Have you ever been rejected because someone misunderstood you? Don’t feel alone. Nearly all of us have at one time or another. Sometimes we mean well but don’t communicate very accurately. We hurt other people’s feelings or unknowingly insult them. And we lose friends because of it. This is exactly what happened to Jesus.

“From this time many of His disciples turned back and no longer followed Him” (John 6:66).

Crowds had been following Him. He was like a rock star. But His parables began to be too hard. “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?” (John 6:60) they asked. But Jesus didn’t back down, and made the language even harder. Why didn’t Jesus see He was turning the followers off. Why didn’t He just soften His words a little? Perhaps this was all a test.

After the crowds had wandered away, shaking their heads, Jesus asked His disciples, “You do not want to leave, too, do you?” (John 6:67). To which Peter replied, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.” (John 6:68-69).

The life lesson is obvious. We don’t have to understand His words, but we must believe and stay faithful. Don’t ever stop following, no matter what. Where else are you going to find answers?