John Lesson 9 – John 6:22-40

 

Last time we saw 2 more miracles of Jesus when He feed the 5,000 with only 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish and when He walked on water.  We learned that nothing is too hard for Jesus for all authority and power belong to Him.  He uses challenges, temptations and storms to reveal more of Himself to His children.

Last time we saw 2 more miracles of Jesus when He feed the 5,000 with only 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish and when He walked on water.  We learned that nothing is too hard for Jesus for all authority and power belong to Him.  He uses challenges, temptations and storms to reveal more of Himself to His children.

John 6:22-29 – Food That Lasts

After feeding the 5,000 the people saw the disciples without Jesus leave in a boat.  They didn’t see another boat so they asked Jesus how He got to the other side of the water.  They really wanted more bread and for Him to do another miracle.  They only wanted food to fill their stomachs.  They went to a lot of trouble to follow and find Jesus, but their work was for food that perishes.  Jesus told them to not work for food that spoils but for food that endures.  Then they wanted to know what work they must do to do the works God required.  Jesus wanted them to work for spiritual food, food that lasts and endures forever.  To work for God begins with trusting and believing in Him who God had sent. (John 6:22-29)

People today try to earn God’s favor by their own efforts.  They volunteer for all kinds of programs and committees in the church.  They give their money and their time to the needy.  They try by being a good person and being law-abiding.  They think if they always do the right thing, they will have God’s favor.  Yes, we should do good works, but not as a means of getting or keeping salvation.  Doing good works is a way of showing gratitude for all the blessings God has given us.  Ephesians 2:8 tells us we were created to do good works through Jesus Christ and that way we are witnesses to the world.  We can’t earn God’s favor.  It’s a gift of God’s grace to all who believe.

Instead of looking for a formula to please God like doing works, a person should simply believe in Jesus.  “For by grace you have been saved through faith.  And this is not your own doing; it is a gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” – Ephesians 2:8-9

Principle:  To please God, simply believe in Jesus.

John 6:30-33 – Sign Seekers

The crowd wanted Him to give them a supernatural sign so they would believe.  They seemed to want free food like the manna that was given to their forefathers in the dessert.  Jesus told them it was God who gives them the true bread from heaven and gives life to the world. (John 6:30-33)

They were seeking Him for the wrong reasons.  Instead of seeing the miracle of the bread, they saw only the bread.  They had no sense of their sin, but sought Jesus for what He could do for them materially.  Jesus showed them where to put their focus – not on physical things, but on eternal things.  Remember Jesus knows your motives.  He saw right through the reason the crowd sought Him.  He gives spiritual food to those who seek Him properly.  We are to hunger for Him alone to satisfy our soul.

Principle:  Seek Jesus for the right reason – by faith, not works.

John 6:34-40 – Jesus Gives Eternal Life

Then the people said to give them this bread.  Jesus said, “ I am the bread of life.  He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.” – John 6:35. 

Jesus said He was the bread of life and came from heaven several times in this chapter – John 6:33, 35, 38, 47,  50, 51, 58. 

The Holy Spirit draws us and convicts us of sin and the need for a Savior.  He draws us to come to Him.  All those who come to Jesus will receive eternal life and will be resurrected at the last day.

Jesus said to have true security you must come to Him and He will never let you go hungry or thirsty..  “For my father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.” – John 6:40

Once you truly believe in Jesus, you are His and no one can ever take you away from Him.  No matter what sin you may commit during your life – and you will sin because you are human, but He forgives.  You will never go hungry for He satisfies your soul .

Principle:  Jesus offers Himself as the living bread that gives eternal life to all who believe in Him.

Next week we will study the rest of John 6.  Have a blessed day and thanks for visiting my site. – I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

__________________________________________

If you have enjoyed my post and have found if helpful, please leave a comment or share this post with the buttons below. 

Resources:

The Holy Bible NIV
Bsfinternational.org
Bibleref.org
Enduringword.com

John Lesson 8 – John 6:1-21

 

Last time we saw Jesus heal the invalid man at the pool and learned that what is impossible with men is possible with God.  We also learned of Jesus’ divine authority:  that He is equal with God in nature, works, love, knowledge, sovereign power, judgment and worship. 

John 6:1-15 – Jesus Feeds 5,000

A great crowd of people followed Jesus because of the miracles He had performed.  Jesus went up on a mountain with His disciples.  When He saw a great crowd coming to Him, He asked Philip where they would buy food for all these people.  He was asking this as a test because He already knew what He was going to do. (John 6:1-7)  Mark 6:30-34 tells us Jesus and His disciples needed a break.  They needed a time for eating and resting.  Jesus needed a place of quiet rest so He could pray and be rejuvenated in order to continue His work.

People were traveling to Jerusalem for the Passover.  They saw Jesus and began following Him.  They became tired and hungry.  Even though Jesus needed rest, He had compassion on them and wanted to feed them.  Jesus values people’s needs instead of His own.  The people were not following Him because of His message of forgiveness of sin, but because of the miracles He was performing.  They were walking by sight not by faith.

Are you distracted and stressed and need time to take a break from your busy schedule?

Will you spend time reading your Bible and in prayer with God?
What is keeping you from walking by faith instead of by sight?

Jesus asked Philip the question because He was training him.  He was giving Philip a test wanting to strengthen his faith.  God sometimes puts us in situations that are difficult.  These tests are for our growth and endurance.  “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” – James 1:2.  It teaches us that Jesus can handle it and we must have faith that He will.

Philip tried to think of a solution to the problem and said even eight months of wages would not feed all these people.  Andrew offered a solution and said there was a boy who had 5 small loaves of bread and 2 small fish.  The boy willing gave all he had and shared his bread and fish. 

Jesus said to have all the people sit down.  After taking the bread and fish, Jesus’ first response was to give thanks.  He then distributed it to the people.  When they had finished they gathered all the pieces that were left.  Jesus said to let nothing be wasted.  There were 12 baskets filled with leftovers. (John 6:7-13)

Scripture says there were 5,000 men, but there were really many more if you include all their families – maybe as many as 20,000.  Jesus had no problem turning water into wine so He had no problem feeding that many people with 5 loaves and 2 fish.  They ate until they were satisfied and could eat no more.

Principle:  Nothing is too hard for Jesus, for all authority and power belong to Him.

How has He provided for you?

Are you thankful for what God has given you?
What is keeping you from giving all you have to Jesus?

After the people saw what Jesus had done, they misunderstood His actions and said “Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.” – John 6:14.  Jesus knew they wanted to make Him an earthly king so He withdrew again to a mountain by Himself.  (John 6:15)

The Prophet mentioned is referring to the prophesy in Deut. 18:15 when Moses said God would raise a prophet like him and that they should listen to him.  They wanted to make Jesus their earthly king, a political ruler and leader to fight against the Romans.  They wanted Him for their plans and purposes not God’s.

Why should you follow Jesus? 

You should follow Jesus because of who He is, because He loves you.
He willing died for you.
He is the only source of eternal salvation.
He gives comfort and hope.
He forgives sin and makes us right with God.

John 6:16-21 – Jesus Walks on Water

Now Jesus was on the mountain praying and it became night.  The disciples got into a boat and set off across the lake.  Mark 6:45 tells us that Jesus made them get into the boat and go ahead of Him.  A strong wind blew and the waters grew rough.  They had rowed about 3½ miles when they saw Jesus walking on the water coming toward the boat.  They didn’t recognize Him at first and were terrified.  Jesus told them to not be afraid.  Then they took Him into their boat and immediately the boat reached the shore.  (John 6:16-21)

The disciples had seen Jesus do miracles, but never walking on water.  They thought He was a ghost (Matt. 14:26).  His walking on water was a miracle, but there was another miracle.  The boat immediately reached the shore and they were safe.  Sometimes we go through storms in life and have no control.  We are not alone.  Jesus is there and protects us so we are safe with Him.  Jesus came to them at exactly the right time.   He will come to you exactly at the right time, when you need Him most. 

Do you ever feel God has left you on your own?  Does everything seem dark and you are terrified?  Have you not seen God lately?  The Lord put them in that situation.  He puts us in helpless situations, too.  He does that so we will turn to Him and then see that he is our deliverer.  He’s telling you “do not be afraid”.  Invite Him into your boat.

What strong wind is blowing against you today?

Are you willing to invite Jesus into your boat?

Principle:  The Lord uses challenges, temptations and storms to reveal more of Himself to His children.

Next week we will continue the study of John 6.  Have a blessed day and thanks for visiting my site.  – I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

__________________________________________

If you have enjoyed my post and have found if helpful, please leave a comment or share this post with the buttons below.

Resources:

The Holy Bible NIV
Bsfinternational.org
Bibleref.org
Enduringword.com

John Lesson 7 – John 5

 

Last time we learned that believers are to be alert to the spiritual harvest and that Jesus is not limited by time and space.  We learned of Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well.  She told others about Jesus and many Samaritans believed and called Him, “the Savior of the world”.  We also learned of Jesus’ second miracle when He healed the official’s son.

John 5:1-15 – Sabbath Healing at the Pool

Later after healing of the royal official’s son, Jesus went to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish feasts.  He may have been by Himself since the disciples aren’t mentioned.  He went to the pool called Bethesda.  This is where crowds of sick people gathered, because they believed when the pool moved it would heal them.  There Jesus saw a man who had been an invalid for 38 years trying to get into the water before the movement stopped.  The man was alone and helpless.  Jesus had compassion on him and knew he was not only physically sick, but spiritually sick.  Jesus asked the man, “Do you want to get well?” – John 5:6.  The man answered that he did, but had no one to help him get into the pool.  Jesus told the man, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” – John 5:8  Through faith the man picked up his mat and walked.  (John 4:1-9) 

What do you need healing from?

What has left you in a sinful state for years?

We’re not told if Jesus cured any others that day at the pool.  He cured the invalid man, because He knew his heart and that he had faith.  Jesus asked him if he wanted to get well perhaps to get the man’s attention.  He challenged the man to be obedient.  He wanted the man to look at Him.  This was necessary for his faith to come alive so he could be cured.  We need to look at the cross with our hearts and spirits.

The invalid man may have been comfortable in his condition just a sinners are comfortable in their sin.  They are not willing to be cured of their sins.  Many people don’t want to receive divine help in their problems.  They love their weakness and are always craving the attention of others through their helplessness.  Whatever the reason Jesus asked him the question, Jesus healed the man immediately showing that nothing is impossible for God.

Jesus told him to get up, pick up his mat, and to walk.  There are times we tend to feel helpless and sorry for ourselves.  We need to choose not to be helpless.  We need to accept our circumstances, stop feeling sorry for ourselves, and stop being bitter and rise above our circumstance.  He’s not asking us to do this alone.  It is impossible without Jesus.  “What is impossible with men is possible with God.” – Luke 18:27.  We need to walk or move from where we are into a new life.  We need to choose a new life to become whole.

Principle:  What is impossible with men is possible with God.

It was the Sabbath when Jesus healed the man and people were watching.  Jews were not allowed to do any work on the Sabbath and carrying a mat was considered work.  Needless to say the Jewish leaders were not pleased.  Jesus had no regard for their man-made rules, but always obeyed the Law of God.  The leaders questioned the man as to why he was carrying his mat.  He answered that a man told him to.  He had no idea it was Jesus who healed him.  (John 5:10-13)

Later Jesus found the man at the temple and told him to stop sinning or something worse would happen to him.  Then the man told the Jews that is was Jesus who made him well.  (John 5:14-15)  He wanted them to know that it was Jesus, the Messiah who performed the miracle.  He thought they would be excited that the Messiah had come, but instead it made the leaders angry.

Has Jesus made you whole?

How are you telling others?

Do you have compassion like Jesus to seek out lonely, helpless people and offer His healing?

John 5:16-30 – Jesus Is God

Because Jesus was doing these things on the Sabbath, the Jews were extremely angry.  They continued to persecute Him for it and tried harder to kill Him.  Jesus told them, “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I, too, am working.” – John 5:17.  Jesus was making Himself equal with God and they didn’t like that at all.  (John 5:16-18)  Many say that Jesus never claimed to be God, but this is one of the Scriptures that says otherwise.  Another Scripture is John 8:24 - “Unless you believe that I AM, you shall die in your sins.”

Jesus said He is working just as the Father is working.  God continues to work on Sundays.  It still rains on Sunday.  Plants and trees still grow on Sunday.  He still saves the lost on Sunday.  He still performs miracles on Sunday.  He never stops working. 

Jesus went on to say that God, the Father shows Him all He does and He will show Him even greater things in the future.  “For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it.  Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son, that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father.  He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him.” – John 5:21-23.

Jesus’ divine authority is described in verses 17-23: 

Jesus is equal with God in His nature.

Jesus is equal with God in His works.

Jesus is equal with God in His love and knowledge.

Jesus is equal with God in His sovereign power.

Jesus is equal with God in judgment.

Jesus is equal with God in worship.

Our response to Jesus’ deity and divine authority should be recognizing who He is and be in awe of Him.  We should honor and worship Him and Him alone.  We should have respect, faith, gratitude, acceptance, belief, worship, and obedience.  He should be in the center of our lives, meaning He should be in control.

“I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.” –  John 5:24  He went on to say a time is coming when even the dead will hear His voice and to not be amazed.  A time is coming when all those in the graves will hear His voice and will come out of their graves.  Those who have done good will live and those who have done evil will be condemned.  (John 5:24-30)

Friends, the time is getting much closer to the Rapture and the Tribulation than ever before.  Just look around of all the wickedness in our world that is filled with deception and turmoil.  Deception is taking hold of our culture.  We are accepting all sorts of immoral behaviors.  Christianity is under attack.  Many churches have stopped teaching sound doctrine.  Jesus said there would be ‘wars and rumors of wars’.  There is growing instability all around the world with wars that are springing up everywhere.  There are famines and natural disasters like never before.  So what do we do?  If you are a believer,  hold on to your confidence in God , stand firm, and live by faith.  If you are not a believer, surrender to Jesus now before it’s too late.

After hearing these things about Jesus’ deity and divine authority, our response should be that of awe, belief, reverence, and worship.

Principle:  Those who believe in Jesus will have eternal life.

What do you believe about Jesus?

John 5:31-47 –Testimonies About Jesus

Jesus spoke of His authority because He knew the minds of His audience.  The Jews wanted to know what gave Him the authority to make the claims He was making.  After all He was just a man who was trying to make Himself equal with God. 

Jesus said to testify about Himself is not valid, but the testimony of John the Baptist is valid.  But Jesus’ testimony is weightier than that of John.  The main witness is the Father.  He uses various witnesses to testify to the truth of who Jesus is – the testimony of men, John the Baptist, Jesus’ works that was given Him to  do, the scriptures, Moses, and most important was God Himself.  The case of Jesus is solid.  He is the Christ , the Son of God.  He is God!

He said they hadn’t heard God’s voice and His Word didn’t dwell in them.  They thought all their knowledge would give them eternal life.  They studied the Scriptures which testifies about Jesus, but they refused to come to Him.  (John 5:31-40)

It is important to believe that Jesus is God’s Son and equal to God in power and authority because our lives depend on it.  Jesus was sent to save us from eternal death and punishment.  He was sent to give use salvation and eternal life with Him.  Only He can give us this salvation because of His death and resurrection.

Jesus gave reasons for the people’s refusal to believe.  He said He didn’t accept the praises of men, but He knew them and they didn’t have the love of God in their hearts.  He said He comes in the Father’s name, but they don’t accept Him.  They were more concerned with man’s honor than the honor that comes from God.  He asked them how can they believe if they accept praises of others and make no effort to obtain praise from God.  (John 5:41-44)  They were just using excuses, when the real reason was pride and honor from one another.  They didn’t seek the honor that comes from God.

Jesus said they didn’t think He would accuse them before the Father, but that their accuser was Moses.  He said if they believed Moses they would believe Him, because Moses wrote about Him.  Since they didn’t believe what Moses wrote, how could they believe what Jesus said.  (John 5:45-47)  Jesus didn’t call these religious leaders with a new or different faith.  He called them to believe what Moses, the Scriptures, and John the Baptist testified about: that He is the Messiah, the Son of God and God the Son.

Principle:  Biblical faith is not blind; it is grounded on evidence.

With all these witnesses, what is your response to Jesus?

Do you know the Scriptures, but simply refuse to come to Him?

Do you refuse to believe because you are comfortable in your sin?

Do you refuse to believe, because you just don’t want to make a commitment?

What keeps people today from believing in Christ?  Why would anyone not want to have eternal life?  There are many reasons.  Some like the Muslims reject Him because they don’t really know who He is and it would bring shame on their family.  They could even be targeted for death.   Some have been wounded by so called Christians or by the church.  Maybe their priest or their parents have abused them.  Maybe they see those who profess to be Christian setting bad examples.  They may have been influenced by atheistic professors.  They may be full of pride and just don’t want to give up control of their lives.  There are many reasons people don’t believe in Jesus as Savior and Lord.

It is impossible to truly love God and reject Jesus at the same time.  Jesus is the way, the truth and the life.  No one can truly connect with God except through Him.  “He who hates me hates my father as well.” – John 15:24

Principle:  It is impossible to love God and reject Jesus, because Jesus is God.

Next week we will study John 6.  Have a blessed day and thanks for visiting my site.  – I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

__________________________________________

If you have enjoyed my post and have found if helpful, please leave a comment or share this post with the buttons below. 

Resources:

The Holy Bible NIV

Bsfinternational.org

Bibleref.org

Enduringword.com