John 6:64-69 NRSVue

⁶⁴But among you there are some who do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the beginning who were the ones who did not believe and who was the one who would betray him. ⁶⁵And he said, “For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted by the Father.”

⁶⁶Because of this many of his disciples turned back and no longer went about with him. ⁶⁷So Jesus asked the twelve, “Do you also wish to go away?” ⁶⁸Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. ⁶⁹We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.”^,

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Some thoughts on this scripture

Reflection
/Do you also wish to go away?/ I hear those voices every day tempting me to give up my faith, but without offering any alternative. I can never find a better response than Simon Peter's: /Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God./

Reflection
Jesus' question respects the disciples' freedom. /Do you wish to go away?/ I can sense that dramatic moment of uncertainty. There is movement in the group. Some are taking themselves off, not in confrontation but in sadness. Peter stands firm, and articulates what Jesus means to him: /Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life./ A wonderful answer, one that I savour.