Where Do We Stand?

As Jesus' ministry began to unfold, His popularity continued to grow. After having fed the five thousand with five barley loaves and two fish, the multitude was ready to take Him by force and make Him king. ( John 6:15) Matthew recorded that Jesus sent the disciples away in the boat while He remained and dismissed the crowd. ( Matthew 14:22) Perhaps, they could have easily gotten caught up in the excitement of the crowd. Though Jesus would be King, it would not be in this way. Then as the crowds continued to follow, Jesus tried to redirect their focus from physical things to the spiritual. ( John 6:22-65) Some of this teaching was difficult for many to accept and therefore many turned away no longer walking with Him. ( John 6:66)

For Jesus' closest disciples (the Twelve) to have witnessed such a following and then see so many walk away, had potential to impact their own view of what was to come. What were they to make of it all? Witnessing rejection can really take away the excitement when so much momentum seemed to have already been building.

We read. . .
"(66) After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. (67) So Jesus said to the Twelve, 'DO YOU WANT TO GO AWAY AS WELL?'" ( John 6:66-67 ESV)

In spite of others, where did they stand? Would they be discouraged enough to wonder whether or not it was worth hanging in there with Jesus? Where was the success in such a picture? Now, Jesus knew who would believe and who would not, as well as who of the Twelve would betray Him. ( John 6:64) But did they themselves know where they stood?

For us to consider where we stand is important as well. To verbalize it helps strengthen the resolve in our own minds and solidify our stand. Though all others leave, would we remain?

Peter's response would have not only helped establish deeper roots to his resolve, but also encourage the others.
"(68) Simon Peter answered him, 'LORD, TO WHOM SHALL WE GO? You have the words of eternal life, (69) and WE HAVE BELIEVED, and HAVE COME TO KNOW, that YOU ARE THE HOLY ONE OF GOD.'" ( John 6:68-69 ESV)

For Peter there was NO OTHER OPTION! That is a great resolve for us to share as well. Let us not even leave the door open a crack for ANY OTHER OPTION. Having come to know that Jesus is "the Holy One of God" and remembering it is only He Who has "the words of eternal life" should keep us from turning away. May our following never end.

Have a great day CONTINUING TO STAND WITH JESUS!
Carl

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