Where Else Can We Go

John 6:66-71

66 After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. 67 So Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?”. 68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, 69 and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God”. 70 Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the twelve? And yet one of you is a devil.” 71 He spoke of Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he, one of the twelve, was going to betray him.

Notes

The crowd who wanted to make Him king because of the miracle of the multiplication of food would turn away. Why? They found it difficult to listen to the teachings of Christ. Some of these teachings include that Jesus is the true bread from heaven that gives eternal life, and they should eat His flesh and drink His blood. Scripture explains this to us to mean that we should believe in Him and the New Covenant that He gives. Jesus explained why they grumbled and could not accept the hard teachings. The reason was that unless the Father draws them to Him, they cannot believe. It is the Father who grants access to the saving knowledge of the Son.

1. They Turned Back

   Many so-called disciples stopped following the Son of God because of His difficult teachings. They found it difficult to listen to. Then, the Lord asked the twelve if they wanted to join the crowd of going away.

   
   66 After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. 67 So Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” (John 6:66-67).

2. Words of Eternal Life

   Peter quickly responded to the Lord’s question, which sounded like a challenge. Peter recognized that Jesus had the words of eternal life. Thus, where else could they go except to believe in Him, the Holy One of God?
   
   68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, 69 and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God” (John 6:68-69).
   

3. Jesus Knew the Betrayer

   Jesus responded to Peter’s response by stating that one of them is not a true disciple but a devil. Jesus chose all of them, but one would fulfill the worst role in history. That role was to prepare the way for the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

   
   70 Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the twelve? And yet one of you is a devil.” 71 He spoke of Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he, one of the twelve, was going to betray him (John 6:70-71).

Application

1. Keep Following

   Many who wanted to make Jesus king turned away because they found the teachings difficult. And their motives leaned on the temporal rather than the eternal. No matter how difficult the path or the learnings, let us be determined to keep following Him.

2. Know the Reason Why

   Peter responded perfectly to Christ's challenge, “Do you want to go as well?” Peter knew there was nowhere else to go; Christ has the words to eternal life. Why do we follow? There is nowhere else to go. The Lord Jesus Christ has the words of eternal life.

3. Be a Faithful Follower

   Judas seemed to follow Jesus on the external, but on the internal, he was in it for the earthly benefits. Let us not follow Christ for earthly or selfish benefits. Let us follow Him because of who He is. He is God. He has the words of eternal life.

Reflection & Discussion

1. What was the Lord’s challenge question to the disciples? Explain the context.

2. What was Peter’s response, and where did he find those words? Explain.

3. Was Judas destined to betray Christ? Explain.