Why would someone walk away from Jesus?

By David L. Mulherin

Why would someone walk away from Jesus? This happened to Jesus shortly after He fed the five thousand people.How could someone just walk away after seeing Jesus feed that many people with just "five barley loaves of bread and two fish"(John 6:9)? It did happen. This a great question...lets see if we can answer it.

Jesus came to earth to do the will of His Father. He knew it would not be easy. But He knew that it could be done. Jesus was with the Father when He created the heavens and the earth. He knew God's heart and he knew God's master plan. He saw that God made it possible for us to be with Him in heaven.

Jesus' mission is the same today as it was when He walked the earth. He knew His task would not be completed until he returned a second time. Jesus' work was, and still is much harder then anything He will ever ask of us. Jesus asks us to look to Him for guidance and for the strength to overcome sin. He lived a life free of sin. Yet He continually bears our load. Which is more difficult; To bear the burdens of one or to bear the burdens of all? Jesus met face to face with Satan at the end of a forty-day fast. Yet he still did not give into temptation. Agreed, He's God's son. Just keep in mind that He was in the same body that you and I have. I've personally fasted for two days. My body started getting weak and it affected my mental strength. I needed to rely on God for strength. Jesus fasted for forty days. Can you do that and still be as strong as you were before your fast began? I can't.

What makes someone think that they cannot follow Jesus? John 6:66 says, "After this, many of His disciples drew back and no longer went about with Him." These disciples left for the same reason so many of us leave today: The work is too difficult. But is the work really that hard, or are we just afraid of what we would have to sacrifice just to be able to follow Christ? At some point we all have to answer these questions. The answer we give will determine where we will spend eternity.

The story of "The rich young ruler" found in Matthew 19:16-22 talks about a young man that is selfish. He is willing to follow God. However it had to be under his own terms.

Verse 21 says, "Jesus said to him, "If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me"

The response of this young man is profound. Today, people are doing the exact same thing.

Verse 22 reads that "When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful; for he had great possessions."

The young man wanted to know why he should have to give up those things for which he worked so hard, just so he could follow Christ. It was a great question. The answer comes down to a question of eternity. Where did he want to spend it?

If you have gone to a funeral home, you have probably seen a dead person lying in a casket. Think back. Did you ever see that person's belongings either in the casket with them? And even if the deceased person's belongings were there, do you honestly believe that they would ever be able to get out of the coffin so that they could so as to put their belongings to use? Personally, I don't! There's an old saying: you can't take it with you when you die.That saying is correct. So why spend a lifetime acquiring things that have no value or impact on your life once you die?

I once collected all sorts of toys. I thought they would provide pleasure or joy. However, once I became aware of the amount of money I had spent, I realized it was either money I didn't have, or money I had to borrow. I was trying to fill a void in my life that no earthly item could fill. "The rich young ruler" had this problem. He had so worked so hard for earthly belongings that they ultimately became a higher priority than his commitment to follow Christ.

There's nothing wrong with owning material items. However, there is something wrong when you place those items above the love you have for the one that created you. Jesus wants us to give of ourselves and to give out of love, not out of a sense of necessity. He is looking for a few good people that will love through good times and bad. He wants people that will love no matter the cost, not because they're in need, but because they are striving to become close to Him.

You may belong to His family. You must reach out and place your trust in Him. Jesus loves you as you are. Don't wait until you make changes. Let Him help you. Together, the differences will be immeasurable.

If you allow Jesus into your life, share it with people that you know that are in church and are faithful. It is important to find a church that teaches and believes in the Word of God. Find a church that can help you grow closer to Christ; one that will help you serve Christ in the way that He is calling you to serve. Then when we are called home, I will be looking for you in heaven.

Will you be there?

October 20, 2003

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