He Was Loyal in the Face of Tests

 PETER gazed anxiously around the faces of Jesus' audience. The setting was the synagogue in Capernaum. Peter's home was in this town; his fishing business was here, on the northern shore of the Sea of Galile; many of his friends, relatives, and business acquaintances lived here.  No doubt Peter was hoping his townsmen would see Jesus as he did and that they would share the thrill of learning about God's Kingdom, from the greatest of all teachers.  No such outcome seemed likely that day.

Many had stopped listening. Some were mermuring audilbly, obejecting to the thrust of Jesus' message. Most troubling to Peter, though, was the reaction of some of Jesus' own disciples.  Their faces no longer bor that happy expression of enlightment, the thrill of discovery, the joy of learning the truth. Now, they looked upset, even bitter.  Some spoke up, calling Jesus' speech shocking. Refusing to listen anymore, they left the synagogue- and quite folling Jesus as well. - Read JOHN 6:60, 66.

It was a difficult time for Peter and for his fellow apostles. Peter did not fully grasp what Jesus said that day.  No doubt he could see why Jesus' words might seemed offensive if taken at face value. What would Peter do?  It was not the first time that his loyalty to his Master was tested; nor would it be the last.  Let us see how Peter's faith helped him to rise to such challenges and remain loyal.

Next time: He Was Loyal in the Face of Tests - Loyal When Others Turned Disloyal

From th jw.org publications