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“‘Do you also wish to go away?’” (John 6:68).

Christ and the Apostle (Georges Rouault)

When my children were very young, I decided that I would tell them the truth – in an age-appropriate way – but still tell them the truth.  Sometimes people have criticised this approach in me.  For example, some people see this directness – this sort of black and whiteness – as something that is very difficult or too extreme.  But I see it as an invitation.  You see, when we are honest with someone – in a loving way – what we are doing is showing them the reality of a situation.  Now, when they see the reality they may decide that it is too difficult for them and they would rather not be associated with that reality or it is too hard for them.  Alternatively, they may decide to move forward into that reality and live it to their best ability.

And I have been thinking about that as well.  You see, when we are honest with people, we are actually inclusive with them.  We are inviting them to join us and operate in a better reality.  There is – after all – a reason that Christ said, “I am the way, the truth and the life…” (John 14:6).  The truth is ONE.  It is not dependent on another thing.  It is not true if that is my opinion and untrue if your opinion differs.  That is what Christ was talking about in that Gospels.  He was telling people the truth – that is why He came and entered time and space.  And He did not say, I know the Truth.  He said, I AM the truth.  It is an absolute statement.  And in that absoluteness God shows us how we should approach TRUTH because HE HIMSELF is Truth…

Christ is absolute in His communication of Truth…

“Many of his disciples, when they heard it, said, ‘This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?’...After this many of his disciples drew back and no longer went about with him. Jesus said to the twelve, ‘Do you also wish to go away?’ Simon Peter answered him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life; and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.’” (John 6:60-69).

There were so many people who turned away.  They heard the truth and it was too hard for them to handle.  And yet, not everyone turned away.  There were some who stayed…  And this is something worth thinking about.  So many times, in encouraging others to join us in faith, we try to make the faith easier to digest.  I try to simplify it or ease them into it.  I do not want to scare them off.  But this is not what Christ wants from us.  Our faith is difficult.  God Himself said that in order to be a Child of Faith I must take up my Cross before following Him.  He did not ask me to collect my latte.  He did not say get a comfy and make sure you are relaxed.  He gave a very clear instruction.  And as a result of that instruction, some people walked away.  That did not make Christ change the instruction.  He did not say, I need you guys to come back here so I will make this a little easier for you.  Instead, he turned to those who were left and asked them, “‘Do you also wish to go away?’”

And I have been thinking about that question today – and I hope that I shall not be counted among those who turned their back…

For with prayer, I stand on Holy Ground where everything is clear. Here. At the Foot of the Cross.