Saturday 11th March
Read John 6:67-71
“‘You do not want to leave too, do you?’ Jesus asked the Twelve.
68 Simon Peter answered him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.’
70 Then Jesus replied, ‘Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!’ 71 (He meant Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, who, though one of the Twelve, was later to betray him.)” (NIVUK)
Given that Jesus knows what is in their heart, his question is much more for their benefit than for his. With so many abandoning Jesus, he asks them so they can articulate why they are staying. Peter, ever the spokesperson, declares why they are staying.
First, there is nowhere else to turn. Life is only found in Jesus’ words. Less offensive words may sound nicer but they are ultimately hollow. Second, they have been granted insight into who Jesus is. They know he is not simply a prophet like the crowds initially thought, and he is much greater than Moses, as he claims to be. They believe and know that Jesus is the Holy One of God, a phrase that must have been messianic at the time but is only found elsewhere on the lips of a demon early in Jesus’ ministry (cf Mark 1:24).
How closely do we cleave to Jesus’ words? It is ever so easy to be distracted from them with false offers of life. It is just as easy to leave out the ones that we don’t like. The temptation to add extra requirements is equally strong. But Jesus’ words are ultimately quite straightforward. Believe in me and find life.
The entire bible finishes with similar thoughts.
“‘I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.’
17 The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let the one who hears say, ‘Come!’ Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.
18 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: if anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. 19 And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll.
20 He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon.’
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.” (Revelation 22:16-20) (NIVUK)
