What Happened To The Crowd Series

We need the Bread from heaven. We need Jesus! It is all about receiving Him and the love relationship that follows.

Jesus turned to the disciples in verse 67 and asked a question, “You do not want to leave too, do you?” He anticipated their answer but the question had to be asked.(28)

When the going really get rough, Peter’s answer is a powerful truth to remember. When my faith has been most shaken, I hold to those words, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.”

We may not understand the circumstances we are experiencing. We may not understand why God is allowing us to go through what we’re going through. We may be tempted to toss in the towel and give up. But the truth is there is no place else to go. Jesus alone has the words of eternal life. If I turn to the world, I will come up empty. If I turn to things (material gain) I will not be satisfied in my soul. If I turn to sensuality and pleasure, I may enjoy it for a season but it will only lead me into bondage. Where can I go but to the Lord?

When it got rough, the apostles did not leave. They did not leave because they were there for a different reason than the crowd. They were not following Jesus for the fishes and the loaves. They were not following Jesus for material gain or for social prestige. They followed Him because they knew He has the words of eternal life. Down deep, with the exception of Judas, they were following for the right reason.(29)

You may be going through a severe testing of your faith at this time in your life.

We don’t always know what one another are going through. But it is my prayer that when the going really get rough—we will not be offended, we will not turn back from following the Lord.

We will realize as Peter did—where else can we go? Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.

There is no place else to go. When you’re happy go to Jesus and rejoice in His goodness to you.

When you’re sad and discouraged, go to Jesus because He alone has the words of eternal life.

Never turn back. No matter how perplexed you are with life’s circumstances. No matter how badly you may feel you have failed. Go to Jesus. There is no place else to go.

The old song that my great grandmother used to sing said it well,

“I will arise and go to Jesus,

He’ll embrace me in His arms,

In the arms of my dear Savior,

Oh, there are ten thousand charms.”

Especially to that one who is discouraged, Jesus opens His arms to you and says—come and receive My grace—come and receive My strength. Instead of trying to earn my favor, instead of trying to understand My workings, come and trust me with it all.

To that person who feels guilt and shame—Jesus says come to Me today and I will receive you.

To that one who is tempted to turn back from following Jesus, He asks you the same searching question He asked Peter, “You do not want to leave too, do you?”

May we respond this morning as Peter responded—with a renewed commitment to follow Jesus?

Altar Call