Theme: BUILDING ON THE FOUNDATION
Text: “From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?” – John 6:66-70.
Comment: Jesus Christ was persecuted by the devil using the unbelieving Jews, particularly the religious leaders. At a time many of the Jews who could not bear the truth he preached backslided and “walked no more with him”. When Christ asked his immediate followers, the 12 disciples “Will ye also go away?” Simon Peter replied emphatically that they would not leave the work in that from the truth he preached, there was no doubt he was the Messiah. It could be seen therefore that though several of Christ’s disciples could not stand the test, the apostles and other faithfuls remained and the work went on.
Another instance of someone who could not respond to the call of Christ was a man who is described in the Bible as having great possessions. He asked Christ what he should do to obtain eternal life, which is to keep the commandments. The young man then declared confidently that he had kept them from his youth. Jesus then said unto him, “If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.” When he heard this “he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions”. (Matthew 19:16-22) The Lord Jesus Christ then warned us on the dangers of materialism, saying, “…Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” – Matthew 19:23, 24.