Thoughts on the Gospel of John (34) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2024

From that time many of his disciples went back and walked with him no more. Then Jesus said to the twelve, Do you also want to go away? But Simon Peter answered him, Lord, you have the words of eternal life. Also we have come to believe and know that you are the Christ, the Son of the living God (or: the Holy One of God J.N.D.).
John 6:66-69.

Thoughts on the Gospel of John (34)
Many people had followed Jesus. They had tasted His goodness and wanted to experience more. But when Jesus stated that the natural man by himself can achieve nothing that will please God, they turned away disappointed. It annoyed them that all depends on the work of God and His grace and that eternal life can be found only in the crucified and risen Man, Christ Jesus.

Isn't people's reaction nowadays identical? So many reject the "bread of life" and the Lord's life-giving words. Why? They are too proud to acknowledge that they are ruined and incapable of receiving life only through the death of another.

How did the disciples react, when Jesus asked them whether they would also go away. Very differently! Peter's words express his firm conviction. The disciples did not find His words hard; their hearts were touched. They sensed the power of divine life, and recognised in Jesus "the Holy One of God" The evangelist John uses the description "holy" relating to the Lord three times: here, in 1 John 2:20 and Revelation 3:7. Every time His relationship to His saints, i.e. the children of God, is given prominence.

In demons the Holy One of God instils terror (cf. Luke 4:34), whereas in believers He is the source of joy and peace. To whom could we go apart from Jesus Christ? There is no alternative!

(to be continued next Sunday)

Today's reading: Amos 5:14-27 · Proverbs 24:1-10