The Bread of Life

By Dale J. Babinsky     While teaching the disciples about the Bread of Life, many of the followers of Christ turned away from Him. Indeed, John 6:66 is a thought-provoking verse in the Bible which reads: "From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him." This passage occurs after Jesus delivers a challenging teaching about the importance of His word. In this, He emphasized the importance of fully committing to Him and His mission. Many clearly did not understand.     This verse is significant because it marks a turning point in Jesus's ministry. It highlights the cost of discipleship and the challenge of accepting teachings that are difficult to understand or embrace. Some followers found Jesus's words too confusing or hard to accept, and they chose to walk away rather than ask for an explanation and seek after the truth. However, this moment also sets the stage for the steadfast faith of the remaining disciples, showcasing the contrast between those who are willing to persevere through difficulty and those who are not.     From a spiritual perspective, this verse serves as a reminder of the importance of faith and trust in moments of doubt or confusion. It invites reflection on the question: How do we respond when faced with teachings or challenges that test our commitment to our beliefs? Let us be like Peter in this moment, as he responded that Jesus was the only one who has the words of life (John 6:68). Let us feast on that spiritual bread.

- Dale J. Babinsky preaches for the Great Smoky Mountains Church of Christ in Pigeon Forge, TN. He may be contacted through the congregation's website - https://gsmchurchofchrist.com/