We all have had friendships we thought would last through thick and thin, till the end of time. Then something changes, we may not even know what or when, but those friends are no longer around.
The phone does not ring as often, or at all. They hardly come to the door except perhaps for a favor now and then. Or if they call by accident.
Jesus knew of those times as well.
He was teaching in the synagogue and knew that some were complaining about Him. They found His words to be shocking, and difficult to understand, which made it harder to continue to follow Him.
Scripture tells us, at this point, many of His disciples turned away and deserted Him.
They were no longer willing to walk alongside of Jesus. His claims were counter-cultural and not pleasing to the crowd. The tide was beginning to turn. The crowd was thinning, as they found His teachings becoming more difficult to put into practice. It is at this point, Jesus turns and asks the Twelve:
“Are you also going to leave?” (John 6:67, NLT)
Jesus asks, not out of concern for Himself, but for the Twelve, for He knew their faith was weakening. He also knew the hardest part of His journey was yet to come.
Today as I read those words, I cannot help but wonder … What does it take to stay? To have a faith that will go the full length of the walk with Jesus, no matter how difficult it may become? Would my faith be as strong as those on the beach, in their orange jumpsuits, that fateful day not so long ago?
The answer seems to lie in the response which Peter gives:
“Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God.” (John 6:68, NLT)
Peter knew there was no one other and no place else to go. Jesus was the One – the Messiah, the Son of God. Peter may fail but it is to this truth which he will return.
And we need to be convinced of the same … “For I am convinced [and continue to be convinced—beyond any doubt] that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present and threatening, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the [unlimited] love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39, Amplified)
This is Day 27 of 31 Questions Jesus Asked. You can find the entire series here.
Today I am joining … Testimony Tuesday and Intentional Tuesday and True Story and #RaRaLinkup and Unite and Reflect .
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What an encouraging post! We always have questions in our minds. Why things happens? Why God allowed this? Are you with me God? — but we can find every answer to our questions only in Jesus. We must go to Him always. Loved your post! I’m visiting you from Intentional Tuesday Link Up.
It is so true. Jesus holds the answers to every question, whether He gives the answers to us or not. He knows. Blessings!
Saddest question ever.
Joanne, you have persevered, and you are nearly at the end of your 31 day commitment! Blessings to you!
Michele, thank you so much for encouraging me to keep on. I am finding these questions to be most thought provoking. This one was sobering.
Nothing separates us from the love of God. We make choices that pull us away but He never withdraws His love from us. Such comforting words to hold close as I begin my day. Your question today, are you also going to leave?, rocks me to my core. Oh how simple it is fro us to turn our backs when the way gets tough. But we have a God who is true and faithful constantly. Thank you for this post today!
Mary, I found this question to be most sobering to think on. So often we complain or walk away temporarily when things are tough. But truly He sticks closer than a brother to us. We’re almost there, friend 🙂
I’m so grateful that He never changes, that He’s the same yesterday, today, forever. That reality becomes more sure and more comforting as people come and go out of our lives. Thanks for your wise words today, Joanne …
Linda, it is most amazing when we realize – – – He is the constant in our lives. Blessings!
My dearest friend, for no reason that I’m aware of, has not returned my calls for three weeks. Thank you for helping me to relate this to how I sometimes treat the One who knows and loves me best.
Elizabeth, I am sorry for the pain the break in communication must be causing you. May your heart stay softened to your friend, for the day when she shows up once again. Blessings!
Where would I go? No way can I leave Jesus. Yes, we can leave habits, sins, a job, even a church, and at times a friend who brings us down. Your post does cause us to consider our ways that we are not causing friction or offence in others. Thank you for sharing with us here at Tell me a Story
Hazel, wonderful point to think on … that we are not the ones causing friction or offense in others. Thank you for adding your insight. Blessings!
Beautiful, sweet encouragement to not give up, to not runaway and leave. I love that Jesus knew what they were afraid to say – and said it for them. Sometimes we just really need to say the hard stuff to Jesus – He can take it and help us!