Staying with Jesus Through the Hard Teachings
- Baptist Daily Devotional
- 22 hours ago
- 2 min read
Rev. Tetteh Annor-Larbi | April 5 2025 | John 6:60-67
KEY VERSE: From this time many of His disciples turned back and no longer followed Him. John 6:66 (NIV)
MESSAGE: During the period of Lent, we reflect on our walk with Christ, examining our commitment to Him. In John 6, Jesus taught that He is the Bread of Life, calling His followers to depend on Him fully. Many found His words too difficult to accept and abandoned Him. Their departure revealed that they followed Him for miracles and blessings, but not for faithful discipleship. Lent challenges us to ask: Do we follow Jesus only when it’s easy, or will we stay even when His teachings challenge us?
Peter’s response to Jesus is powerful: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68). Though he did not fully understand, he knew that life apart from Jesus was empty. Lent is a season of surrender, a time to reaffirm that no matter how hard the path, we choose Jesus. Fasting, prayer, and repentance help us realign our hearts with Him, ensuring we follow not just for blessings but for the truth He offers
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
As we journey through Lent, let us examine our faith. When challenges come, will we walk away, or will we trust Jesus, even when His ways are difficult? True discipleship means staying with Him through trials, doubts, and sacrifice, knowing that He alone gives life.
PRAYER:
Lord, strengthen my faith to follow You wholeheartedly. Even when I don’t understand, help me to trust that You are the way, the truth, and the life. Keep me close to You, especially in this season of Lent.” For your dear name’s sake. Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING Day 95: Deuteronomy 17-18 — Laws on Justice, Kingship, and Prophets
DAILY word study: TURNED BACK
The Greek phrase for “turned back” in John 6:66 is ἀπῆλθον εἰς τὰ ὀπίσω (apēlthon eis ta opisō), meaning “they went away to the things behind” or “withdrew.” It conveys more than physical departure—it reflects an intentional return to a former state, often of unbelief or comfort.
In context, the disciples turned back not because of external persecution but because of an internal conflict with Jesus’ hard teachings. This turning back was not just a change in direction—it was a decision against commitment. Theologically, it echoes Israel’s from God when His path seemed too demanding (see Jeremiah 2:13). True discipleship embraces Christ’s words even when they stretch us beyond what’s familiar.
Reflection:
In seasons of testing, do we walk away or walk deeper? Lent reminds us that following Jesus includes trust, even when understanding is incomplete.
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