Faith Under Fire: Why Following Jesus Will Cost You Something

By Jason Walls Curtis

Following Jesus is one of the greatest joys of life — but it is also one of the greatest challenges. The Bible never hides that discipleship comes with a cost. In John 6 and 7, we watch crowds turn away, family members misunderstand Jesus, and even His closest circle wrestle with doubt.

 

Yet in the middle of it all, we are shown what true faith looks like.

 

When the Crowd Walks Away

After Jesus preached a difficult teaching, Scripture says:

“Many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more.” (John 6:66)

 

The crowds wanted a comfortable Jesus — a Jesus who fed them, blessed them, and never challenged them. But following Jesus is not about convenience. It’s about commitment.

 

Jesus turned to the Twelve and asked:

“Do you also want to go away?” (John 6:67)

 

Peter responded:

“Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” (John 6:68)

 

This is the heart of true discipleship. We follow Jesus not because the road is easy, but because there is no life anywhere else.

 

Confessing Christ as Lord

Peter declares:

“You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” (John 6:69)

 

True faith recognizes Jesus as the promised Messiah and the Son of God — the only source of salvation. Judas stood near Jesus yet did not believe, proving that proximity is not the same as surrender.

 

When Your Own Family Doesn’t Understand

John 7:5 records:

“For even His brothers did not believe in Him.”

 

Jesus knew what it felt like to be misunderstood by family. Yet He stayed faithful to His mission. Later, His brothers came to faith (Acts 1:14), reminding us never to give up praying for those we love.

 

Trusting God’s Timing

Jesus tells His brothers:

“My time has not yet come.” (John 7:6)

 

The world says hurry; God says wait. Waiting is not weakness — it is obedience. God’s timing is always perfect, even when it feels slow.

 

Standing Firm When Faith Is Tested

John 6–7 shows that:

  • crowds may walk away
  • family may misunderstand
  • the world may pressure you
  • timing may feel uncertain

 

But Jesus remained faithful — and He calls us to stand firm with Him.

 

When the pressure rises… stay with Jesus. 

When life shakes… stay with Jesus. 

When doubt whispers… stay with Jesus.

 

He alone has the words of eternal life.

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