March 17 | John 6:60 - 7:13

Kim Starr
Mar 17
3 min read

DAILY READING

REFLECTION

How do you respond to Jesus?

By Kim Starr

The people who had been following Jesus were going to have to make a decision about how to respond to him. Jesus had just taught them that they were going to have to eat of his body and drink of his blood. Many of his followers found this not only confusing, but offensive. Many of them left and decided not to follow Jesus any more.

Later, Jesus’ brothers, who were not believers, try to talk him into going to the Festival of Tabernacles. They think he needs to show off the signs and works he does so he can become more famous. They don’t understand that Jesus is sensitive to God’s timing and his purpose is not to make a big name for himself.

At the festival, the Jewish leaders were looking for Jesus. Many people were talking about Jesus with some saying he was a good man and others saying he deceived the people. There was no in between. Jesus was either the son of God or he was not.

Jesus had spent his time on earth trying to teach his disciples what it meant to believe and trust in him. True faith is more than an outward keeping of the rules; it is fully embracing and trusting Jesus. It is recognizing that Jesus is the only hope we have; that he is the only source of eternal life. Following Jesus is a work of grace, goodness, and the initiative of God. It is a spiritual thing. It is something you trust even when you don’t understand it.

The work of God is to believe in the one God has sent. Jesus came down from heaven to do the will of God who sent him. The words Jesus says are full of the spirit, and the spirit gives life. Jesus is the holy one of God and, if we believe in him, we will live forever.

The challenge for each of us is how do we respond to Jesus? Will we walk away like many of his disciples who could not handle what he was saying, or will we believe that Jesus is our savior, the holy one of God? Are we willing to be patient, like Jesus was in waiting to go the festival, and trust God’s timing? Are we willing to put aside our own ambition, our own drive, and die to self so that we can live to Christ? It is a choice people made then and we can make now. What do you choose?

PRAYER

Jesus, help us to believe, like Peter, that you have the words of eternal life. There is no other place we can go but to you. Help us to devote ourselves and our lives to following you. Help us to receive the gifts of grace you offer through you own life, death, and resurrection. Help us to choose that you are the Holy One of God and believe in you.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kim Starr

I have been a member of UALC since I was 2-years-old. Over my life I have participated in, and volunteered for, numerous ministries, programs, and activities, all of which have grown and strengthened my faith. I have been blessed beyond measure by not only being a part of this congregation, but also by being able to worship with three generations of my family.