“Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68).
As the crowds turned their backs on Him, Jesus asked the Twelve if they, too, would leave because of unbelief. Peter steps to the forefront and answers on behalf of the entire group. The response he gives is a glorious one: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
The first thing we notice about Peter’s response is that he calls Jesus “Lord,” thus recognizing and submitting to His sovereign authority. This is something the other followers refused to do. Second, Peter recognizes and accepts his dependence on Jesus as the only way of salvation. Even if he did not like the teaching he heard, where else could he turn? Jesus was the only way, and to turn away would be futile. Third, he submitted to Jesus’ “words.” The Twelve did not follow Jesus merely because of His miraculous signs but because of His teaching, no matter how difficult it might have been to understand and embrace. Fourth, Peter and the others had come “to believe and know” that Jesus was indeed the Christ. Here we have the profound confession of Peter, which could only have been revealed to him from above. God had given him faith in the person and work of Christ—a faith that is essential in the lives of all true believers. Without it, they will fall away as many did during Jesus’ earthly ministry.
Many people turn away because they cannot accept Jesus’ teaching. Some, like Judas, remain in the midst of believers, pretending they believe when they really have ulterior motives. Such hypocrites might remain hidden from others, but they are exposed before God who knows the hearts of all men. Jesus knew that Peter did not really speak for all the Twelve. He knew that Judas’ heart was evil and full of betrayal, and He knows the hearts of all those who profess to follow Him today. He knows whether you will turn from Him as the followers did. He knows whether you will remain committed in your faith as Peter did. He also knows whether you are a hypocrite and deceiver. May you be as Peter, able to confess your dependence upon Him for eternal life and to submit to His authority and teaching no matter how difficult it might be.
Do you ever doubt because of some difficulty in your life, some persecution, or some doctrine in the Word of God that you find difficult to accept? Remember Peter’s confession. Where else can you go? If you turn from Christ, you will perish; but if you remain committed, you will have life. Memorize John 6:68–69.
