The people had gathered that day to see Jesus (see John 6:60-69).

They were looking for bread. They wanted something that was temporary and perishable. They were after something that would satisfy their stomach for a few hours.

Jesus offered something so much better. He offered something that was not just filling but something that was fulfilling.

The 12 disciples were listening to Jesus and watching as the crowd began to dissipate. They had to be looking at each other and wondering what’s next. Jesus was saying some things that were making people feel uncomfortable. They didn’t understand. But Jesus knew what was happening. He knew what the disciples were thinking.

He looked at them and said, “How about you? Are you guys going to leave, too?” The teaching was hard and confusing. Jesus wanted them to admit it if they were ready to give up. Were they ready to throw in the towel and quit? After all they have seen and heard, were they ready to leave, too?

Peter gets a lot of bad press. But in this moment, he sees what everybody else seems to have missed. “Master, to whom shall we go? You alone have the words that give eternal life, and we believe them and know you are the holy son of God.” (John 6:68-69 TLB)

It is amazing how quickly things can change. The day before, these guys were all rock stars. The crowd was ready to make Jesus the king. Now, the pendulum has swung all the way in the opposite direction.

The crowd is dispersing. There are questions and doubts. But Peter believed Jesus had something to offer that nobody else could provide — the words of eternal life.

Jesus had given the disciples a bigger picture of the world. He had given them a different picture of God. He had reframed their world view. Now, they were seeing life in the context of eternity.

They had come to believe that Jesus was the holy one of God. Before Jesus, life was so much different. He had invited them into something with purpose and meaning. If they left him, where would they go?

That’s the question I would encourage you to ask yourself today. If you won’t follow Jesus, then who/what will you follow? I am asking you to consider the direction of your life.

Where is the path you are on taking you? To walk away from Jesus doesn’t mean your life is going in a better direction. We’ll pick up there next time.

Steve Greene is the lead pastor of The Point in Seymour. Read his blog at pastorgreene.wordpress.com or email him at [email protected]. Send comments to [email protected].