Daily Devotions
After this many of His disciples turned back and no longer walked with Him. So Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that You are the Holy One of God.” (John 6:66-69)
I can understand why Jesus lost so many disciples that day in Capernaum. After all, how often do you hear a man claim to be the One who raises the dead at the end of the world? Or say that if you want life, you have to eat His flesh and drink His blood?
The truth is, some of Jesus’ teachings are downright offensive from a human point of view. What about “No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6b)? That rules out all other religions as a way to eternal life! Or when Jesus says, “I and the Father are One,” or “Your sins are forgiven”? (John 10:30a, Mark 2:5b) Who is this Man, who claims to be God and goes around forgiving people’s sins?
We dare not soften away Jesus’ offensiveness, even to bring people to faith. Peter is right: “You have the words of eternal life.” These sayings will stay offensive until the Holy Spirit brings people to faith.
But we need not add our own offenses to the things that turn people away from Jesus. Hatred, backbiting, or ignoring the needs of others; sex and money scandals in the church—these offenses we can avoid—and must. For Jesus gave Himself for all the people of the world, to bring us back to God forever.
WE PRAY: Lord, let my own offenses not stop others from trusting in You. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
* Do any of the things Jesus says bother you?
* Do you have experience with being offended by the church?
* How can we avoid giving unnecessary offense?
Lenten Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.