The Words of Eternal Life

We are exploring the nature of truth and the claim that Jesus makes to be the truth. But we live in a world of á la carte truth, so coming to terms with such an exclusive claim can be off-putting. We must ask Christ to open our hearts to hear why He would demand our full trust and loyalty, so let’s start there. Please pray with me:

Holy Spirit, if I am being honest, I don’t know if I like having someone make exclusive claims on my life. Your ways are hard, and I like to keep my options open. I like having control to do and be who I want to be. Yet, I have also seen Your goodness. I have experienced in many ways that You are good and that You love me, so help me come to terms with Your claim today. Amen.

John 6:60-69 (NLT)

60 Many of his disciples said, “This is very hard to understand. How can anyone accept it?”
61 Jesus was aware that his disciples were complaining, so he said to them, “Does this offend you? 62 Then what will you think if you see the Son of Man ascend to heaven again? 63 The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life. 64 But some of you do not believe me.” (For Jesus knew from the beginning which ones didn’t believe, and he knew who would betray him.) 65 Then he said, “That is why I said that people can’t come to me unless the Father gives them to me.”
66 At this point many of his disciples turned away and deserted him. 67 Then Jesus turned to the Twelve and asked, “Are you also going to leave?”
68 Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. 69 We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God.”

Have you ever heard the following phrases?

• “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.”
• “It’s good to diversify your portfolio.”
• “Keep your options open.”

Take a second and think about the ways “hedging your bet” is considered a wise thing to do in our culture.

Jesus’ conversation leading up to today’s passage is offensive to the crowd. Jesus uses some cannibalistic language meant to symbolize participation in His exclusive claim to be the Bread from Heaven (read John 6:53-58 – it’s wild!). The obvious symbolic nature of His statement is not so obvious to the disciples, however, because many get offended and leave. Now, as offensive as the thought of cannibalism is, the greater offenses (at least to our 21st century ears) are the exclusive claims Jesus makes: He is God, He is Lord, and He is the only way to salvation. For us, exclusivity is the offense. Why do you think this exclusive claim bothers people? Does it bother you?

But we see that Peter has a different take. He hears the offensive language. He hears the demand on his allegiance and announces (in what will be the culminating moment of John’s gospel) that He sees Jesus for all He claims to be and acknowledges there is no one else worthy of his life. In this simple but profound declaration, Peter puts all of his eggs into Jesus’ basket, knowing that there is nowhere else to go. Have you had the moment where you accepted the truth that Jesus is the only path to true life for you? What would it take for you to make such a statement with your words and your life?

After taking some time to reflect on these questions, take 4-5 minutes to pray about what God is bringing to mind. If you need help, here are some prompts to get you started.

Talk to God about the things that stir your doubt of His claim.

Ask God to show your where you are “hedging your bets” with Him.

Ask Him to help you learn to trust Him completely.

I hope that the presence of the Holy Spirit guides your heart and thoughts today.