PETER/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 Galilee; many of his friends, relatives, and business acquaintances lived here. No doubt Peter was hoping that 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 murmuring audibly, objecting to the thrust of  Jesus's message.  Most troubling to Peter, though, was the reaction of some of Jesus' own disciples. Their faces no longer bore that happy expression of enlightenment, the thrill of discovery, he joy of learning the truth.  Now, they looked upset, even bitter. Some spoke up, calling Jesus's  speech.  Refusing to listen anymore, they left the synagogue and quit following Jesus as well. - Read JOHN 6:60, 66. 

It was a difficult time for Peter and his fellow apostles.  Peter did not fully grasp what Jesus said that day.  No doubt he could see why Jesus' words seem 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 be the last. Let us see how Peter's faith, helped him to rise to such challenges and remain loyal.

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

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