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Why do so many marriages fail?

Asking this question, I’m sure we’d get lots of answers. A relationship starts out exciting and new, but as time goes on, things can change. Expectations of the marriage were high and unattainable. Some become selfish and focus on their own wants or desires and not on their spouse. They initially liked certain traits, ideals, and beliefs, but soon, they grew to dislike their spouse because of them. And when the discussions begin, the truth comes out, and they are offended.

A relationship is a commitment. One filled with respect, love, honor, and compassion. Unless both people are willing to uphold that commitment, it will not work.

John 6:60-66

“Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is a hard saying; who can hear it?
61 When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you?
62 What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before?
63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.
64 But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.
65 And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.
66 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.”

When we hear the word “disciples”, we often think about the 12 men who followed Jesus. But in reality, there were many people following Jesus throughout His ministry. The 12 were those closest to Him and had been called by Him to follow Him. Others came because they heard of wondrous, incredible miracles that couldn’t be explained. They wanted to see for themselves who this Jesus was. When they heard His teaching, it was different from anything the religious leaders taught. It was exciting and new!

But as time went on, many walked away from Jesus. Some of what He taught was difficult for them to grasp. So, instead of staying, asking questions, and trying to learn, they walked away. Some felt He wasn’t meeting their expectations. The Messiah was supposed to be their King and defeat their enemies. And this man was not anything like that. Others became selfish, wondering why Jesus didn’t heal them and grant them their desires. What they wanted and what Jesus offered were different things, and they weren’t willing to stick around anymore. At first, they liked His teaching style, the miracles He performed, and how He spoke. But soon, they despised Him for them. His words became offensive to them, and they weren’t willing to change. Not for Him. And they certainly weren’t going to stay and follow Him any longer.

So, they left.

Yet, the 12 remained by His side.

“Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?
68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.
69 And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.”

They believed, trusted, and committed to following Jesus—all except for one.

“Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?
71 He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.”

See, we know how the story unfolds. We know that it’s Judas who will betray Jesus. And Jesus knew. But the disciples didn’t.

And yet, the Lord loved them and continued with them. All of them.

What does our own relationship with the Lord look like? First off, does it even look like a relationship? Or do you just meet up for an hour or two a week?

Do we invest in this relationship? Even when things are hard to understand, do we ask questions and try to learn, or choose to walk away? As you read and study the Bible, the truth is revealed about who Jesus really is. But is it different than you thought? Different than what you want? And when things don’t go as planned, and you go through struggles and trials… do you walk away? Or do you reach for His hand to hold you through the storm? And then ask yourself, “Am I committed to Jesus or religion?”

There’s so much to learn and take away from this passage about our own relationship with Jesus.

He’s given us His all. How much are we willing to give in return? Are we all in? Full surrender? Or are we ready to walk away when things get tough?

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