Every Christian I know loves the gospels. It’s in the gospels that we come to know more about Jesus. We learn of his birth, see him as a child, and walk with him for much of his ministry. In a sense, we follow along with the crowds that flocked to Him. We see the tenderness of Jesus, the love of Jesus. We hear His teachings and stand in awe of the miracles he performs; miracles like raising the dead, healing the lame and the blind and feeding of the 5,000. In a sense, we are drawn to Jesus for many of the same reasons the crowds were. Only many in the crowds misunderstood who He was/is. Jesus is the Messiah, the Christ, God’s son. He came to earth to suffer and die for our sins; to reconcile us to the Father.

But let’s go back to the crowds for a minute. They were always there. They gathered around Him. However, I think we have to realize there is a difference between being part of the crowd; that is those who were simply fascinated, maybe somewhat affectionate or sympathetic towards Jesus and those who truly walked with Jesus; those who were determined to follow him even though He said some things that were pretty hard to understand or hear. You see, because Jesus said things like, “I am the bread of life” (John 6:35a) and “unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood you have no life in you” (John 6:53). “If anyone wants to come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me” (Luke 9:23). He said, “If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple” (Luke 14:26). So it’s no wonder we read in John 6:66 that some went back and walked with him no more.

Now, the thing I appreciate is the fact that Jesus never said the Christian life would be easy. I also appreciate the fact he emphasized the need to love him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength (Mark 12:29-31). Our love for Jesus must be far greater that our love for anything else in this world. “And many of his disciples turned back and walked with Him no more” John records. So, there was a thinning of the crowd. The reader must come to understand there is a difference between being curious about Jesus, wanting to study him, expressing some affection or fascination towards him and actually following Him; walking with Him.

Jesus was looking for disciples who were all in. And one of the things we have to know is that Jesus was/is looking for workers and laborer’s. If you know Jesus you have been chosen by Him to be one of His laborers. It’s going to be hard work. So the question is are you ready to walk with him and actively participate in His mission or “do you also want to walk away”? Oh, and it is possible to be physically present and yet have checked out. Only, that’s not what Jesus is looking for. So, how are you going to answer that question today? Will you walk with him or do you also want to walk away?

I hope and pray you are walking with Jesus today!