Lent Day 18 [3.10.2026] The Gospel Outcome

Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life." - John 6:68

Scripture: John 6:60-71

Today, Jesus reminds us of the effects and outcomes of preaching the difficult teachings of the gospel. Upon hearing Jesus’ words, many disciples and followers turn around and leave. Some would have been disappointed that Jesus stopped producing bread, others would have been angry with Jesus’ claims, and yet others would have left because their friends or family had left. When we preach and live out the gospel of Jesus, we will face the same trials as Jesus. Sometimes friends may turn their backs on us and family may even criticize us. The world may even mock us and threaten us but our scripture today reminds us that Jesus endured through it all. Not only this but even knowing that one of His closest would betray Him, He continued to love, provide, and lead those who would riot for His crucifixion and death. In the face of these trials Jesus shows us the value of spiritual resolve. Many times Church becomes about friendships, events, or number of attendees but Church is solely about Jesus Christ. We are not called to water down the gospel in fear of losing members or offending listeners, rather speak the cutting truth that separates our souls from sin and saves lives. Jesus has called us to hold onto this spiritual resolve to establish the Church and our faith with the power to save the lost.

Reflection:

1.     When was there a time I was afraid to share my faith because of what people around me might think or do?

2.     How can I and why must I overcome my fear of judgment from others in following after Jesus?

Prayer:

Dear God, thank you for providing the truth of salvation and eternal life to us. Thank you for teaching the truth despite facing rejection and heartbreak. Help me to live boldly for the truth that saves lives for the kingdom of God. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

제목: 복음의 결과

본문: 요한복음 7:60–71

오늘 말씀에서 예수님은 복음의 어려운 가르침을 전할 때 나타나는 결과와 반응을 보여 주십니다. 예수님의 말씀을 듣고 많은 제자들과 따르던 사람들이 돌아서서 떠나갔습니다. 어떤 이들은 예수님이 더 이상 떡을 만들어 주지 않는 것에 실망했을 것이고, 어떤 이들은 예수님의 주장에 분노했을 것입니다. 또 어떤 이들은 친구나 가족이 떠나는 것을 보고 함께 떠났을 수도 있습니다.

우리가 예수님의 복음을 전하고 그 복음대로 살아갈 때, 우리도 예수님과 같은 어려움을 겪을 수 있습니다. 때로는 친구들이 우리에게 등을 돌릴 수도 있고, 가족들이 비판할 수도 있습니다. 세상은 우리를 조롱하거나 위협할 수도 있습니다. 그러나 오늘 말씀은 예수님께서 이 모든 것을 견디셨음을 보여 줍니다.

뿐만 아니라 예수님은 자신의 가장 가까운 제자 중 한 사람이 자신을 배신할 것을 알고 계셨음에도 불구하고 계속해서 사랑하시고, 공급하시며, 결국 자신을 십자가에 못 박게 될 사람들까지도 인도하셨습니다.

이러한 상황 속에서 예수님은 우리에게 영적인 결단과 흔들리지 않는 믿음의 중요성을 보여 주십니다. 많은 경우 교회가 사람들과의 관계, 행사, 혹은 참석 인원의 수에 초점이 맞추어질 때가 있습니다. 그러나 교회의 중심은 오직 예수 그리스도입니다.

우리는 사람을 잃을까 두려워하거나 누군가를 불편하게 할까 염려하여 복음을 약하게 만들도록 부름받지 않았습니다. 오히려 죄로부터 우리의 영혼을 갈라내고 생명을 구원하는 진리의 말씀을 담대하게 전하도록 부름받았습니다. 예수님은 잃어버린 영혼을 구원하는 능력으로 교회와 우리의 믿음을 세우기 위해 이러한 영적인 결단을 붙들라고 우리를 부르십니다.

묵상 질문

1. 주변 사람들이 어떻게 생각하거나 행동할지 두려워서 믿음을 나누지 못했던 때는 언제였습니까?

2. 왜 우리는 다른 사람의 판단에 대한 두려움을 이겨 내고 예수님을 따라야 하며, 어떻게 그렇게 할 수 있을까요?

   
   

기도

사랑하는 하나님, 우리에게 구원과 영원한 생명의 진리를 주셔서 감사합니다. 거절과 아픔 속에서도 진리를 가르쳐 주신 예수님을 통해 큰 은혜를 받았습니다. 생명을 살리는 하나님의 진리를 위해 담대하게 살아가도록 저를 도와주세요. 하나님의 나라를 위해 진리를 전하는 삶을 살게 하소서. 예수님의 이름으로 기도합니다. 아멘.