This is one of my favorite passages in the book of John. It is a kind of a turning point for the Twelve, as Jesus' teaching has turned hard and many disciples have turned back. They have had an idea of what this whole Messiah-thing should look like and now that it looks different, they are ready to give up.
Even the Twelve are confused. They don't understand...it doesn't meet their expectations...it has stretched their belief system. But at this moment, they make a huge confession of faith. They have come this far with Jesus and are now committing to keep on going.
The NIV Application Commentary says,
"Each of us...produce our own set of religious assumptions and defend them in the name of God. We become inquisitors and crusaders, pursuing what we think is a divine work. But Jesus and his mission are more complex and profound than any other Christian tradition. With Peter we must always be willing to relinquish our position, to hold our assumptions loosely, and to say in faith, 'Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life' (6:68)."
Where are you looking for direction? What assumptions or traditions are you holding onto tighter than you are holding onto Jesus? Whatever it is, it is not the answer. Jesus is the only answer and the only place we can go!
- Holly Barrett
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