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.

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Resources:

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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