Popularity

From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. — John 6:66

Popularity is fickle. Just ask a politician. Many of them watch their ratings to see how their constituents view their policies. They may start with a high rating, but then it steadily declines during their term.

Jesus also experienced a sharp decline in popularity. His popularity reached its peak after He fed the 5,000 (John 6:14-15). It plummeted when He told His listeners that He had “come down from heaven” (v. 38). Their response to His stupendous claim was, essentially, Who does this guy think He is? (see v. 41).

Jesus’ popularity continued to dip when He explained how they could have Him as spiritual bread (vv. 51-52). Perplexed by what they heard, they said, “This is a hard saying; who can understand it?” (v. 60). As a result, many left Him.

The crowds followed Jesus conditionally. They were happy only as long as Jesus supplied their needs and met their wants. They balked when He asked for commitment.

Jesus’ question to His disciples was “Do you also want to go away?” (v.67). Peter answered, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life” (v. 68). Will you, like Peter choose to ignore the world’s rating of Jesus and follow Him daily? — C. P. Hia

Those searching to know life’s true meaning

Can find it in only one way:

By serving the Lord with commitment,

And living for Him day by day. — Branon

READ: John 6:60-69

Commitment to Christ is a daily calling that challenges us.

The Bible in one year:

• Isaiah 34-36

• Colossians 2