You have the words of eternal life

23 Aug 2009

John 6:56-69
(56)  Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. (57)  As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever feeds on me, he also will live because of me. (58)  This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like the bread the fathers ate and died. Whoever feeds on this bread will live forever." (59)  Jesus said these things in the synagogue, as he taught at Capernaum.
(60)  When many of his disciples heard it, they said, "This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?"
(61)  But Jesus, knowing in himself that his disciples were grumbling about this, said to them, "Do you take offense at this? (62)  Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before?  (63)  It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. (64)  But there are some of you who do not believe." (For Jesus knew from the beginning who those were who did not believe, and who it was who would betray him.) (65)  And he said, "This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father."
(66)  After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him.
(67)  So Jesus said to the Twelve, "Do you want to go away as well?"
(68)  Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life,
(69)  and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God."

“How amazing it would be, to actually see Jesus, and listen to him teach! Wouldn’t that be great?! If only we had him with us, in person, our church would be full and we’d all be happy!”

There are churches that are full, there are places where young people, older people, families, singles, people from all kinds of nationalities come together, to worship and to seek the Lord. In some parts of the world, churches are growing. In other parts, they are shrinking. Why is this so?  (not sure how it can be like the famous cadbury’s chocolate, with a glass and a half of full cream dairy milk in every 200gram block?!)

We can think of all kinds of reasons. Maybe it’s the preaching; the church structure, the music; whether a church is warm, friendly and welcoming. Whether new people feel accepted, and whether their gifts and interests are welcomed, or whether they have to wait 20 years before they are allowed to have a role.

Maybe it’s the distractions. The temptations of the world. The competition with sport or entertainment or overseas trips or family gatherings.

Maybe we need more comfort: softer seats, better heating or cooling; Childrens’ ministry could be the answer. Or a shed men’s group. Or guest speakers that can inspire us and draw a crowd. Or a pastor that is able to visit every home every few months, or even pop in every week, especially to those people who are lonely and don’t have anyone around. Maybe a good teaching program is the key. A youth group. Kid’s club. Sunday school. Bible study and fellowship groups. Prayer meetings. A good series like alpha or a Lutheran heritage series, or some excellent seminars with someone like Dr David Ludwig. Or special services like BJs, with visiting bands, etcetera.

Any of these ideas could be helpful. Different things will appeal to different people. Whatever we do, it needs to be done in a spirit of Christlike love, agape love, the love that is not selfish, but considers the needs of others, as 1 Corinthians 13 and Philippians 2 teach us.

But what is the key issue, the core reality that we need to reckon with, as God’s people, troubled by the choices of many of our members over the years to leave, including members of our families, perhaps?

The peace maker seminar we had at the pastors conference in Rockhampton pointed out how easily and quickly people can part ways when there is conflict. And how amazing it is when, instead of running away or attacking each other, we work things through, with confession and forgiveness, and we go beyond mere ‘conflict resolution’ to genuine reconciliation, in our relationships.

This is getting closer to why some people, many people, might leave, or feel like leaving.

Conflict with fellow members is one thing. But our text goes further: it speaks of many disciples no longer wanting to stay with Jesus.

Why?
It was his teaching… ‘this is a hard saying’ they said. This is too hard to handle.
But was it?
Some of them stayed. They said, ‘Lord, we don’t want to go anywhere else. Your words bring us eternal life.’

Why the difference?

This comes down to the heart of religion, the core of human spirituality.

Jesus was teaching his disciples that he was their hope, their life. By feeding on him, they would be saved. Feeding on him? Yes. The Jews had a special sacrifice that recalled the Passover. A lamb was sacrificed, and the people showed their union with it through eating the meat. The animal’s life was taken, and it counted as theirs. So they were saved. It was both a sober feast, and a celebration. Jesus said his body and blood was the true sacrifice. And just as they believed in the Passover, they needed to believe in him. To receive him.

This was meant to be at the heart of the Passover, and all the worship system of the Jews. But they had changed it, from God giving them salvation, to focusing on their religious effort. This is what our natural human hearts do. We make it about ourselves. But it’s about God, and what he does for us.

Why do people leave the church? Many reasons. Maybe this is part of it: we want to protect our self-determination. Our pride doesn’t like grace. But grace – God’s work through his word and the sacraments – is the only way we can be saved.

So what about us?
 
Jesus asks us today: "Do you want to go away as well?"

May we reply with Peter and say "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God."

Amen.