​

I’m not sure what first got me interested in the Terracotta Warriors in China, but that curiosity never really went away. When I reached my sixties, I decided it was finally time to go. I enjoyed so much about China—the Great Wall, all kinds of noodles, the open markets with food choices that sometimes made my stomach turn, and even the everyday life of the people. But I was especially waiting for the chance to see those mighty, full-size figures. When I finally did, I stood there for hours, completely affixed at the sight of them.  

​

Although I had signed up for an 18-person tour, there were only two of us. Since all guides are registered members of the Communist party, our conversations about home were guarded. Then came an hours long trip to see the Great Wall. Our tour guide asked if we were Christians. Maybe the quiet prayer before meals caught her attention. But she asked. That gave us time to share. I doubt we had a major impact on her spiritual life, but a door was opened. The rest was her choice.  

​

That brings me to a Christian belief that I firmly hold. Everyone will have moments to decide about their personal walk with Christ. Some might react positively, some choose to ignore, and others passionately resist. Yet the choice rather or not to accept Jesus as the Messiah is theirs to make. 

​

The Jewish adherents also had to choose. Others claiming to be the Messiah had come and then died without any fruit from their lives. None of those accomplished a fraction of the miracles Jesus did. That set Him apart; healing the blind, the leprous, the demoniac. Now, even Jesus’s power over hunger or storms was shown. 

​

While the crowd wanted only another miracle, Jesus wanted their belief in Him as the Son of God. With that in mind, "He warned them, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you because God the Father has set His seal on Him.’” (John 6:25-27). For the Jewish adherents, He was claiming His place as the Messiah.    

​

The word "seal” was an important term. The rabbis taught that the seal of God was Truth (AeMeTH). (Edersheim). Jesus clearly said that He had the seal of God’s approval. He was speaking God’s truth. He worked under God’s authority. Accept Me and My teachings or follow the rabbi's rejection of Me as the Messiah. It cannot be both. 

​

Recognizing the meaning of His statement, “Then they said to Him, ‘What shall we do that we may work the works of God?’ Jesus answered and said to them, ‘This is the work of God that you believe in Him whom He sent.’” (John 6:28-29).  

​

“I tell you the truth, Moses didn’t give you the bread from Heaven, My Father did. And now He offers you the true bread from Heaven. The true bread of God is the One who comes down from Heaven and gives life to the world. ‘Sir, they said, give us that bread every day.’ Jesus replied, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in Me will never be thirsty.’” (John 6:32-35). 

​

Ye many were still not convinced Jesus was the Messiah. "Isn't this Jesus, the son of Joseph? We know His father and mother.” (John 6:42). Many lacked the ability to see past His heritage. While the miracles He performed should have documented His Messianic claim, their belief system caused many doubts. 

​

Jesus then spoke plainly. “Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man or drink His blood, you cannot have eternal life within you.” (John 6:53). To those listening, His phrase “eat the flesh, drink the blood,” meant to receive Him as their entire reason for living. None other but Him was God in human form. Him and Him alone was the promised Messiah. His message was clear. 

​

While the twelve proclaimed, “We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God.” (John 6:69) Many devoted followers still struggled with acceptance of Him and walked away. 

​

It is still an individual's choice. “God wants everyone to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth”. (1 Timothy 2:4) Don't let free will keep you from an incredible God-directed life. Be one of the Truth (AeMeTH) seekers.