Today’s Reading, John 5-6
Focal Scripture: John 6:60 “Therefore, when many of his disciples heard this, they said, “This teaching is hard. Who can accept it?”
Becoming a believer is one of the simplest but also one of the most difficult things you will ever do in your life. It is simple because you can’t earn salvation. It is a gift from heaven that God offers to anyone who believes in his son. However, it is difficult because you must believe that Jesus is God and he was sent here from heaven. Obviously, when you first believe you don’t have the theology down exactly. To become a believer their is a recognition that Jesus is God and you are trusting him alone to save your soul.
In today’s reading, after Jesus explained to those that were following him that they must accept him as Lord, many turned away. Why did they turn away? Because what he taught was difficult. His expectations were not watered down. If you go back and look he told them that he was the bread of life. That for them to receive this gift they had to believe that he would nourish them better than the manna that fell from heaven. They would have to accept his deity and his position as Messiah and Savior.
This is what causes many people to stumble today. They are confronted with the fact that Jesus is the only way to heaven. You see Christianity is by definition exclusive. There is only one way to get to heaven. There is only one person who can grant access to heaven. A person can’t earn it or buy their way into heaven. Jesus calls out those who are only following him for what he has to offer.
That is the challenge I bring to you today. Are you all in for Jesus or are you holding back? When we come to Christ the expectation is total commitment. We are not called to be half hearted. We are not called to be religious.
What we are called to do? We are called to be rooted in the savior and become his slave. That statement alone is a hard saying that will turn many people away. We can’t be surprised by this truth in our walks. People want Jesus when it fits their model. People will walk away when the standard is upheld.
What about you? Are you all in? Or will you walk away when he calls you to complete obedience. The evidence is in your fruit. Accept this hard teaching and endure until the end.
Tomorrow, I will read John 7-8
