Tuesday: Acceptance and Rejection
Daily Lesson for Tuesday 5th of November 2024
Lesson 2 described the feeding of the 5,000 in John 6:1-71 but did not cover the final section of that story, which is studied here.
Read John 6:51-71. What did Jesus say that people had trouble accepting?
Having just been fed, miraculously, by Jesus, the people were ready to crown Him king (John 6:1-15). But in talking with them later at the Capernaum synagogue, He explains the spiritual meaning of the miracle, saying, “I am the bread of life,” (John 6:35). He expounds in more detail that this bread is His flesh, which He gives for the life of the world (John 6:51).
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This saying opened the eyes of the multitude to the fact that Jesus would not be their earthly king. He did not fit the mold produced by earthly thinking. They refused conversion, which would transform the way they thought so that they could recognize and accept Jesus as the Messiah. Many of His disciples left Him at this point (John 6:66).
From a human sense, this must have been hard for Jesus. The approbation of the crowd is pleasing. Who doesn’t want to be liked? But seeing many people draw back and question one’s principles is naturally discouraging, as well. Seeing the multitude depart, Jesus asks his inner circle, the Twelve, if they want to leave, too.
This is when Peter makes his amazing confession, another witness as to both what Jesus has and who He is. “ ‘You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God’ ” (John 6:68-69, ESV).
The disciples had been with Jesus for a couple of years, traveling with Him, seeing His miracles, hearing His sermons. They knew from experience that there was no one comparable to Him. The conviction settled upon them that, however unusual some situations might be, this man was the Messiah—regardless of how much they still didn’t understand about His purpose for coming. Only after His death and resurrection did they start to understand why Jesus came.
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What can we learn from this story about the fact that the majority is usually wrong? Why must we remember this, especially with the aspects of our faith that are unpopular with the majority—even the majority of Christians? |
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It does not take a lot of imagination to understand the dilemma of the Jews, particularly the ones from the area where he grew up. They knew his family history.
Having taught in the Seventh-day Adventist system all my life I have taught the children and even the grandchildren of students I have taught previously. You know their history. And sometimes I'm tempted to use that history in dealing with the students.
The Jews had the same problem, Jesus, the kid from the family that built their house was now claiming he was God and could forgive sins and was proposing a new kingdom based on service rather than conquering. I am sure that some of them thought he had a screw loose in his brain. The message was radical. Even the miracles were suspect. The ones they could not explain, were attributed to the Devil.
I am not surprised at their reaction. During my lifetime, several people have come to churches where I have held membership, claiming special visions or radical new ideas. My initial reaction is always scepticism. So, in that sense, I understand the reaction of the Jews.
On the other hand, the disciples had been with Jesus for some time and had the opportunity to interact with him. This is their reaction:
The difference was they had come to know Jesus. Which brings us to the point that in our interaction with others do they get to know Jesus too?
(from the final question of today's lesson) "...the fact that the majority is usually wrong..."
*the Israelite army all refusing to fight the Philistine giant Goliath ... and 1 David
*450 prophets of Baal on the mountain ... and 1 Elijah
*2,000 soldiers went home ... and only 300 remained with Gideon
*everyone worshiping the golden calf ... except the tribe of Levi
*10 spies and the whole camp rebelling against God and fearful to enter Canaan....2 faithful spies
*the entire antediluvian human population, maybe millions/billions?, perished in the Flood ... and only 8 in Noah's Ark
OK, so the Biblical accounts seem to back this pattern and this claim that the majority is usually wrong. Jesus Himself said, "Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it" (Matthew 7:13-14).
And yet, I'm also thinking of how 1/3 of the angels fell from heaven with Lucifer, but the majority 2/3 remained faithful to God. Earth is the only fallen planet...outnumbered by far more worlds and universes which remain faithful to our Creator. From this vast perspective, our faith is a part of the majority position of all living creatures. All extraterrestrial life agrees with Peter that "You (Jesus) have the words of eternal life" (John 6:68).
I'm remembering, too, the story of Elisha and his young servant who in the morning upon waking was afraid of the Syrian army who had surrounded them under cover of darkness. Elisha prayed that his servant's eyes would be opened and when they were, the servant saw what Elisha saw. The hillside was also filled with an angelic army of horses and chariots of fire. The Lord's army fighting for them was larger and more awesome than the enemy one fighting against them (2 Kings 6:15-17).
This reminds me of “Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world” from 1 John 4:4. The power of Christ, who lives in us, is greater than the power of the world. The Holy Spirit living in the Christian is stronger than any attack by devils. With God as our +1 we are in the majority. No matter what the physical odds are, the spiritual odds are in our favor. We can stand boldly on this fact and watch the enemy's spiritual giants - the temptations and triggers - topple. We can walk in victory. God's acceptance of us overwhelms any rejection and loneliness we may ever feel (Rom. 8:1,34-39). And one day, the WHOLE...100%... of planet Earth will shout and echo with praises to Jesus (Rev. 5:13; Ps. 66:4-5 ).
God +1, will always be a majority, mathematically. Of course God, and God alone, is a majority, in Power, Majesty, and Glory.
Such a REFRESHING message to all who are tired weary and who need peace amidst sorrow pain loss and hurt! Love conquered and conquers All!
That's beautifully written!
This story teaches us that truth isn’t always found in the majority. In matters of faith, what’s popular isn’t always right. Many principles that we now accept as true began with a small, committed minority who held to their beliefs even when others disagreed.
In faith, standing firm in our beliefs—even when they’re unpopular—reflects courage and conviction. Jesus often called people to live differently, not according to what was popular but according to deeper truths. Remembering this helps us avoid being swayed by trends, keeping us grounded in what we truly believe is right.
Why did Jesus let them believe that He would be their king? I think it had something to do with 2 Thessalonians 2:11. At least from a side view. Maybe the ride on the donkey predicted in the Old Testament was to expose the Jewish leaders. I don't have a good answer, off hand.
The lesson's question confuses me. Has anyone come to believe the Gospel because it is believed by a ‘minority’? Does the lesson writer use the word ‘faith’ as in ‘Seventh Day Adventist faith’? Does a different faith work in the life of the Seventh Day Adventist than that of a Christian? I do not think so. There is only one faith worthy to be considered faith - the Faith that Jesus Christ is the Son of God who brings the ‘Good News’ of Salvation to mankind.
I had problems with properly understanding the words ‘eating the flesh’ and ‘drinking the blood’ of Jesus. This caused me to consider their deeper meaning - their application regarding 'acceptance' of Jesus and 'faith' in Him. I found 'internalize’ to be an appropriate word for 'eat' and 'drink'. The word 'internalize' - absorb, immerse, apply - describe what happens when we come face to face with Jesus Christ and believe Him.
John 6:61-64 - ”When Jesus knew in Himself that His disciples complained about this, He said to them, “Does this offend you? What then if you should see the Son of Man ascend where He was before? It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit and THEY are life.
John 6:65 is clear: ”…no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father.” When taken as fact, worshiping the Father in Spirit and Truth reflects their oneness in Spirit! True faith is spiritual, it is not defined by/through anything that perishes; it is forever oneness with God – John 4:23.
Notwithstanding John 1:1-14 - The Word we are supposed to eat became Flesh and lived among us! We are to eat spiritual food in the Word of God which is Jesus from Genesis to Revelation.
Anyone ever heard someone say they cannot leave their church because they will lose all their friends - I have and it cut me up! Not only would the person lose their life but the lives of those dear friends of theirs based on a spurious worship day. So on a macro-level, this majority rules can be true for some.
I've been subject to the 'popularity vote' for declaring God's Word to my peers and even lost some along the way. It is a lonely path sometimes but on places like here, we have kindred spirits.
Praise and popularity is dangerous - gets to the head so quick! Jesus said the way to Him or Heaven is narrow and few are those that find it. Social media has ensured that the snare of satan that is fame/fortune is no longer the bailiwick of the rich and famous but at the hands of mere mortals: even little children. Following popular culture will lead many to perdition because many fear ostracisation.
Bridge, I hope you read my contribution for Wednesday. And if you are not a Seventh-day-Adventist, seems as though you would make a good Seventh-day-Adventist. I was listening and watching The National Faith Association the other night lay hands on President D.J.Trump, led by Mrs. White, mind you her 1st name is Paula, Trumps pastor. One of the speakers at the conference, said, "we have to be BOLD." I do believe He got that from Acts 4:31.
God Bless you in your ministry on SSNet.Org.
Majority is always on the wrong side,see how Sunday keepers are more than Sabbath keepers
Not quite, Elsie. It is not as simple as that. We may very smuggly say that we must be right because we are in the minority, and be completely wrong. In spiritual terms we need to get the relationship with Jesus right, and then it does not matter whether we are in the majority or minority.
Not always Elsie. 2 thirds of the angels remained loyal to God when Lucifer rebelled.
I just have to make a comment about the majority usually being wrong as emphasized by the lesson.
The majority can be wrong and there are plenty of situations where it is. But that's not always the case and truth is not dependant on majority or minority. Focusing on this is dangerous. It pits us against people and makes us critical.
Yes, those who are blindly following the majority without examining the issue are at risk. But perhaps it's just as easy for people in a minority to become proud that they are different and assume they are right. We see that sometimes in the Seventh-day Adventist church where small groups that form around this or that "truth" assume they are right because they are small. But are they? Perhaps, perhaps not.
I believe Esther mentioned Jesus words about the narrow road and the few that find it. I will admit that that passage has discouraged me because it seems hopeless. I somehow felt that either I wouldn't make it or many people I care about wouldn't make it. And it almost sets up a competition. Let's say we assume only 10% will be saved. We might look at our church of 200 and say that's only 20 people. And then we start ranking to make sure we're in that 20 or feel discouraged and quit.
I now look at that passage differently. In the sermon on the mount, Jesus was not making prophecies. The whole sermon is teaching. And I think generally His hard sayings are more warnings than predictions. He wouldn't tell people they were doomed. Instead I feel that He was warning people that it's much easier to get on the wrong road than the right road. Knowing that warning each one could change to the point where the majority of His followers do go down the narrow road. But if you do nothing about it, yes, you'll probably end up on the wrong path. But there is always hope.
And as Esther noted there are plenty of examples and parables that suggest there could be a lot of people on the right side. Just a few others I can think of
5/10 wise virgins = 50%
2/3 faithful stewards = 67%
11/12 disciples stayed with Jesus = 92%
These statistics encourage me.
So let's not focus on numbers but just hear what Jesus is saying and warning us about.