At one time Jesus’ followers were so vast and so many that had He wanted He could have led a revolt against Herod and become the earthly king of Israel (John 6:15). Over time, however, as Jesus’ message became more specific and life-changing, the crowds dwindled.
Jesus then asked one of the most poignant statements of the Bible. It was a question that preceded one of the most uplifting statements of the Bible:
From that time many of His disciples went back, and walked no more with Him.
Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?
Then Simon Peter answered Him, Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life.John 6:66-68
How heartbreaking was the question by Jesus. Abandoned by so many, He turns to His closest and most loyal and asks “Will you abandon me too?” Thankfully Peter, who so often spoke first and almost as often spoke incorrectly, responds with the perfect answer, one which summarizes the motivation of every Christian to follow God in light of all manner of dangers that come with faithfulness: To whom shall we go, you alone have the words of eternal life.
Things may be hard, and things may be trying, but what’s the alternative? Give up? What good would that do when doing so means certain death!
But if I follow Jesus they might kill me!
Maybe. It’s not certain. And even if they do, it’s just your physical life. Your spiritual life is held secure by a faithful God (Colossians 3:3). But if you turn from God, you might live…for a little while longer. Then what? Then you die (one way or another it’s coming) and what will be the condition of your soul? It will be discarded by a vengeful God from His presence forever (Matthew 25:46). That kind of spiritual death is certain to come.
So you answer the question Peter asked rhetorically: To whom can you go? Your choice is Jesus…or nothing.
I choose Jesus, even if it’s sometimes hard.
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