Lord, Where Would We Go?

When things seem desperate or disparate or simply untenable.

Jesus’ teaching in John 6 really is difficult. If the specific teachings of Jesus in Matthew 5-7 (the sermon on the mount) are difficult enough in practice, here in John 6, what he says is difficult even in understanding.

Eating his flesh…God-enabled access only.

What does this even mean? Is it really only about the Eucharist? Is God so selective that there’s really no human agency?

The former actually seems to say that discipleship is not simply about warm feelings and lovey-dovey acceptance. The latter seems to say that indeed, God’s agency matters. (Whether that is for a select group of people or not isn’t settled here very well in John, though plenty of places in the gospels and the rest of the New Testament demonstrate that all who willingly come to Jesus have access to the Kingdom of God and all its goodness.)

You don’t need a theological degree to come to Jesus. He makes that clear in his interactions with all people in the gospels: children, the weak, the sick, the confused, the privileged, the rich, the poor, the doubting.

But you do need to come to Jesus. It’s your will to take that step. As all-powerful as God is, Jesus is not coercive. How could love be coercive?

But when times are tough or confusing, it can be really hard to see God or Jesus’ leading. Sometimes people try and have it all figured out before they make a decision. But this is not possible with Jesus. Peter’s response here is powerful.

Where [else] would we go?

This is a good interim position.

John 6:61-71

Jesus knew that the disciples were grumbling about this and he said to them, “Does this offend you? What if you were to see the Human One going up where he was before? The Spirit is the one who gives life and the flesh doesn’t help at all. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and life. Yet some of you don’t believe.”Jesus knew from the beginning who wouldn’t believe and the one who would betray him. He said, “For this reason I said to you that none can come to me unless the Father enables them to do so.” At this, many of his disciples turned away and no longer accompanied him.

Jesus asked the Twelve, “Do you also want to leave?”

Simon Peter answered, “Lord, where would we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are God’s holy one.”

Jesus replied, “Didn’t I choose you twelve? Yet one of you is a devil.” He was speaking of Judas, Simon Iscariot’s son, for he, one of the Twelve, was going to betray him.

Prayer

God,

I’m sensing a lot of people who are in this position - one of uncertainty and doubt. Some of them are shaken by unexpected circumstances. Others are surprised by twists and turns in a path that was previously well-known to them. Still others are disappointed by the desires of their heart going unmet.

I do wish I could fix it all, Lord. Is this how you feel?

So help them, God. I pray for them in their moments of shakiness. Help me be what I can from a distance, if not in geography, in relationship and influence.

And in the midst of it all, I remember my own periods of uncertainty. I am grateful for your consistent love toward me, Lord. Your patience and grace. Help me extend the same.

By your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.