Following the Leader

So Jesus said to the Twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.” John 6:67-69

 

Jesus says these words to his disciples after an especially heated argument with the religious leaders.  Jesus gives them this easy out, almost saying, I know this is getting rough guys, I would understand if you bail out now.  This might not be what you signed up for.  Look at Peter’s response, this is powerful. Jesus where would we go, you have everything we need.  Even if it’s hard, following you is worth it.  But is it?  Do you really believe that following Jesus is worth the challenge?  Sometimes it’s much easier to be a fair-weather Christian.

 

A person who calls themselves a Christian will do something that seems, frankly “unchristian” and Jesus will ask do you want to go away as well?  You find out there is downsizing at work, and Jesus will ask, do you want to go away as well?  God pushes you to do something new and Jesus will ask do you want to go away as well?  God tells you to change direction, spend your money differently, change your schedule, and Jesus will ask do you want to go away as well?

 

Following Jesus is not an easy task; Jesus reminds us that “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.” (John 15:18-19)  Life is tough following Jesus because we are following Him.  We are not following money, popularity, social acceptance, power, or anything else.

 

My prayer for you is that in the thick and thin you, like Peter say, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life and we have believed and have come to know that you are the Holy One of God.”

 

Pastor Bill

 

Discussion Questions

  1. What is one challenge you have had to face recently?
  2. How have challenges and trials affected your faith?