In John, chapter 6, a whole lot is going on. At the end of this chapter, Jesus gives his disciples a hard truth. Only those who eat his flesh and drink his blood will inherit eternal life. Hold on, did you read that right? Eat his flesh and drink his blood? What kind of messed up cult is this? You didn’t read it wrong or find a mistake. This is the teaching Jesus gave to his disciples.
Jesus knew that many of his followers were following for the wrong reasons. Maybe they were there for another loaf and fish type of miracle. Many believed this was the warrior king coming to conquer the evil empire of Rome. They may have been searching for power or personal gain. Some were there to get a glimpse of this person who so many have claimed to do wonders beyond human capability. However, Jesus came searching for the ones who would follow him even in ways that went against their desires. Today, we have the blessing of being able to look back and see this teaching in light of the Lord’s supper, in which bread and wine take the place of his body and blood in a symbolic way to remind us of the sacrifice of Jesus. We now partake in the body and blood every first day. However, for many, this was too much.
From this time, many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve. Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:66-68 ).
When hard truths come, will we, like many, turn astray and flee, or will we take the stance of Peter? He clearly announced, “You have the words of eternal life.” I want to have that eternal life with Jesus, and it comes from the words of truth. Be bold in your commitment to the Lord, for he is good. Seek his truth and cling to his teachings, for they have the power of eternal life.