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

A company advertises a “huggable, washable, and talking” Jesus doll that recites “actual Scripture verses to introduce children of all ages to the wisdom of the Bible.” Its sayings include, “I have an exciting plan for your life,” and “Your life matters so much to Me.”

Who wouldn’t want to follow a Jesus like this?

Jesus does offer a wonderful plan for our lives. Jesus does not serve as a cosmic genie or cuddly doll to meet our every whim. John 6 gives us a picture of Jesus who is not so cuddly; in fact, He may often be seen as offensive. Instead of fulfilling the selfish desires of His followers, He disturbed their expectations. He offered Himself as spiritual bread from heaven and said, “Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life.” John 6:54.

This message was offensive and difficult. The image of eating flesh and drinking blood did not give His hearers “warm fuzzies.” Many earlier followers stopped following Him. John 6:66. He was not the conquering Messiah-King they hoped for and expected.

Sometimes we want a Jesus who meets our selfish needs. But the wonderful life He offers is found only in radical obedience to His commands. Let us ask Jesus to show us what His words mean, and for the courage to act on His truth. – Marvin Williams. – Daily Bread.

Lord Jesus I Love Thee
William Ralph Featherstone. 1864.
Ralph wrote this hymn when he was sixteen years old.

Lord Jesus, I love Thee, I know Thou art mine;
For Thee all the pleasures of sin I resign;
My gracious Redeemer, my Savior art Thou,
If ever I loved Thee, Lord Jesus, ’tis now.
“We love You, Lord Jesus,” we often may say,
But are we as ready His will to obey?
Let’s heed what God’s Spirit would have us to do,
For that’s how we show Him a love that is true. —DJD

The way of Jesus is not always easy.