To Whom Shall We Go?

Mission, Jesus style is not always an easy journey.  Even the Lord himself had many walk away, so today, should we really expect it to be any different?  

I believe that part of solving a complex problem comes, in part, by asking the right questions.  As I contemplate the task to which I've been called, these words are ringing in my mind this morning...

Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.

We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.”  JOHN 6:68

Jesus and the disciples had an incredible day!  They had fed over 5,000 people with only 5 loaves and 2 fish and had leftovers!  That night, the disciples witnessed Jesus walking on the water, and then Peter had his own water-walking experience!  

By morning the crowds that had been fed caught up with Jesus and wanted to know how they could do the works of God?  Jesus replied: "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent."  He went on to teach them many things, including who he was...the Son of God.  

The Scripture says: "Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this, said, 'This is a hard saying: who can understand it?' ...From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more." 

Then, Jesus asks the twelve: "Do you also want to go away?"

Simon Peter replies: Lord, to whom shall we go?  You have the words of eternal life.

I worship and serve in the Lutheran tradition.  In our liturgy, we sing these words... in my mind, the sound of the notes resonate as I read the words.  I hear them as a heartfelt expression from Peter to Jesus, that become my prayer to the Lord.  

I hear the question from two perspectives.  First...

Lord, you are the only one with words that lead to eternal life,

there is no other god that has given us these same promises.

There is no one else, so I'm staying right here with you!

Knowing what comes later in the narrative, I hear a second meaning... 

Lord, to whom are you sending me to share these words of eternal life?  

After Jesus finished the work he came to do, he left departing words with His disciples:
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  MATTHEW 28:18-20

Paul quotes the prophet Isaiah, saying, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"

ROMANS 10:15

May our reply always be:
Lord, to whom shall we go?  You have the words of eternal life.