For the prior four weeks we have heard Jesus speaking in a very long monologue. We have learned a lot in the meantime. This coming Sunday we will learn the response to what he had to say. 

Scripture often paints things in black and white with little room for gray. I think this is one of those places. We will hear the gospel report that some of Jesus’ followers left and some stayed. We will be tempted to make similar remarks about modern Christian membership. I wonder if that is fair. This Sunday let’s think about the space in between staying and leaving. Sound interesting?