Read: John 6:60-69
Popularity is unpredictable. Check a politician. Many of them watch their ratings to see how their constituents view their policies. They may start with a high rating, but then those ratings may steadily decline during their term.
Jesus also experienced a sharp fall in popularity. His popularity reached its peak after He fed the 5,000 (John 6:14-15). It fell when He told His listeners that He had “come down from heaven” (John 6:38). Their response to His profound claim was, in a way, who does He think He really is? (John 6:41). Jesus’ popularity continued to fall when He explained how they could have Him as spiritual bread (John 6:51-52). Confused by what they heard, they said, “This is a hard saying; who can understand it?” (John 6:60). As a result, many left Him.
The crowds followed Jesus conditionally. They were happy only as long as Jesus supplied their needs and met their wants. They drew back when He asked for absolute commitment. Jesus’ question to His disciples was “Do you also want to go away?” (John 6:67). Peter answered, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68). Like Peter, will you choose to ignore the world’s rating of Jesus and follow Him daily and unconditionally? Remember Jesus does not want your half-hearted or 99 percent commitment. He expects your 100 percent commitment, devotion, and faithfulness. Do not forget that on the cross He gave Himself completely for you.
