‘At this point many of his disciples turned away and deserted him. Then Jesus turned to the Twelve and asked, ‘Are you also going to leave?’ Simon Peter replied, ‘Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God.’

(John 6:66-69, NLT)

We are so aware of the pain and grief our community is feeling at the moment. Times like these, push us to evaluate our beliefs, prioritises and allegiances.

Just before this passage in John, Jesus gives a ‘hard’ teaching about who he is. The people gathered were looking for a ‘sign’ from him, to show them his power. But Jesus, who always managed to get to the heart of things, took the people in a different direction, talking about himself as the bread of heaven, the one who sustains and nourishes. Many didn’t like it and stopped following Him that day.

Despite knowing God for many years and despite his work in my life, there are times when my own faith falters and doubts vie for control. I find myself flip flopping – able to abandon myself entirely to God one minute and wondering about his presence the next.

I am grateful for Peter’s response in this passage. He puts into words the conclusion I always come to when I look for another path. Where else would I go?

Jesus has the words of eternal life – real life now and real life to come. When Jesus speaks to my heart, nothing compares. Nothing heals like it, nothing loves like it, nothing gives hope like it. There is nothing or no one else in this world who even comes close. I may not understand why people get sick and I sometimes struggle to find my way. But I do know that Jesus is the One. Nothing compares.

My simple prayer:

Jesus, you are my God. I trust in You. Amen

Theme photo by Bobbie Wallace on Unsplash