To Whom Shall We Go? The Exclusivity and Sufficiency of Christ
Introduction
A. The Apostolic Verdict In John 6:68, we find one of the most profound confessions in the New Testament. Simon Peter, speaking on behalf of the twelve, responds to a piercing question from Jesus with a question of his own:
“Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”
B. The Context of Crisis This passage serves as the climax of the "Bread of Life" discourse. Jesus had just revealed Himself as the Bread that came down from heaven (John 6:35) and confronted the crowds for seeking Him only for material gain—for physical bread that perishes (John 6:26). They wanted a Provider; Jesus offered Himself as the Savior.
C. The Offense of Truth When Jesus taught the hard truths of total dependence on Him, the response was immediate: “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?” (John 6:60). The truth is often uncomfortable to the unregenerate heart. Humanity, by nature, prefers "smooth things" over sound doctrine (2 Timothy 4:3-4; Isaiah 30:9-11).
D. The Great Desertion The result was tragic: “From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him” (John 6:66). Turning to the Twelve, Jesus asked: “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Peter’s response is the anchor for every believer today: To whom shall we go?
I. The Decision is Inevitable: Two Ways
Life is not a series of infinite spiritual paths; it is a choice between two diametrically opposed directions.
• Only Two Gates and Two Paths: In Matthew 7:13-14, Jesus simplifies human existence into two options. There is a wide gate leading to destruction and a narrow gate leading to life. There is no middle ground, no "third way," and no spiritual neutrality.
• The Responsibility of the Individual: We are commanded not to follow the crowd to do evil (Exodus 23:2). Truth is not a democracy; it is not determined by popularity. Salvation does not depend on how many people are walking a path, but on whether that path is Christ.
• The Impossibility of Dual Loyalty: Matthew 6:24 reminds us that no one can serve two masters. We cannot walk toward the world and toward God simultaneously.
• The Call to Choose: Like Joshua commanded Israel, we are told to "choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve" (Joshua 24:15). Our present decision regarding Christ determines our eternal destination (Matthew 25:41, 46).
Doctrinal Application: While the Fall has deeply corrupted human nature, Scripture affirms our moral responsibility. Every man is accountable before God to respond to the divine call.
II. The Alternative to Christ: The Path of Sin
If we turn away from Christ, we do not go toward "nothing"; we inevitably return to the dominion of sin.
• Sin Brings Death: It is not merely a mistake; it is a terminal condition. It results in physical death, spiritual deadness, and eternal separation (Romans 6:23).
• Sin Creates a Barrier: The problem is not that God lacks the power to save, but that our iniquities have built a wall between us and our Creator (Isaiah 59:1-2).
• Sin Enslaves: The world offers "freedom" as the ability to sin, but Jesus defines freedom as the ability not to sin. Without Christ, man is a slave to his lusts (Romans 6:17).
• Sin Deceives and Hardens: It promises pleasure but delivers destruction, hardening the heart against God's grace (Hebrews 3:13; Romans 7:11).
• Sin is Rebellion: It is anomia—lawlessness. It is a direct strike against the authority of God (1 John 3:4).
Doctrinal Emphasis: We believe in the Total Depravity of man—that sin has affected every part of our being. Without Christ, there is no "Plan B." If we leave Him, will we go to hollow philosophies? To temporary pleasures? To certain death?
III. Christ is the Only Answer
Peter did not say, "We will look for better options." He recognized that Jesus was not a choice among many, but the only source of life.
• Words of Eternal Life: Only Christ speaks words that transcend time and satisfy the soul's eternal hunger (John 6:68).
• The Exclusive Way: Jesus did not claim to be a way, but the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). This is the absolute exclusivity of the Gospel.
• The Perfect Advocate: When we stumble, we have Christ as our Advocate before the Father, interceding on our behalf (1 John 2:1).
• The Only Mediator: There is one God and one Mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus (1 Timothy 2:5).
• The Only Savior: Acts 4:12 leaves no room for doubt: "Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved."
Doctrinal Emphasis: We uphold the Solus Christus—Christ Alone. His redemptive work is sufficient, His grace is central, and His Person is the only satisfaction for the human heart.
See Also
- Preaching on Matthew 16:26 What Good Is It to Gain the World and Lose Your Soul?
- Preaching on to Follow Jesus Matthew 16:21–25
- Preaching on Discontentment: The Danger of Dissatisfaction
Conclusion
The question "To whom shall we go?" is not a question of confusion, but a declaration of conviction. When the world turns back, when the "hard sayings" of Scripture challenge our comfort, and when the majority chooses the wide gate, we stand with Peter.
We stay with Jesus because there is nowhere else to go. No other religion offers grace; no other philosophy offers hope; no other person offers life. Christ is not just the best option; He is the only Life.
