From that time on, many of His disciples turned back and no longer walked with Him.” (John 6:66) Why This Moment Matters • Jesus had just taught that His followers must “eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood” (John 6:53). • The words were literal truth pointing to the cross and communion, yet sounded shocking. • The verse records a painful reality: some who once identified as disciples decided His teaching was too difficult and abandoned Him. Recognizing the Testing Moments • Hard teachings expose whether we follow Jesus for comfort or for truth. • They separate curiosity from commitment. • Jesus still asks, “You do not want to leave too, do you?” (John 6:67). Why Teachings Feel Hard • They confront deeply held assumptions (Proverbs 3:5-6). • They demand surrender of cherished sins or ambitions (Luke 9:23). • They reveal the limits of human understanding and the need to trust divine revelation (Isaiah 55:8-9). How to Remain Steadfast • Fix your gaze on Christ, not the crowd. – “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life.” (John 6:68) • Trust the life-giving power of His words. – “The Spirit gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life.” (John 6:63) • Anchor yourself in the reliability of Scripture. – “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16) • Recall past faithfulness. – Remember answered prayers, previous guidance, and the cross itself (Romans 5:8). • Stay rooted in Christian community. – “But exhort one another daily… so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” (Hebrews 3:13) • Obey even before full understanding. – “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” (James 1:22) Encouragement From Scripture • Hebrews 3:14 — “For we have become partakers of Christ if we hold firmly to the end the confidence we had at first.” • Colossians 2:6-7 — “Therefore, just as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him, established in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” • Psalm 119:165 — “Abundant peace belongs to those who love Your law; nothing can make them stumble.” Practical Steps This Week • Read John 6 aloud, noting every claim Jesus makes about Himself. • Memorize John 6:68-69 to reinforce where eternal life is found. • Share one difficult teaching with a trusted believer and discuss how to obey it together. • Participate in the Lord’s Supper, consciously affirming the very truth that caused some to walk away. Final Thought Staying with Jesus when His words stretch us proves we believe He alone speaks truth. Hold fast; His hardest sayings lead to the richest life. |
    |