By Andrew Williams
“At this point, many of his disciples turned away and deserted him. Then Jesus turned to the Twelve and asked, ‘Are you also going to leave?’ Simon Peter replied, ‘Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God.'” – John 6:66-69 (NLT)
Good morning fellow disciples.
This passage takes place after Jesus delivers a challenging teaching about being the Bread of Life, which caused many of His followers to turn away. His words were difficult to understand, and the cost of following Him seemed too high for some. In this moment of division, Jesus turned to the Twelve and asked, “Are you also going to leave?”
Peter’s response is one of the most profound declarations of faith in the Gospel. He acknowledged that there was no alternative to Jesus: “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life.” Peter recognized that Jesus alone offered what the world could not—truth, hope, and eternal life. Despite the challenges, Peter and the other disciples chose to stay with Jesus because they believed in who He was: “the Holy One of God.”
Peter’s response teaches us about the nature of true discipleship. Following Jesus isn’t always easy, but it is always worth it. When the path is hard and others walk away, we are called to redirect our focus to the eternal life that only Jesus offers and to remain steadfast in our faith.
Peter’s response empowers us to remain faithful, even when the journey of discipleship feels difficult or confusing. Like Peter, we may not always understand everything Jesus says or does, and we may face moments of doubt or discouragement. But Peter’s bold declaration reminds us that Jesus alone is the source of eternal life. There is no better option, no greater hope, and no deeper truth than what we find in Him.
When others around us turn away or when the cost of discipleship feels heavy, Peter’s words can redirect our focus. Instead of looking for alternatives that will never satisfy, we can anchor ourselves in the truth that Jesus is the Holy One of God. He is worth holding on to, even when we face challenges or questions.
Take time today to reflect on your own commitment to Jesus. Are there areas in your life where you’ve been tempted to “walk away” or turn to other things for fulfillment? Redirect your focus by reaffirming your trust in Jesus as the source of eternal life. Write down or speak aloud Peter’s words: “Lord, to whom would I go? You have the words that give eternal life.” Let that declaration remind you to stay faithful, no matter the cost. Also, consider sharing this truth with someone who may be struggling in their faith, encouraging them to hold fast to Jesus.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for being the Holy One of God, the only source of eternal life and truth. Like Peter, I confess that there is nowhere else I could go for the hope, peace, and salvation I find in You. I admit that there are times when I struggle with doubt or feel the weight of the challenges of following You. Help me to redirect my focus from the distractions and difficulties of life to the eternal life You offer. Strengthen my faith, Lord, and help me to stay close to You, no matter what. Use my life to glorify You and point others to the truth of who You are. In Your name, I pray, Amen.
