Why?

Throughout Jesus’ ministry, people flocked to Him for various reasons. Sometimes it was the simple fact that He fed them or talked with them; other times it was because He healed them, but regardless of their reasons, Jesus gave hope to people. Therefore, it was natural that He would have a following. Jesus did many things that led them to follow Him, but He wanted something from them that was different than what they wanted from Him.

Where was Jesus leading them? What was His ultimate goal? How were they supposed to respond to the many miracles and teachings Jesus offered? All these questions pointed to a bigger question — why? Why lead them, give them hope, or do miracles?

John ends his gospel by explaining why all the miracles and teachings were done, “so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God…” (John 20:30-31). Believing in Jesus is more than just mentally acknowledging His existence; it is trusting in Him as Lord! He has all authority, and Jesus wants His followers to trust that. 

At some point, His goals for them and their purpose for following Him ran askew. When the people’s commitment and allegiance were challenged, they began to abandon Him. How deep would the rejection go? How many of His followers would quit when Jesus was so close to fulfilling His mission and inaugurating the kingdom in a visible way?

As the people left, Jesus asked His closest followers, the twelve disciples, “You do not want to leave too, do you?” His candid question is one that we have to ask ourselves when the pressures of the world weigh on us. Jesus was demonstrating authority over all His Creation, and He wouldn’t stop until it was “finished” (John 19:30).

Peter’s answer resounds throughout the centuries as a statement of total surrender, dependence, and reverence. “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that You are the Holy One of God.” (John 6:68-69).

This is why “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:1-5) so that we would believe in His name and follow Him faithfully to the end. After all, as Jesus said in John 6:63, “The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life.” 

Why do you follow Jesus?