John 6:60-71
Life Spark: Stick with Jesus, even if He doesn’t do things your way
Jesus reminded the manna-seekers that their forefathers who ate miraculous manna for forty years didn’t live forever. He spoke of a different manna that would keep them alive eternally. “The living Bread that lasts forever came to earth so you could last forever.”
Unfortunately, the listeners, perhaps even the most committed, choked on what He said. Jesus noted that his audience was offended and then asked how they would respond if God’s action plan didn’t line up with their expectations. “What if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before!” (John 6:62, NIV) “What if there is a first coming and a second coming?” The idea of God doing things any other way than the way they had things lined out was very hard for them to swallow.
It’s very distasteful when God does things His way instead of our way. That’s why most of the people who had eaten the prior day’s miracle meal suddenly lost their appetite for Christ’s teaching. There was a giant rush for the exit.
Yesterday 15,000 fans in the grandstands, today, only eleven remain, and they are acting antsy. He was a hero on Sunday, a zero on Monday.
Peter, still chewing on what Jesus said, spoke up. “We’re staying Lord. We believe you are the Bread.” “You have the words of eternal life.” (John 6:68, NIV) “If we left, we’d starve to death.” At that moment, Judas was in the process of choking to death.
Life-concept: It’s not crucial that you have all the answers, but it is crucial that, unlike Judas, you believe Jesus Christ does.