Words of Eternal Life

Where do you go to hear encouraging words of life? Where, or who, do you go to for life? Is it possible to look for the words of life in the wrong places or from the wrong people?

We all need life and are looking for life in some way or another.

In the bread of life discourse in John’s Gospel, Jesus was telling his disciples that they must feed on him and his word to have life. The disciples and the crowd were bewildered and offended at Jesus’ instruction to feed upon his body and blood.

In John’s gospel, Jesus said, “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.” (John 6:63, ESV).

After many in the crowd left Jesus because of his difficult teaching, Jesus asked his disciples if they wanted to leave as well. (John 6:66, ESV).

Jesus said to the twelve, “‘Do you want to go away as well?’ Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.” (John 6:67-69, ESV).

Jesus has the words of eternal life. Though Jesus’ words may be difficult to hear or to understand at times, and we may be tempted to leave him or to flee from his truth, we must stay with Jesus and believe in him and his teaching. We must trust Jesus, as he is the only one with “the words of eternal life.” No one else can provide what we are looking for.

Like Jesus’ disciples, may we experience Jesus’ words of eternal life as we listen to him, as we believe in him, as we trust him, and as we stay with him, even in the difficulties or when we do not fully understand.

A Collect for the Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost, (Proper 16): “Let your continual mercy, O Lord, cleanse and defend your Church; and, because it cannot continue in safety without your help, protect and govern it always by your goodness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.” (Book of Common Prayer, 2019).

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