From the desk of Pastor Ben

Right Reaction of the Twelve

Jesus said to the twelve, “You do not want to go away also, do you?” Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life. We have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God.”
                                (John 6:67-69)

The false disciples’ defection from Jesus, was an opportunity for Jesus to contrast that with the Twelve’s faith. Peter here, as many other times, acted as their spokesman (John 13:36-37; Matthew 14:28; Mark 11:21; Luke 5:8). His declaration of faith reminds us of his notable confession of Jesus as the Messiah: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). Whereas the crowd wanted to accept Jesus only as some sort of second Moses who could supply the people’s material needs, the apostles believed in the true Messiah and Savior from sin. Whom else could they turn to, because only He has (and has) the “words of eternal life” (John 6:63)?

After Jesus dismissed Judas Iscariot the night of the Last Supper, He told the other 11 of their being chosen for salvation: “You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you” (John 15:16). Christ’s sovereign choice of the apostles — to salvation and to being apostles — showed them that any pride they may have had was ring.

Peter’s wonderful affirmation in this passage contains 2 expressions of authentic disciples: saving faith (“we have believed”) and faithfulness (“Lord, to whom shall we go?”). The initial faith of such disciples always results in ongoing commitment and loyalty to Jesus Christ.

Ask Yourself:
Where else have you gone at times, hoping to find something more exciting and satisfying than you’ve found Christ to be? Why, after so many failed attempts to get our needs met, do we feel the need to keep searching? Only Jesus is sure to be enough for us.