Daily life with Jesus by Grahame Howard: Jesus was not always popular, neither will you be

"From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. 67Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?”
68But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” John 6:66-69 NKJV

Jesus had just finished some rather thought-provoking teaching regarding the future - the crucifixion, the communion, his body as bread and His blood as wine and many of His followers just couldn't understand this, so they left Him. You will find this as you go through your Christian walk, some people only want you to say what they want to hear. If it is any different a quarrel may start and before you know it, the word on the street regarding little old you, is not good, and many will give you a wide berth if they see you in the street.

This was happening to Jesus and so He asked His close followers if they wanted to leave Him as well. Peter, ever the main spokesperson, asked Him where else they could go - 'You have the words of eternal life. 69Also we have come to believe and know that 'You are the Christ, the Son of the living God' v68. They recognised what Jesus had to offer and knew in their hearts that Jesus was the Messiah, there was no one else.

Let me say something important here, wherever you go or whomever you speak with, not everyone will agree with you. The drums of gossip about you may have reached them and they have believed it. That's the bad thing about gossip, it is nearly always seen as the truth. We must learn to discern the difference and if you feel it is gossip, challenge it there and then. You won't be popular that's for sure but, it may stop it for a while.

Wherever Jesus went, many thought that He was not of God. One statement I read recently said:

'The statement "Jesus - He has a demon"

reflects accusations made against Jesus by some people in the New Testament. During his ministry, he was accused of being demon-possessed and insane, with specific instances occurring in the Gospels of John and Matthew, as well as in other passages such as Mark 3 and Luke 11. These accusations stemmed from reactions to his words and actions, which some found blasphemous or difficult to comprehend.' Anon.

If they said this about Jesus, they most definitely will say it about you if you make any particular stand for Him. In some churches you come across you may find that their level of doctrine is not in line with what you believe. Not every church is deeply involved with the Holy Spirit and may frown on some things you may say. Some don't believe in being 'Born again'. One chap I spoke to told me that he had been in a particular church for 40 years and felt that this qualified him for heaven. So, as you can see, there will be challenges.

So if at times you don't feel popular, remember Jesus didn't ether.

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now

Lord Jesus, I have sinned. I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today. In Jesus' Name. Amen
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