You Have the Words

“Simon Peter answered him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life’ ” (John 6:68, NIV).

It was a tipping point in Jesus’ public ministry, a proverbial line-in-the-sand moment. Jesus’ claim to be the Bread of Life was seen as offensive, and many of his followers chose to desert him. Yes, Jesus’ words were challenging to his disciples and demanded a decision – to stay with Jesus, whatever that would entail, or to leave him and forfeit his message of grace.

So, Jesus asked the twelve a very pointed question, “ ‘You do not want to leave too, do you?’ ” (John 6:67, NIV). And, that’s when Peter, always brazen in his actions, made his declaration of faith. That’s right, Peter, who would soon deny ever knowing Jesus, confessed that Jesus was the only one worth following.

Followers of Jesus share much in common with Peter, not just in regard to his foibles and failures, but in his decision to follow Jesus and provide a witness to the world. Like Peter, we, too, “ ‘…have the words of eternal life’ ” (John 6:68, NIV), words that cannot be had any other way than through Jesus. Like Peter, we must be bold in our witness that Jesus’ words bring life, not just in the present, but eternally. There is no other place to go or person to follow. Let’s proclaim this message to everyone!