GOoD Life Precepts: KeviJ
Week after week, sanctuaries fill with worshipers. These are the people who close their eyes and sing the songs with raised hands. But every filled seat doesn’t belong to a surrendered heart. While some go for genuine fellowship, others arrive for a platform. And in the midst of the tension, the pastor or leader stands to deliver a gut-wrenching, heart-probing sermon in an effort to provoke heart change. Satan never shouted rebellion; he whispered it with a straight face. Even here in our text, he didn’t leave with the crowd when the teaching was difficult; he stayed in the room.
“Do you want to go away as well?”
John 6:67
“Did I not choose you, the Twelve? And yet one of you is a devil?”
John 6:70
Commitment is not demanded, but it is required.
Not every follower is a true disciple; true discipleship is proven by what lies beneath the surface.
After feeding the multitude and teaching truths that offended many, Jesus watched a large crowd walk away—a heartbreaking moment. It wasn’t His intention; God’s will is that none should perish. Turning to His disciples, He asked, “Do you want to go away as well?”—a poignant invitation and challenge. Peter’s response, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life,” reflected genuine devotion, despite his later denial. Jesus already knew Judas was a devil, showing us that even the chosen can harbor betrayal. This should remind us that outward obedience can mask inner rebellion, and it often does.
Jesus could’ve exposed Judas instantly, but He didn’t. Instead, He revealed awareness without revealing his name. Judas’s betrayal didn’t transform him into a devil overnight; he had aligned with the enemy long before. Failure to address wrong motives left doors open for harm. Peter’s confession, however, highlights the true motivation—seeking life solely in Jesus, not for gain. Others had searched for eternal life elsewhere, but only Jesus proved to be the real source. Judas’s story reminds us that true allegiance and pure motives are vital to receiving the life only Jesus can offer.
In churches today, many gather for surface-level appearances—some worship loudly, appearing holy, knowing the right words and actions. They know the words, they play the part, but their hearts stay far from Christ. Others come to network, influence, or sow division under the guise of leadership, revealing deeper issues. Jesus sees beyond the facade, calling out the truth and seeking genuine purity of heart. What the church needs now isn’t more performance, it’s purity. It must embrace authentic devotion, shedding hypocritical appearances and bearing fruit that remains.
One thing is certain: Peter didn’t have all the answers, but his heart was right. He wasn’t perfect by any stretch of the imagination, and that’s what I love most about him; his motive was pure. There was no better place to be than in a position where he recognized that Jesus held the words of life—a place from which there is nowhere else to go. As the body of Christ, we must adopt this posture of wholehearted surrender—not driven by status, platform, or validation, but solely by Christ. He’s worthy, isn’t He? He’s proven Himself again and again, and He didn’t have to. His call to us, just as it was to the disciples, isn’t a surface question. It’s not a surface-level question—it’s a spiritual MRI, exposing our deepest motives. We are called to remain close to Him and pursue purity before Him. Let us do so with unwavering faith and open hearts.
Time Of Reflection:
** It’s possible to be close to Jesus and still carry an impure motive, which means proximity to Jesus isn’t the same as purity before Him.
** Commitment to Christ requires continual heart checks.
Heart Probe Questions:
** Is there any part of my walk with Jesus where I’m seeking self over surrender?
References:
John 6:67,70
John 13:27
1 Cor 3:12-15
2 Cor 11:3-15
Phil 2:5-8
Heb 12:16-17
Matthew 15:8
1 Sam 16:7
Chronological Bible Placement of Question #34. Thomas Nelson Chronological Study bible.
Closing prayer:
Heavenly Father, I don’t want to just walk with You publicly while denying You privately in my motives. I pray as David did, Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. I surrender wholeheartedly, root everything out of my life that doesn’t please You, and teach me to follow You for no other reason than life in Your Son Jesus itself. Let my commitment to You always be genuine. In Jesus’ name, Amen
