day 24: the disciples then and now (Part three)

Day 24: “The Disciples Then and Now (Part Three)”

Scripture Reading: John 6:52–69

There is something deeply unsettling about this passage. Jesus speaks words that are not only difficult but offensive, confusing, even shocking. And the result is sobering: many who once followed Him quietly walk away. What is striking is that Jesus does not soften His message to keep the crowd. He does not chase after those who leave. Instead, He turns to his disciples and says “Do you want to leave as well?” This is the question that echoes into our lives today.

We often assume that discipleship means clarity, understanding, and steady spiritual progress. But here we see something different. There are moments in the life of faith when Jesus’ words confront us in ways we do not fully understand. There are seasons when obedience feels costly, when His teaching runs against our instincts, our culture, even our sense of reason. And in those moments, the real question is not, “Do I understand?”The real question is, “Will I remain?” Peter’s response is one of the most honest confessions in all of Scripture:“Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” Notice what Peter does not say. He does not say, “Lord, we fully understand You.”He does not say, “Lord, this teaching makes perfect sense.”Instead, he clings to Jesus not because everything is clear, but because he knows there is nowhere else to go. This is the heart of true discipleship.

There comes a point in our journey where faith must mature beyond understanding. A point where we no longer follow Jesus because everything makes sense, but because we have come to trust Him. Not His explanations but His person, His humanity, His divinity, His character, integrity, His unending agape love. And perhaps this is where many in the modern church struggle. We live in a time that demands explanation, comfort, and affirmation. But Jesus still speaks words that confront, challenge, and stretch us. The temptation is to quietly step back to remain near enough to be called a follower, but distant enough to avoid surrender.

Prayer:

Jesus, thank you for being my example of self-giving sacrifice and love, but help me, Lord, to grasp and cling to the true meaning of Holy Communion to embrace the truth that you abide in me, and that I abide in you. Your life is my life, your blood, the life-giving power that flows through me. Help me, Lord, to share that life and power with everyone I meet.

Grace and Peace,

Rev. Won Kim

Lead Pastor of RockSpring Church