How does John 6:68 inspire reliance on Jesus for eternal life today? Setting the Scene John 6 records Jesus’ “Bread of Life” discourse. After miraculously feeding five thousand, He explains that the true bread from heaven is His own flesh given for the life of the world. Many listeners consider this teaching too hard and walk away. In that moment of mass departure, Simon Peter responds for the Twelve: “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life.” (John 6:68) Why Peter’s Confession Still Matters • Peter recognizes Jesus as the exclusive source of eternal life. • His statement is not theoretical; it springs from walking with Jesus, hearing His teaching, and witnessing His power. • Peter’s question—“to whom would we go?”—implies that every alternative falls short. Reliance on Jesus is not one option among many; it is the only lifeline. Words That Give Life • Jesus’ words reveal God’s redemptive plan (John 6:63). • They diagnose our deepest need: separation from God due to sin (Romans 3:23). • They supply the cure: belief in the One whom the Father sent (John 6:29). • They guarantee a future resurrection (John 6:40). • To rely on those words today is to stake everything—present and future—on His promise. What Reliance Looks Like Today 1. Trust His exclusive claim – “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6) 2. Feed continually on Scripture – The crowd sought more bread; Peter sought Jesus’ words. Daily Bible reading and meditation keep the soul nourished. 3. Obey what He says – Genuine reliance includes doing what He commands (John 15:10). 4. Hold steady when others walk away – Popular opinion shifts, but the gospel does not. Like Peter, we stay because there is nowhere else to go for eternal life. 5. Share His words with others – The good news is meant to be spoken (Romans 10:14–17). Scripture Connections • Acts 4:12 – “There is salvation in no one else.” • 1 John 5:11–13 – Assurance of eternal life rests on the Son. • Hebrews 4:12 – The Word of God is living and active, still piercing hearts today. • Psalm 73:25 – “Whom have I in heaven but You? And on earth I desire no one besides You.” Encouragement to Abide Daily Relying on Jesus for eternal life is not a one-time decision we leave in the past. It is an ongoing posture of heart—turning again and again to the only One who speaks life into our present and secures our forever. Each day, echo Peter’s words: “Lord, where else could I possibly go? Your words are still the words of eternal life.” |
    |