Where will we go?

Then Jesus said to the twelve, "Do you also want to go away?" But Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. – John 6.67-68

I know we can’t judge about Jesus’ emotions by just a few words. We do know however that He was a man, a complete man. He was human. So therefore, we can assume that, like the rest of humankind He had emotions. We see His compassion and we even see Him weeping.

Based on that I think it is safe to assume that He could feel heartbroken. I think that is how He must have felt when all of these disciples left Him.

When that happened Jesus turned to the disciples who remained and asked them – ‘do you want to go away as well?’

I know that feeling. It is tough to have people turn on you. It is hard to work and love and pour out your life and then have people turn their backs on you and walk away. Been there, done that, and have a t-shirt or two to prove it.

I don’t know how it all works out, but it is a comfort to know that Jesus knows and responded the same way I have done.

But I love Peter’s response. That guy was never middle of the road. Whether right or wrong he always spoke out. ‘Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life!’

What a perfect response for such an imperfect guy. He nailed it – why would we go anywhere else?

Following Christ is not easy. Sometimes it is very lonely. Sometimes following Him will cause others to turn away from us. Sometimes following Him may alienate family and friends. Sometimes we may even wonder if it is really worth carrying on.

But, where else are we going to go? Jesus does have the words of eternal life. He is our only hope in this messed up world. If this world is the best there is on offer then we really don’t have much hope, do we?

I think I’ll stick with Jesus.