Sunday 25 August 2024
So Jesus asked the twelve, "Do you also wish to go away?" Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God." (vs 67-69)
Background
Here in chapter six of John’s Gospel there is much talk about bread. We have heard the story of the feeding of the 5000 when Jesus fed the crowds with five loaves and two fish. He has then gone on to claim to be "the bread of life" (v. 35) and "the living bread that came down from heaven" (v. 51) which will satisfy and sustain for ever. The link is then made with Holy Communion or the Eucharist in which Christians share in bread and wine and in some mystical way "eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood" (v. 53), thereby abiding in him and partaking in eternal life.
Hearing this now, after 2000 years of Christian belief and practice, there remains something quite challenging and mysterious about these words of Jesus. No wonder then, that those who first heard them found them controversial and offensive. Some complained about Jesus and disputed with him; many of his disciples turned away and no longer followed him because this teaching was too difficult to accept. Jesus’ response was uncompromising, suggesting that there may be even more offensive and challenging things to come, along with his key claim that "The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life." (v. 63)
Two things to note here are that the words that bring God's Spirit and life are accessible to those who read them today, and secondly the challenges remain. The author of John’s Gospel wished to share these words of Jesus so that all who read them might receive the riches of God’s Spirit and the abundance of life he offered. But the author also recognised that following Jesus may prove to be very difficult at times; even those closest to him and the most committed, such as Peter, were capable of denying him.
Ultimately though, when the going does get tough, Simon Peter’s question remains: "to whom can we go?" (v. 68) Jesus has "the words of eternal life" (v. 68) and is "the Holy One of God". (v. 69) But if anyone ever does deny or turn away, Jesus affirms that God is gracious and generous and will welcome them back with open arms.
To Ponder:
- What do you think Jesus had in mind when he claimed to be "the bread of life"?
- What words of Jesus or aspects of Christian faith do you find difficult and why?
- How much do you trust God to welcome you back when you turn away from or deny God?
Prayer
Please God, give me the courage to wrestle with those words of Jesus which I find difficult and help me to rest in your gracious and generous love. Amen.
Bible notes author: The Revd Graham Jones
Graham is a Methodist presbyter serving as a member of the Learning Network and is based in York. He is committed to developing ministry in its broadest sense, enabling both lay and ordained to live out their vocations and to share in God's mission in the most fulfilling and effective ways.