John 6:66-71 – Hypocrisy and Faith
The church is full of people like the men and women described in these verses who stop following Jesus. The look like genuine Christians, they talk like genuine Christians, they even live like genuine Christians, but when they hit a temptation big enough or a trial hard enough, it shows there’s no real heart faith there at all. They are like the seed in the parable of the sower that is thrown on rocky ground and never takes root. But we can’t let this discourage us. We need to accept that until the day of judgement, there will be weeds mixed in with the wheat, and sometimes it will be very hard to tell the difference.
Look at the great declaration of faith the Apostle Peter makes. It’s easy for us to just read right over this without it sinking in. This was an amazing thing for Peter to say. For a humble Jew to say of one whom the Scribes, Pharisees, and Sadducees agreed in rejecting, “You have the words of eternal life. . . .You are the Holy One of God,” is an act of mighty faith. The question with which he starts is just as amazing. To whom shall we go? Where can we find any better guide to heaven? What will we gain by leaving you? Who else can show us eternal life? These are questions we can ask ourselves when we are urged and tempted to give up our faith. Where will we go? Where will we find such peace, and hope, and solid comfort as in serving Christ?
If ever there was a man who had great privileges and opportunities, that man was Judas Iscariot. But those aren’t enough. It isn’t our position, our understanding, our friends, or our opportunities, but grace that we need in order to be a Christian. Without grace we can live in the presence of Christ Himself, and like Judas be lost forever.
Questions
- What makes the difference between someone who looks like a Christian and someone who really is a Christian?
- What questions should we ask when tempted to turn from Christ?
Prayer Points
- Pray for the salvation of your family, friends, and neighbours.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.