Skip to main content

Jesus words


"Because of [the controversial things Jesus was saying] many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him. 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." - John 6:66-69

The passage above is a key moment in the ministry of Jesus. It is also a key moment in the life of Peter and the other twelve disciples. The context is that Jesus has already begun his public ministry. He has already called the twelve disciples. Furthermore, hordes of people have also fallen in line with Jesus as he travels about Galilee doing the work God the Father sent him to do. In many instances, Jesus has worked miracles. He has brought healing where there was sickness, sight to eyes that were blind, and hope to hearts that were crushed. It is natural, then, that so many are now falling in behind him - following him in hopes that Jesus might be a savior, someone who can fix their lives.

But in the midst of all this surging hope and promise, Jesus begins to say some things that are difficult to understand. Jesus speaks in such a way that jolts the mind and the heart. And many in the great crowds begin to turn back for home. The enthusiasm and promises of falling Jesus begin to fade and reality has begun to set in: Jesus has come as Savior of the whole world, but he has also come as the great Redeemer. He has come to refashion and reform hearts and minds. And Jesus' words - his commands, his teachings, his instructions - are the only words that we have, the only Word that can operate and heal and transform us.

The commands and instructions that Jesus has for us are not always easy to understand, apply, or follow. But, Peter in this case is right on: with Jesus are the words of eternal life. Strange though they may be, these are the words that can and do lead to our redemption. These are the words and teachings that lead us to the deepest pools of joy and peace that we desire (John 15:9-11). His commands - although seemingly difficult or extreme - are, in fact, easy and the blessed way.

I mention all of this because this all applies to the Sermon on the Mount and our reading of it. Just as many began to depart from Jesus when he opened his mouth in the sixth chapter of John, so many of us began to depart from Jesus when he moves into his commands in Matthew 5:17-49. We like the Beatitudes, just as there were many who loved the miraculous, generous grace and power Jesus showed to the poor and broken. Yet, for all of us who long to walk with Jesus, there comes a time when Jesus asks us, "Do you also wish to go away?" He doesn't ask it in a condemning or harsh manner. Just quietly and respectfully and as someone who loves us deeply, he asks us. Jesus does not force us down the road of being his disciple. Jesus leaves us the option to decide, to determine if we're ready to take on his yoke - to learn from his teachings, to experience his gracious patience with us as he reworks our hearts and minds. Though our transformation may not all seem like much fun, and while it will often go against our natural tendencies, Jesus' instructions and work upon our life is refreshing and healing.

~Wes
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Acts 2:42-47 - Questions for Reflection & Study

This past Sunday, we took a look at Luke's first summary passage in the story of Acts:  chapter 2, verses 42-47.  Here, Luke is presenting a billboard of what the Church looks like at its best.  He is trying to convince Theophilus that Christianity is worth his attention.  The early Church captures what all of us are looking for, whether we know it or not.  This is a close community that truly cares for one another, where everyone truly is seen as a brother and sister, and where no one person is considered more or less important as the other.  Needs are being met.  There is joy in their fellowship.  Take a moment to think about a time in your life when you experienced the joy and blessing of a deep, loving community?  Where was it, and what made this community so different?  What role did you play in this community? Luke tells us the disciples "devoted themselves" to four essential practices.  The Greek word for "devoted" ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Acts 5:1-11 - Questions for reflection & prayer

This past Sunday we looked at one of the more unsettling stories in the Book of Acts :  the deaths of Ananias and Sapphira.  As shared by Luke, this couple sold a piece of land and then proceeded to bring only a portion of the profit to the apostles - laying it at their feet for the good of the community.  However, what appeared to be their grave mistake (pun intended) was their collusion in claiming to have brought all the proceeds to the apostles when - in fact - they were keeping some back for themselves.  Peter announces first to Ananias the Lord's judgment, followed by a similar verdict being handed down to Sapphira a short time later. Seen by itself, this is a strange story, but it begins to make more sense when we see it as "part of the whole."  The story of Ananias and Sapphira comes right after we hear once again of the community's unity and generosity, including their willingness to share their own goods and resources to take care of one another (ch....
Post a Comment
Read more

Touchdown Jesus

For the second consecutive year, I traveled up US 31 to South Bend, Indiana on a beautiful fall day. I traveled with Curtis Lawrence, and we went for the sole purpose of watching the Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team take the field. Now, I must note that it was my childhood dream to attend Notre Dame. Even loftier, it was also my dream - like many young boys growing up in Indiana - to suit up for the Fighting Irish. Surprisingly - even with such hopes - I had never actually visited the campus. For the first thirty years of my life, I never set foot on one of the more storied and celebrated college campus and football meccas in America. That absence was broken, though, when I made that first trip up to South Bend last year. Let me tell you: even after all those years of waiting, the campus and football stadium at Notre Dame lived up to all the out-sized expectations I had. Like most places of prominence, Notre Dame Stadium really cannot be described through words. It is so...
Post a Comment
Read more