From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. John 6:66<\/p>\n
A company advertises a \u201chuggable, washable, and talking\u201d Jesus doll that recites \u201cactual Scripture verses to introduce children of all ages to the wisdom of the Bible.\u201d Its sayings include, \u201cI have an exciting plan for your life,\u201d and \u201cYour life matters so much to Me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Who wouldn\u2019t want to follow a Jesus like this?<\/p>\n
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, \u201cWhoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life.\u201d John 6:54.<\/p>\n
This message was offensive and difficult. The image of eating flesh and drinking blood did not give His hearers \u201cwarm fuzzies.\u201d Many earlier followers stopped following Him. John 6:66. He was not the conquering Messiah-King they hoped for and expected.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Lord Jesus I Love Thee
\nWilliam Ralph Featherstone. 1864.
\nRalph wrote this hymn when he was sixteen years old.
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