Daily Devotion: John 6

Scripture Reference: John 6: 25-71

Thank goodness that Jesus never ran for an election! It’s a good thing because he often violated the hidden rules for smooth-talking, get-along-with-people speeches. In fact, some of the statements Jesus made would cause people to become really frustrated and angry.

Just imagine Jesus speaking at one of the election rally:

(vs. 36) But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe.

(vs. 65) "This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled him."

(vs. 53) "I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you.

None of these statements seem politically correct right? Definitely none could serve as a catchy election rally slogan!

But pause for a moment and think…Why did Jesus say these things? Didn’t he want people to follow him? Why would he deliberately say things to offend people and turn them away?

The simple conclusion is this: It seems that Jesus cared far more about the quality of his disciples rather than the quantity. If he cared only about increasing the size of the crowds following him, he could easily have fed them more bread or performed more miracles. Or he could have toned down on some of his “hard teachings” (vs. 60).

But Jesus, being divine, already knew who didn’t believe (vs. 64). He also knew that some of the people following him only wanted free food (vs. 26) or a flashy sign from God (vs. 30).

Jesus didn’t want preoccupied followers, or followers who are lukewarm, indecisive… He wanted disciples who would proclaim, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (vs. 68).

The same truth still holds today. Jesus wants us to follow him, but he still desires quality disciples. That level of commitment might mean that we may ruffle some feathers in living, saying or doing things.

I like what evangelist Billy Graham says, “It is unnatural for Christianity to be popular.”

Application:

1. Do you think of yourself as a “quality” follower of Jesus? Why and why not?

2. What “hard teachings” cause you to struggle with following Jesus?

3. What steps can you take to become a more devoted follower of Jesus?