What will you do when the teachings of Yeshua are hard to accept?
Key Verse:
“Simon Peter answered Him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life. We have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God.’” —John 6:68–69 (NASB)
Background Context:
Jesus had just finished teaching about Himself as the Bread of Life, using powerful and challenging language. Many who had followed Him were deeply troubled by His words and could not understand their spiritual significance. Despite the miracles they had seen, many walked away. His teaching sifted the crowd—those following for convenience or curiosity were separated from those with true belief and commitment.
(Continued and expanded after scripture.)
Words to the Disciples
59These things He said in the synagogue as He taught in Capernaum.
60Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this said, “This is a difficult statement; who can listen to it?” 61But Jesus, conscious that His disciples grumbled at this, said to them, “Does this cause you to stumble? 62“What then if you see the Son of Man ascending to where He was before?63“It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing; the words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life. 64“But there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who it was that would betray Him. 65And He was saying, “For this reason I have said to you, that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted him from the Father.”
Peter’s Confession of Faith
66As a result of this many of His disciples withdrew and were not walking with Him anymore. 67So Jesus said to the twelve, “You do not want to go away also, do you?” 68Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life. 69“We have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God.” 70Jesus answered them, “Did I Myself not choose you, the twelve, and yet one of you is a devil?” 71Now He meant Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he, one of the twelve, was going to betray Him.
Reflection on John 6:59–71:
When the truth is uncomfortable, many walk away. This passage reminds us that not all who follow Yeshua do so with lasting faith. Some are drawn by signs and blessings, but stumble when His words demand change, sacrifice, or deep trust in the unseen.
Yeshua knew that even among His own disciples there were those who didn’t truly believe. He didn’t chase after the crowds who left. He didn’t soften His message. Instead, He turned to the twelve and asked them plainly if they would leave too.
Peter’s response is both raw and resolute: “Lord, to whom shall we go?” It’s not that he fully understood all that Yeshua had just said, but he knew enough to trust Him. Yeshua alone had the words of eternal life. That’s the kind of faith that anchors us when the way is confusing, when teachings are hard, or when life doesn’t make sense.
Notice also the sober warning embedded in this passage—Judas was among the twelve. He heard the same teachings and saw the same miracles, but his heart was not submitted. Proximity to Jesus is not the same as faith in Him. We must each decide to follow Him not because it’s easy, but because He alone is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
Application:
When Yeshua’s teachings challenge your assumptions or way of life, will you walk away, or will you lean in and trust Him? Let Peter’s response be yours: stay with Jesus even when it’s difficult, because there is nowhere else to go for eternal life. Let your faith be rooted not in what you understand completely, but in who you know Yeshua to be.
Closing Prayer:
Father, strengthen me when Your Word challenges my understanding. Help me not to walk away when things are difficult or confusing, but to cling to Yeshua, who has the words of eternal life. Let my trust in Him grow deeper each day, and give me the courage to remain faithful even when others fall away. In His name I pray, amen.
May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.
John Golda
Do you know for sure if you will go to heaven or hell when you die? Are you experiencing in your life the peace and joy of a personal relationship with our Creator and Father? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.