Lord, To whom Shall We Go? Understanding Peter's Confession in John 6

The Gospel of John, with its poetic language and profound theological depth, contains many pivotal moments in the ministry of Jesus. Among these is the powerful confession of Simon Peter in John 6:68—“Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” This brief yet weighty statement comes at a moment of crisis and decision, both for the disciples and for the broader crowd who have followed Jesus thus far.

The Context: Bread of Life Discourse and Crisis

John chapter 6 opens with the miraculous feeding of the five thousand—a sign that draws large crowds eager to see more wonders. However, as the chapter progresses, Jesus begins to teach about the true meaning of His mission, culminating in His declaration, “I am the bread of life” (John 6:35). This teaching confounds many of His listeners. When Jesus speaks of eating His flesh and drinking His blood as the only way to have eternal life, confusion and offense spread among the crowd (John 6:53-60).

The result is a mass departure: “From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him” (John 6:66). The enthusiasm that followed the feeding miracle dissipates when confronted with the challenging, even scandalous, claims of Jesus. In this moment of crisis, Jesus turns to the Twelve and asks, “Do you also want to go away?” (John 6:67).

Peter’s Confession: “Lord, To Whom Shall We Go?”

It is in response to Jesus’ direct question that Peter utters his famous words: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God” (John 6:68-69). Peter’s statement is remarkable for its honesty, humility, and depth of faith. He does not claim to understand everything Jesus has said. Instead, he recognizes that despite the difficulties, there is no alternative to Jesus. Here, Peter articulates the uniqueness of Christ as the only source of true life and revelation.

The Significance of “To Whom Shall We Go?”

Peter’s question is rhetorical, yet it reveals a profound spiritual reality. The statement is not just about a lack of better options; it is a confession that all other paths are empty by comparison. Throughout the Old Testament, Israel is frequently tempted to turn to false gods or political powers for security and meaning. Peter’s confession is a decisive rejection of such alternatives. His words echo the Psalms, where the faithful repeatedly affirm that God alone is their refuge and strength (see Psalm 73:25: “Whom have I in heaven but you?”).

Furthermore, Peter’s confession highlights the relational aspect of faith. The disciples have not merely accepted a set of doctrines; they have come to know and trust a person. The use of the title “Lord” and the acknowledgment of Jesus as the “Holy One of God” demonstrate an awareness of Christ’s unique identity and authority. Peter’s words reflect both trust in Jesus and a willingness to remain with Him, even when the path is difficult or unclear.

The Words of Eternal Life

Central to Peter’s confession is his recognition that Jesus alone has “the words of eternal life.” This phrase encapsulates the heart of the Gospel message. Jesus’ teaching is not merely moral instruction or philosophical wisdom; it is the very revelation of God’s life-giving truth. In John’s Gospel, “eternal life” is not just a future hope but a present reality that begins with knowing Christ (John 17:3).

For the Jewish audience, the promise of eternal life was bound up with loyalty to God’s covenant and hope for the resurrection. Jesus now claims that such life is available through Him and His message. By receiving Jesus’ words, the disciples partake in the life of God Himself. Peter’s confession, then, is both a declaration of faith and an acceptance of Jesus’ authority to define the terms of life and salvation.

Faith Amid Uncertainty and Offense

It is crucial to recognize that Peter’s confession comes at a moment of great uncertainty and offense. Jesus’ teaching about eating His flesh and drinking His blood was deeply troubling to many. Even the disciples are described as grumbling among themselves (John 6:61). Yet, instead of turning away, Peter voices a faith that persists despite confusion.

This aspect of the narrative speaks powerfully to the reality of Christian discipleship. Faith is not always about having all the answers. There are moments when the teachings of Jesus are difficult to understand or accept. In such times, the temptation to walk away and seek simpler or more comfortable paths is real. Peter’s confession models a faith that clings to Jesus as the only source of life, even when the path is hard.

The Role of Grace and Divine Initiative

Another important theme in John 6 is the role of divine grace in bringing people to faith. Earlier in the discourse, Jesus says, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them” (John 6:44). The ability to recognize Jesus as the Holy One of God is itself a gift. Peter’s confession, while personal and free, is also the result of God’s initiative. This balance between divine calling and human response is a central theme in the Fourth Gospel.

For readers of John, this underscores the importance of humility. Faith is not merely a human achievement but a response to God’s gracious invitation. Peter recognizes that while many have turned away, he and the other disciples remain because they have been drawn by something—or rather, Someone—greater than themselves.

The Ongoing Relevance of Peter’s Confession

Peter’s confession has resonated with Christians throughout the centuries. It has served as a rallying cry in times of persecution, doubt, and doctrinal controversy. The question “To whom shall we go?” confronts every generation of believers with the reality that Christ alone is the foundation of faith.

In a world of competing philosophies, religious pluralism, and the ever-present temptation of self-sufficiency, Peter’s words call us back to the uniqueness of Jesus. The confession is not a rejection of honest questions or intellectual searching, but a recognition that, in the end, only Jesus offers what our hearts ultimately long for—eternal life, meaning, and communion with God.

Lessons for the Contemporary Church

Peter’s confession challenges the modern church in several important ways:

1. Embracing Costly Discipleship: The departure of many followers in John 6 reminds us that following Jesus is not always popular or easy. Faith may require us to accept teachings that are countercultural or difficult. Like Peter, we are called to remain faithful, not because we understand everything, but because we trust the One who speaks.
2. Centering on Christ’s Words: In an age of information overload and competing voices, the church must continually return to the words of Jesus as the source of life. This means prioritizing Scripture, prayer, and the living tradition of the Christian community over passing trends or ideologies.
3. Welcoming Honest Questions: Peter’s response is honest—he does not pretend to have full comprehension. The church should be a place where honest questions and doubts are met with compassion and encouragement to remain with Christ, rather than with judgment or dismissal.
4. Humility and Grace: Acknowledging the role of grace in faith helps the church remain humble and welcoming. Faith is not a mark of superiority but a gift to be received and shared.

Frequently Asked Questions: Understanding Peter’s Confession in John 6

1. What is the context of Peter’s confession in John 6?

Peter’s confession occurs after Jesus delivers the challenging “Bread of Life” discourse, where He teaches about being the true bread from heaven and the necessity of eating His flesh and drinking His blood for eternal life. Many disciples are offended and leave, prompting Jesus to ask the Twelve if they also wish to depart. Peter responds on their behalf with his famous confession.

2. What does Peter mean by “Lord, to whom shall we go?”

Peter’s question acknowledges that, despite the difficulty of Jesus’ teachings, there is no alternative who offers true life. It’s a rhetorical question affirming Jesus as the unique source of salvation and eternal life, emphasizing that no other person or path can fulfill what Jesus offers.

3. Why is Peter’s confession significant?

This confession is significant because it shows faith that persists amid confusion and offense. Peter does not claim to fully understand Jesus’ teaching but recognizes Jesus as the “Holy One of God” who alone has the words of eternal life. It’s a model of faithful discipleship.

4. What are the “words of eternal life” that Peter refers to?

The “words of eternal life” refer to Jesus’ teachings and message, which reveal God’s truth and provide the way to eternal communion with God. In the Gospel of John, eternal life is knowing Jesus and participating in God’s life through Him.

5. How does this confession relate to the broader message of the Gospel of John?

Peter’s confession encapsulates a central theme of John’s Gospel: belief in Jesus as the unique revealer of God and giver of eternal life. It underscores that faith is ultimately about a relationship with Christ, not just intellectual assent or understanding.

6. What does Peter’s response teach about faith during uncertainty?

Peter’s words show that faith is not dependent on full comprehension but on trust in Jesus. Even when Jesus’ teachings are difficult or confusing, faith holds fast to Him as the only source of truth and life.

7. How is divine grace involved in Peter’s confession?

John 6 highlights that coming to faith in Jesus is enabled by God’s grace—"No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them." Peter’s ability to confess Jesus as the Holy One of God is itself a result of divine initiative.

8. Why did many disciples leave after Jesus’ teaching in John 6?

Many found Jesus’ teachings about eating His flesh and drinking His blood difficult and offensive, leading them to turn away. The teaching challenged both their understanding and religious sensibilities, resulting in a moment of crisis and decision.

9. How is Peter’s confession relevant for Christians today?

Peter’s confession challenges believers to center their faith on Jesus, especially when confronted with doubts, competing ideologies, or difficult teachings. It calls Christians to remain steadfast, recognizing that Christ alone offers eternal life.

10. What lessons can the contemporary church learn from this passage?

Key lessons include:

• Embracing discipleship even when it is costly or unpopular.
• Centering the Christian life on Jesus’ words.
• Welcoming honest questions and uncertainties.
• Recognizing faith as a gift of grace, not an achievement.

11. How should believers respond when they don’t understand everything about Jesus’ teachings?

Believers are encouraged to respond with trust and perseverance, like Peter, remaining with Jesus even when full understanding is lacking, trusting that He alone has the words of eternal life.

12. Where in the Old Testament is a similar sentiment expressed?

A similar sentiment can be found in Psalm 73:25: “Whom have I in heaven but you?” This echoes the exclusive devotion and dependence on God that Peter expresses toward Jesus in his confession.