It was a roller coaster week for Jesus. “A large crowd was following him, because they saw the signs.” These were hungry people who tagged along. Jesus tested Philip: “Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?” Philip had no idea. Andrew found a kid with a lunch. “Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted.” The people liked what they saw. “This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!”

Jesus said something obscure: “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” He became explicit: “For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink.” Now it was getting weird for people who liked what they saw but didn’t understand what they heard. “After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him.”

He turned to the ones he picked: “Do you want to go away as well?” Peter could have been a little more diplomatic. He said, “Lord, to whom shall we go?” It was like he was saying, “We thought about it, but you seem to be the best messiah available.” Peter clarified: “You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed” (John 6). An awkward confession is still a confession of faith.

I also follow Jesus because I don’t know where else I would go.