To whom shall we go? John 6:68
Today we stand at a critical juncture, a point of decision that echoes down through the ages. The question posed by Simon Peter to Jesus in a moment of crisis resonates with each of us: TO WHOM SHALL WE GO? Our text for this vital inquiry is John 6:68: "Simon Peter answered him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.’"
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INTRODUCTION:
A. Peter asks Jesus a question, and we should ask ourselves the same question. To whom shall we go? Peter's response was born out of a moment when many were turning away from Jesus. His profound question challenges us to examine our own allegiances and the direction of our lives.
B. After Jesus explained that he was the bread of life and told the people that they were seeking him not because of signs, but because they ate the bread and were satisfied (John 6:26). That is, they were seeking material things. Many want to pursue material things, not because they truly believe in him. Jesus revealed the superficiality of many who followed Him. Their interest was often in temporal gain rather than genuine faith in His divine nature and teachings.
C. That's why many disciples said, "This is a hard saying! Who can hear it?" (John 6:60). Many don't want to hear the truth, because it is hard. Many want to hear words that are pleasant to them (2 Timothy 4:3-4). Just like in the time of Isaiah 30:9-11. The true teachings of Jesus often challenge our comfort zones and expose the depths of our hearts. Many prefer smooth words and doctrines that cater to their desires rather than the sometimes-difficult truths that lead to salvation.
D. As a result of the truth Jesus told them, many of his disciples turned away and no longer walked with him (John 6:66). In the same way, many today turn away upon hearing the truth because it doesn't please them. When faced with the demanding nature of Christ's message, many choose to walk away, prioritizing their own preferences over the path of eternal life.
I. TO WHOM SHALL WE GO? JOHN 6:68.
This is the pivotal question that demands our earnest consideration.
A. There are two paths (Matthew 7:13-14). Jesus clearly presented humanity with a choice: the broad road that leads to destruction and the narrow road that leads to life.
B. We have to make the decision; we are responsible for where we enter. Our eternal destiny hinges on the choice we make regarding which path we will walk.
C. We cannot base our decision on what many do (Exodus 23:2). Many think that much goes down that path, people, and that's why that path is right. Popularity is not a measure of truth. The broad road may be crowded, but it does not lead to eternal life.
D. There aren't three paths. The choice is binary: the way of God or the way of the world.
E. We can't walk both. Our allegiance cannot be divided. We cannot serve two masters with opposing values and destinations.
F. We aren't born on the path that leads to destruction; we choose it when we sin. While we are born into a fallen world with a propensity to sin, the active choice to embrace sin and reject God's way leads us down the path of destruction.
G. We must choose whom we will go to (Joshua 24:15). To God or to idols. Joshua's powerful challenge to Israel echoes in our hearts today. We must decide whom we will serve.
H. There are two masters (Matthew 6:24). We can't serve both. Our loyalty will ultimately lie with either God or the idols of this world, be it wealth, power, pleasure, or self.
I. There are two destinies (Matthew 25:41). The ultimate outcome of our choices is either eternal life with God or eternal separation from Him.
II. TO WHOM SHALL WE GO? JOHN 6:68.
Let us consider the allure and the consequences of choosing a path apart from Christ.
A. Many want to pursue sin; sin is death (Romans 6:23). The temporary pleasures of sin ultimately lead to spiritual and eternal death.
B. Sin separates us from God (Isaiah 59:1-2). Our iniquities create a barrier between us and our holy God, hindering our relationship with Him.
C. Sin enslaves us (Romans 6:17). Though it may initially seem liberating, sin ultimately binds us to its destructive patterns and robs us of true freedom.
D. Sin hardens us and deceives us (Hebrews 3:13). The repeated indulgence in sin dulls our conscience and blinds us to its true nature and consequences.
E. Sin deceives us and kills us (Romans 7:11). Sin promises satisfaction but delivers only emptiness and death.
F. Sin is the transgression of the law (1 John 3:4). It is a rebellion against God's righteous standards and a rejection of His authority.
III. TO WHOM SHALL WE GO? JOHN 6:68.
Now let us turn our gaze to the compelling reasons why Peter's answer remains the only true and life-giving response.
A. Christ has the words of eternal life (John 6:68). In Jesus' teachings, we find the very essence of life that transcends this temporal existence and leads to eternity with God.
B. Christ is the only way to heaven (John 14:6). He Himself declared, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." There is no other path to salvation.
C. Christ is our Advocate (1 John 2:1). When we stumble and sin, we have Jesus, the righteous one, who stands before the Father on our behalf.
D. Christ is our Mediator (1 Timothy 2:5-6). He is the one who bridges the gap between a holy God and sinful humanity, offering Himself as a ransom for all.
E. In Christ alone is there salvation (Acts 4:12). There is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.
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CONCLUSION:
The question remains before each of us today: To whom shall we go? The allure of the world and the fleeting pleasures of sin may beckon, but they lead only to separation and death. In contrast, Jesus Christ offers the very words of eternal life, the only path to the Father, and the assurance of salvation. We must decide, for each one will receive what he has done, whether evil or good (2 Corinthians 5:10). Let us, like Peter, declare our unwavering allegiance: "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." Amen.
