Untitled Sermon (2)

John 6:1–71 (ESV)

Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand

6 After this Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias. 2 And a large crowd was following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing on the sick. 3 Jesus went up on the mountain, and there he sat down with his disciples. 4 Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was at hand. 5 Lifting up his eyes, then, and seeing that a large crowd was coming toward him, Jesus said to Philip, “Where are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?” 6 He said this to test him, for he himself knew what he would do. 7 Philip answered him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread would not be enough for each of them to get a little.” 8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, 9 “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?” 10 Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, about five thousand in number. 11 Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted. 12 And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples, “Gather up the leftover fragments, that nothing may be lost.” 13 So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves left by those who had eaten. 14 When the people saw the sign that he had done, they said, “This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!”

15 Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself.

Jesus Walks on Water

16 When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, 17 got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. 18 The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. 19 When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were frightened. 20 But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” 21 Then they were glad to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.

I Am the Bread of Life

22 On the next day the crowd that remained on the other side of the sea saw that there had been only one boat there, and that Jesus had not entered the boat with his disciples, but that his disciples had gone away alone. 23 Other boats from Tiberias came near the place where they had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. 24 So when the crowd saw that Jesus was not there, nor his disciples, they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum, seeking Jesus.

25 When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you come here?” 26 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. 27 Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.” 28 Then they said to him, “What must we do, to be doing the works of God?” 29 Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” 30 So they said to him, “Then what sign do you do, that we may see and believe you? What work do you perform? 31 Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’ ” 32 Jesus then said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” 34 They said to him, “Sir, give us this bread always.”

35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. 36 But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. 37 All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. 38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. 39 And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. 40 For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”

41 So the Jews grumbled about him, because he said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.” 42 They said, “Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How does he now say, ‘I have come down from heaven’?” 43 Jesus answered them, “Do not grumble among yourselves. 44 No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day. 45 It is written in the Prophets, ‘And they will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me— 46 not that anyone has seen the Father except he who is from God; he has seen the Father. 47 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. 48 I am the bread of life. 49 Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. 50 This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. 51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.”

52 The Jews then disputed among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” 53 So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. 54 Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. 55 For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. 56 Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. 57 As the living Father sent me, and I live because of the Father, so whoever feeds on me, he also will live because of me. 58 This is the bread that came down from heaven, not like the bread the fathers ate, and died. Whoever feeds on this bread will live forever.” 59 Jesus said these things in the synagogue, as he taught at Capernaum.

The Words of Eternal Life

60 When many of his disciples heard it, they said, “This is a hard saying; who can listen to it?” 61 But Jesus, knowing in himself that his disciples were grumbling about this, said to them, “Do you take offense at this? 62 Then what if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? 63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. 64 But there are some of you who do not believe.” (For Jesus knew from the beginning who those were who did not believe, and who it was who would betray him.) 65 And he said, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.”

66 After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. 67 So Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” 68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, 69 and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.” 70 Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the twelve? And yet one of you is a devil.” 71 He spoke of Judas the son of Simon Iscariot, for he, one of the twelve, was going to betray him.

Satisfied in the Bread of Life

John 6:1-71

Summary: In John 6, Jesus feeds the 5000, walks on water, and declares Himself as the Bread of Life, promising eternal life to those who come to Him.

Application: In our struggles and weaknesses, we often seek fulfillment in temporary things. This passage reminds us that true satisfaction is found in Jesus, the Bread of Life, who offers eternal nourishment and sustenance to our souls.

Teaching: This sermon teaches that Jesus is the ultimate source of satisfaction and sustenance for our lives, offering eternal life to all who believe in Him.

How this passage could point to Christ: Jesus, as the Bread of Life in John 6, fulfills the Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah providing spiritual nourishment and salvation to those who hunger and thirst.

Big Idea: Finding true satisfaction and eternal life is only possible through Jesus, the Bread of Life, who offers Himself as the ultimate nourishment for our souls.

Recommended Study: In preparation for this sermon, explore the deeper meaning of bread and nourishment in Jewish culture and the significance of Jesus using these metaphors. Use Logos to study the Old Testament references to bread and how they point to Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment. Additionally, dive into the historical context of the feeding of the 5000 and Jesus walking on water to understand the powerful signs He performed.

1. Provision of Plenty

John 6:1-15

Perhaps focus on the miracle of the feeding of the 5000. This serves as a tangible demonstration of Jesus's ability to provide not just for our physical needs, but, more importantly, for our spiritual hunger. It illustrates the point that true satisfaction comes from trusting and depending on Jesus, the Bread of Life.

2. Power Over Peril

John 6:16-21

You could explore Jesus walking on water as a metaphor for His supremacy over the physical and spiritual storms in our lives. This point can encourage believers to focus on Jesus, the author of our faith, who leads us to true safety and satisfaction, away from the temporary comforts of the world.

3. Promise of Provision

John 6:22-40

Maybe delve into Jesus’s discourse on being the Bread of Life. Highlight how Jesus offers an invitation to eternal life and satisfaction that surpasses earthly sustenance. This emphasizes the teaching that ultimate fulfilment and satisfaction are found only in Him, inviting the audience to come to Jesus in their weaknesses and struggles for true sustenance.

4. Perception versus Promise

John 6:41-59

Consider discussing the skepticism and misunderstanding among the listeners about Jesus’s claim, contrasting it with the deep spiritual truth Jesus was communicating. This can serve as a call to look beyond our immediate understanding and to seek Jesus for who He truly is: the source of eternal life and the only one who can truly satisfy our souls.

5. Pledge of Perseverance

John 6:60-71

You could use this section to challenge the audience on the decision to accept or reject Jesus, the Bread of Life. Highlight Peter’s confession of faith as a model for us to recognize Jesus as the Holy One of God who has the words of eternal life, encouraging personal commitment to find satisfaction in Him alone.

In a small village, a baker woke up every morning before dawn to prepare fresh bread. One day, a traveler stopped by and told the baker that he was hungry. Without hesitation, the baker offered him a loaf, explaining that this bread was made with love and the finest ingredients, just as Jesus offers us the Bread of Life. Each slice nourished the traveler not just physically but spiritually, reminding us that Jesus sustains us in every aspect of life.

A young girl was struggling with anxiety about her future. One day, while reading the Bible, she came across John 6:35 where Jesus says, "I am the Bread of Life; whoever comes to me will never go hungry." She realized that just like bread nourishes her body, Jesus nourishes her soul and gives her peace. This revelation transformed her worries into an understanding that she could rely on Christ for strength and sustenance.

In ancient times, the people of Israel were given manna from heaven. This bread sustained them in the wilderness, but it was temporary. Jesus, however, is the eternal Bread of Life that offers not just physical sustenance, but everlasting life. As we reflect on our daily lives, we can ask ourselves: Are we feeding on the things of this world, or are we seeking the true nourishment that only comes from Christ, the Bread of Life?

A father took his son to a bread factory, showing him the process of how bread is made. The boy was fascinated by the kneading and baking, but when he took a fresh warm loaf home, he realized how much work went into it. It reminded him of how Jesus, the Bread of Life, underwent great suffering and sacrifice so that we could have eternal life. Are we grateful for this provision each day or do we take it for granted?

During a community meal, a woman noticed several people passing by who looked hungry and forlorn. After sharing a meal, she spoke about Jesus as the Bread of Life, sharing that just as bread brings people together, Jesus unites us in His love and grace. She challenged everyone to reflect on how they can be a source of nourishment to those in need, making Jesus's love tangible in their communities.

What did Jesus do after the people ate their fill in the feeding of the 5000?

How did Jesus respond when the people wanted to make Him king after the miraculous feeding of the 5000?

What did Jesus say to the disciples when he walked on the water and approached their boat?

What did the crowd ask Jesus when they found Him on the other side of the sea?

Why did many of Jesus's disciples turn back and no longer walk with Him?

How does Jesus describe Himself in relation to bread in John 6:35?

What did Jesus mean when he said, 'Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life'?

How does Jesus address the skepticism and misunderstanding about His claim to be the Bread of Life in John 6:41-59?

What does Jesus reveal about the source of true satisfaction and eternal life in John 6?

How can the story of the baker offering bread to the traveler relate to our spiritual nourishment in Christ?

In what way did the young girl's understanding of Jesus being the Bread of Life help her with her anxiety?

How does the comparison between the manna from heaven and Jesus as the Bread of Life challenge us in our daily lives?

What lesson can we learn from the story of the boy visiting the bread factory in relation to understanding the sacrifice Jesus made as the Bread of Life?

How can reflecting on Jesus as the Bread of Life impact the way we view our daily provision and thankfulness?

What can we learn from the community meal story about being a source of nourishment in our communities like Jesus, the Bread of Life?

How can the concept of Jesus as the Bread of Life guide us in seeking true satisfaction and nourishment in our lives today?

In what ways can we apply the principle of seeking Jesus as the ultimate source of satisfaction in our struggles and weaknesses?

If you feel unfulfilled in your relationships at home, remember that Jesus is the Bread of Life. Take time this week to gather your family around the table for a meal and a short devotion. Share a testimony of how Christ has nourished you during a difficult time. This can deepen your family's understanding of Jesus' provision in everyday life and foster a spiritual connection that nurtures love and support.

In the midst of workplace stress and a demanding schedule, find a short break to nourish your spiritual life. Consider taking a 10-minute break each day to pray and reflect on the Bread of Life. This could help you regain perspective—reminding you that your worth is not found in your job, but in Christ who sustains you. Use this time to ask God to guide your decisions and relationships at work.

As you face academic pressure and the fear of failure, consider that Jesus offers you spiritual sustenance. Set a goal to memorize a verse about God’s provision and write it down in your study area. Each time you feel overwhelmed, read that verse aloud. This practice can remind you that your identity isn’t tied to grades or achievements, but to the one who provides all you need.

If you feel stagnant in your spiritual growth at church, seek ways to engage more actively. Join a small group or Bible study and commit to sharing your struggles and victories with one another. This will remind you that you are part of a community that feeds on the Bread of Life together. Make it a goal to serve in a ministry that speaks to your heart, allowing God to grow your faith through both giving and receiving.

In a world filled with distractions and competing values, it’s easy to feel lost. Devote intentional moments throughout your day to pause and connect with God. For example, set an alert on your phone to remind you to pray each afternoon, focusing on how Christ nourishes you daily. Reflect on how to share His love with those you meet—whether it’s through a smile, a kind word, or simply sharing a moment of encouragement with someone who seems burdened.