Christ, the Bread of Life – Part 4: The proclamation of faith

In the hours following, the multitude and then one disciple after another slipped away, stunned and confused by the spiritual truth they had heard.  Jesus turned to His twelve handpicked men and asked them the pressing question, “Will ye also go away?”[i]  Peter stepped forward and proclaimed his allegiance.  Though for fear of his life he would later deny the Lord until his weakness was turned into God’s strength through the power of the Holy Spirit, in John 6 Peter boldly stated his heartfelt belief in Christ.  It was a beautiful example of what true faith entails.

True faith is marked by a decision.  When Christ asked the disciples if they would leave, they would have been free to go.  He would not force them to stay with Him.  In fact, considering the circumstances, no one would have blamed them for leaving.  Their Master, just hours before the most popular man in the region, had “failed” in His chance to gain prestige and power.  The people had wanted to make Him their king, and He had avoided them.  Now, because of His emphasis on a spiritual relationship, the thousands of followers had shrunk to these twelve men, and maybe a handful of others.

Under the circumstances, the disciples could have justified leaving Jesus, but they did not.  Instead, they made a decision based upon faith.  Peter stated the decision for all of them.  “Lord, to whom shall we go?  Thou hast the words of life.”[ii]  Peter affirmed in heart the truths that Jesus had just stated.  He believed that Christ was the Bread of Life, because He spoke the words of life.  Peter knew that Christ alone could meet the spiritual hunger of his heart.  It was the truth of Christ’s words that influenced Peter’s decision to stay.  Peter had decided that only Christ could satisfy him.

True faith was also evidenced by a declaration.  Peter did not stop with a decision.  He openly declared his faith.  “We believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.”[iii]  Peter declared that he believed Christ was who He claimed to be.

Peter’s decision and declaration posed a challenge for all who would follow Christ.  Why do we seek Jesus?  Is it simply for some physical benefit, or do we sincerely desire a personal relationship with Him?  Peter declared that he was completely satisfied with Christ alone.  Only by faith can we enter into this relationship with the Lord that completely satisfies spiritual hunger.

[i] John 6:67

[ii] John 6:68

[iii] John 6:69