2nd Thursday of Lent (March 5). To whom can we go?

​Prepare to Listen.  The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overtake it.
 
Prayerfully Read John 6:60-71
60When many of his disciples heard it, they said, “This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?”  61But Jesus, being aware that his disciples were complaining about it, said to them, “Does this offend you?  62Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before?  63It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless.  The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.  64But among you there are some who do not believe.”  For Jesus knew from the beginning who were the ones who did not believe and who was the one who would betray him.  65And he said, “For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted by the Father.”
66Because of this many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him.  67So Jesus asked the twelve, “Do you also wish to go away?”  68Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom can we go?  You have the words of eternal life. 69We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.”  70Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the twelve?  Yet one of you is a devil.”  71He was speaking of Judas son of Simon Iscariot, for he, though one of the twelve, was going to betray him.
 
Prayerfully Wonder
In these verses “his disciples” refers, not to the twelve, but to some uncommitted followers.  Jesus’ teaching about eating his flesh and drinking his blood was too much for them, and they complained: “This teaching is difficult; who can accept it?”  They quit.  Yes, it’s difficult and many today choose to ignore it, creating their own less-demanding, more comforting path.  If they’re fortunate, they will be challenged to change their minds, repent.
 
It happened to me.  I was in my first teaching position, in a new city far from family and friends, and I struggled.  One Sunday, in an unfamiliar church, the preacher’s message made me angry.  I don’t remember what he said.  I do remember my angry reaction.  I said to God, “If that’s what it means to be Christian, I quit now.”  Amazingly, God gently responded: “Let’s talk about it.”  I angrily replied, “You xyz we’ll talk about it!”  As I walked home from church I realized two things.
 
First, God ignored my bad language; not even a gentle rebuke.  Second, I remembered Peter’s response when Jesus asked the twelve, “Do you also wish to go away?”  It made me rethink quitting.  I realized Peter’s answer was the only worthwhile and reasonable one to give: “Lord, to whom can we go?  You have the words of eternal life.”  I never talked to God about that sermon nor about my threat to walk out on Christianity.  I no longer needed to.  I claimed Peter’s answer as my own and stayed.  Every time I’ve wanted to quit, and that happens occasionally, those words have encouraged me to stay the course.
 
What’s your response to Jesus’ question: “Do you also wish to go away?”
 
Prayerfully Respond
You alone have the words of eternal life.  You alone give life.  Thank you for reminding me of these words whenever I’ve felt like quitting.  Thank you for these words that have given life, over and over.  Amen.
 
Live obediently.  To whom can you go?