The Sovereignty of God (John 6:44)

John 6 creates some tension. Jesus says all who come to him and believe will find life. He also says that no one can come to him unless the Father first draws them. He then reiterates the necessity of belief and response. Many followers drop-off at this point (also something about eating his flesh and drinking his blood probably tripped them up...). He turns to the Twelve and asks them how they are going to respond - "Do you want to go away as well?" Peter responds by confessing their trust and belief in Jesus as Messiah, sent from God. Jesus calls them "chosen" - including Judas, who is going to betray him... This is rather confusing and problematic.

The Sovereignty of God is a crucial, central doctrine that is woven throughout Scripture; we can's avoid it. It is also a challenging doctrine, because our experiences in life, our pains and problems call it into question. But it is also a comforting doctrine; Jesus has himself experienced the pain and trauma of life in a broken world, and he came to redeem and restore, he also came to be with us in the midst of the storm.