It’s hard for some to accept, but nonetheless it’s true, we live in trying times, and if our commitment to Christian discipleship is lukewarm, we will not weather the storms ahead. Considering this sobering fact, there is a story in John 6 that inspires me, especially when the tests and trials seem too much for me to bear.

Two and one-half years into His ministry, Jesus was at the height of His popularity. Literally thousands followed Him, and sought to hear Him or see His miracles. Late one afternoon, Jesus miraculously fed more than 5000 people with five loaves and two small fishes – a great miracle. So impressed were the people by this miracle that they attempted to take Jesus, and make Him king by force. Jesus, of course, would have none of it.

The next day they came looking for Him again, hoping again to be fed by Him. Jesus rebuked them. They could think no further than their bellies. He commanded them to, “Labour not for the [that] meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life…” (John 6:27) – to which they replied, “…Lord, evermore give us this bread. And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life...” (John 6:34-35)

And indeed, He is. He is the staff of our eternal life, the only and true source of spiritual sustenance, and they knew it. They knew what He meant and what He was claiming, and they were offended by His words and began to murmur.

Jesus rebuked them for murmuring, and He continued by teaching that without Him, not one of them would have claim on Eternal Life.

Well, that really offended them. Sitting in that Capernaum synagogue were not only a host of the curious and the skeptics, but also a significant crowd of His disciples. And they too were offended by His strong doctrine – so much and so many, if fact, that it is recorded, “From that time many of His disciples went back, and walked no more with him.” (John 6:66) The test was just too much.

Well, as they walked away, - and can you visualize this? - Jesus turned to the Twelve and said - and this is my point - “…Will ye also go away?” (John 6:67)

And Peter answered on behalf of the twelve - and I love his answer - “…Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of Eternal Life. And we believe and are sure that thou art the Christ, The Son of the living God.” (John 6:68-69)

These were not fair-weather followers. To them it was Him, and only Him. No test; no trial would turn them away.

May it be so with us. When we are tested and tried, and they tempt us to turn our backs and walk away, may we look to the Savior with steeled resolve and singleness of heart, and say similarly, “…Lord, to whom shall we go?…” (John 6:68)