I read this morning from John 6:60-71. Jesus has laid out for his followers what life is like for those who follow him. Referring to his words as a "hard saying," many begin to fall away.
There is a harshness to Jesus' words.
His words put us out of step with the world around us.
Not that being out of step is a bad thing. John Douglas Hall has a book titled The Stewardship of Life in the Kingdom of Death. In it he speaks of the things valued and sought after in our culture. The things for which way too many give their lives (huge house, fancy car, prestige) may look attractive, but they are not that which will give life.
The prayers of our second and third decade (that God might bring us success) are replaced by our prayers in the follow decades that God would bless us with a few good friends.
As the crowd begins to thin, Jesus turns to the twelve and asks them if they also would like to go away. We can't be sure of the tone, but their words reveal that they have given it some consideration. "Lord, to whom shall we go?" they reply. They might consider going elsewhere, but there is no other place where they can be satisfied. "You have the words of eternal life," they go on to say.
Being a follower of Jesus won't make you the most popular person. As a follower, you find it necessary to name the evil you see. As a follower, you won't be comfortable stepping on other's fingers as you climb the ladder of success. You can't be the really witty person who tells all the memorable jokes at a party. But you will know that your life is connected to the life which is eternal. You will understand that while others are serving themselves and their own ends you are working to bring about the conclusion which serves God's purpose.
Jesus' words can be harsh. But no other words have the ability to bring us life.
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