When the Truth Becomes Difficult

John 6:60–66 (NKJV)

Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this, said, “This is a hard saying; who can understand it?” 61 When Jesus knew in Himself that His disciples complained about this, He said to them, “Does this offend you? 62 What then if you should see the Son of Man ascend where He was before? 63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they 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 would betray Him. 65 And He said, “Therefore I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father.” 66 From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more.

In John 6:60–66, we see that many of Jesus’ disciples struggled with His teachings, declaring, “This is a hard saying; who can understand it?” Rather than seeking understanding or accepting His words by faith, many turned away and no longer walked with Him. Sadly, the same pattern continues today as some who claim to be Christians struggle with the hard truths of the gospel, choosing instead to embrace teachings that appeal to their desires rather than submit to the authority of God’s Word. Jesus warned in Matthew 7:13–14 that there are two gates: the wide gate that leads to destruction and the narrow gate that leads to life, and few find the narrow way. Paul likewise warned that people would turn away from sound doctrine and follow teachers who tell them what they want to hear (2 Timothy 4:3–4). We are also cautioned in Galatians 1:6–9 against turning to a different gospel that distorts the truth of Christ. The gospel is not meant to be reshaped to accommodate our preferences; it calls us to repentance, obedience, and genuine faith in Jesus Christ. Although some may walk away when His teachings become difficult, we must remember Peter’s response in John 6:68: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” May we remain steadfast in Christ, trusting His Word even when it challenges our understanding, confronts our sin, and calls us to live differently from the world.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, help me to remain faithful to Your Word, even when its truths are difficult to understand or accept. Guard my heart against the temptation to embrace teachings that please me rather than honor You. Give me discernment to recognize false gospels and the courage to stand firmly upon the truth of Jesus Christ. Strengthen those who are struggling in their faith, and draw back those who have begun to wander from sound doctrine. May I never exchange the eternal truth of Your Word for the temporary approval of this world. Like Peter, may I always recognize that Jesus alone has the words of eternal life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Your servant in Christ, Tom