Dear Christian friends,

Do you remember the Bible story about two sisters, Mary and Martha? The two sisters invited Jesus and His disciples into their home one day. Martha prepared a nice dinner for Jesus and His friends, but Mary sat at Jesus' feet to hear and learn His words. Why did Mary wish to listen to Jesus' words? Was she lazy? She didn't want to cook? No! Mary knew that Jesus' words were special, no other word the same wonderful as Jesus’ words.

In our text we see that Peter and the other disciples also felt the same about Jesus' words. Do you? Do you think Jesus words are special? No other words are the same and wonderful as Jesus' words?

I. Not all people think that Jesus' words are special. Jesus' words displeased many people.

A. During His ministry here on earth Jesus' words displeased many people.

1. These people had faith and hope in Jesus, but their faith and hope did not agree with Jesus' words. They hoped for an easy, comfortable life from Jesus. They wanted to force Him to become their earthly king. (John 6:14) Jesus' words do not promise an easy, comfortable life.

a. Jesus' words explained about spiritual gifts and blessings. Jesus said to these people, "The words that I speak to you are spirit and life." (John 6:63b) Another day Jesus said to the proud Jewish leaders, "I came to call sinners to repentance," (Luke 5:32) Jesus warned the people about loving their earthly life so much: "He that loves his life shall lose it; and he that hates his life in this world shall keep it unto unto eternal Life, If a man wish to serve Me, let him follow Me: and where I am, there shall also My servant be: if any man serve Me, him will My Father honor." (John 12:25-26) Jesus' words call us to spiritual life and spiritual service, even if it means trouble and suffering for Jesus' sake.

b. Jesus' words also say some wonderful, hard to believe things about Jesus Himself, which the people did not expect Him to say.

Jesus told the people, "I came down from heaven, not to do Mine own will, but the will of Him that sent Me." (John 6:38) Jesus said that He is the Son of God and that God sent Him here to do God's will. Then Jesus explained what God's will is: “And this is the will of Him that sent Me, that everyone which sees the Son, and believes on Him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up on the last day." (John 6:40) Then Jesus warned the people about wanting only earthly bread for their bodies. He told them to desire the Spiritual bread, Himself: "I am the bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat this bread, he shall live forever: and the bread that I will give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world." (John 6:51)

2. Many people complained that Jesus' words were "hard". They meant that Jesus' words were hard to understand and hard to believe. Therefore many of them quit following Jesus. They wanted earthly bread, not the heavenly bread. These people "went away, and walked no more with Jesus." (v. 66)

b. It is the same today! At first, many people believe in Jesus and are eager to serve Him and follow Him, but later on when they must work hard for the church and suffer problems and persecution from unbelievers they quit.

1. When they first join the church they expect an easy, comfortable life here on earth. Jesus words command us, “take up the cross daily, deny yourself, suffer persecution and mockery from the unbelievers." Jesus says, "Blessed are you, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake. Rejoice and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in Heaven: for so they persecuted the prophets which were before you." (Matthew 5:10-12) Jesus words tell about suffering here on earth for a short time and then later on in heaven about peace and rest and a crown.

2. But many refuse to work hard and suffer here on earth for Jesus sake. They complain about Jesus' words and refuse to accept them. They love their money and earthly things and pleasures so much. They are like the Rich Young Ruler who came to Jesus and wanted to join with Him and have eternal life. Jesus told him, "Go, sell all that you have, and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven: and come follow Me. And when he heard this he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich." (Luke 18:22-23)

II. Yes, many people are displeased by Jesus' words and quit the church. But some people are blessed by Jesus' words.

A. Some know that Jesus' words are special, wonderful, no other words like Jesus' words.

1. Jesus' words are special and wonderful to them because Jesus is the Son of the living God as Peter confesses here in our text. (v. 69) Some know that Jesus has seen God the Father and has come from the Father. They know that His words are true and that they can depend on all that He says and promises.

2. Some people think that_Jesus' words are special and wonderful also because they bring eternal life. Here in our text Peter confesses, "Lord, You have the words of eternal life." (v 68) This eternal life we have already here on earth. Jesus forgave the sinner woman and said to her "Your faith has saved you; go in peace,(Luke 7:47-50) She had peace in here heart and new eternal life. Even death does not destroy this eternal life. When Lazarus, the brother of Mary and Martha died Jesus said to Martha, "I am the One who raises the dead and gives them life: he that believes in Me, although he die, he shall live." (John 11:25)

B. Jesus words are for faith! Jesus' words are accepted by faith.

1. Jesus does not expect us to understand fully everything He says. We cannot understand Jesus incarnation, His "coming from heaven," God becomes Man and still remains God. His arising from death, and His ascension into heaven. Same as the people in the text who rejected Jesus. His Words are "hard" for us to understand. Our mind and reason is limited.

2. However, Jesus does expect us to believe His words, although we do not understand fully. And we can believe because:

a. Faith is a precious gift from God. (v. 65 of our text, also v. 63-64) When we hear His words the Holy Spirit comes!

b. Faith is not offended at Jesus' words. Jesus says in Luke 7:23: "Blessed is he who is not offended in Me." Our pride and reason is offended, but the Holy Spirit helps us conquer that and believe Jesus' words. We must say the same as the father said: "Lord, I believe, You help my unbelief." (Mark 9:17-29, especially v. 23) (Explain!)

Conclusion: Many people do not like Jesus' words and quit the church, but some love Jesus' words and receive His blessing. How about you? What do you think of Jesus' words? Jesus also asks you this question which He asked the 12 disciples: "Will you also go away?" Let us answer with Peter: "Lord, to whom else can we go? You have the words of eternal life." (vv. 67-68)

Amen