John 6:16-24

Introduction

The New International Version Chapter 6

16 When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, 17 where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them.

Jesus had not yet joined them. We know from Matthew and Mark that he hadnt joined them because he told them to go ahead without him. He stayed back and dismissed the crowd and then spent time in prayer alone with His Father.

Two observations

Last week we left off after the feeding of the 5000 and Jesus knew that the people wanted to make Him king by force. He had the love of the people and 10,000 people following after Him.

The temptation was great but he knew that there is no kingdom without the cross. I believe this COULD be partially what His need for time alone with the FATHER was for. Also, has anyone here ever performed a miracle? Anyone ever taken care of 10,000 people? Its exhausting. Jesus was physically exhausted and spent emotonally spiritually and mentally. He needed time with God.

We can take a lesson from Jesus here.

I am as guilty as anyone here of this of making time to just be quiet with our Father.

He was also ready to display another sign of His Godhood. He knew what was coming and wanted the disciples to head into the storm......

Think about this Jesus was aware of the storm that the disciples were heading into and He let them Go.

The same is true for you and I. There are many storms ahead of you in this life here and God spares us from some and also watches nearby as we head into them. Regardless He is there. He is always there to display His Godhood, soverinty, grace, and mercy.

There isnt one storm in my life that I can look back on and say that God was not there and that God did not pull me through it.

Most of us would never see god if it wasnt for the storms God allows in our life. Thank God for the storms He has allowed for us to enter and Thank God for His presence in the midst of the storm as we will see today.

The New International Version Chapter 6

18 A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. 19 When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. 20 But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” 21 Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.

The disciples begin to row and they are rowing in and storm and there not getting anywhere.

Who can recognize with that? I certainly can.

YOU WONT MAKE IT THROUGH A STORM WITHOUT THE ONE WHO CONTROLS THE STORM.

JESUS shows up and the text says It is I, but the literal translation and what is said multiple times in the book of John is “ I AM” ehmee egow.

10 times this phrase is uttered by Jesus in the book of John. Seven of them are used as metaphors ie I am the bread of life and so on. He says it in John 8 in response to the pharisees and they nearly poo themselves. Then at the garden of gethseminie

This phrase is one of the most important phrases in the Old Testament and one every adult and little child would know.

Pop Quiz: Jesus displays the signs in the book of John to show........

Moses is at the burning bush and having a one on one with God....not many people can say that. God is giving Moses instructions on delivering the Israelites.

Moses has a few objections....not a great Idea, but He asks God who should I say that has sent me. Under whose authority?

The question the entire time that people have been asking of Jesus and doubting Jesus has been this. SAYS WHO? WHOS AUTHORITY ARE YOU HERE UNDER?

And God says to Moses. “ I am that I am. Tell them I am sent you. Which makes very little sense in our english language but God is stating two things to the Israelites.

His eternal existence of just being

His faithfulness that has been with them every step and every storm and will continue to be

The same thing is being said to the disciples to display His Godhood and his eternality. Hey I was with you at the wedding, I was with you at the sheep gate and the feedingin of the 5000 and the other miracles you have seen and right here in this storm IAM.

Now I will note that when people pick this story to preach , they will choose the record of Matthew rather than Mark or John. The reason is that we have the message of Peter walking on the water. And every Pastor says “Get out of the boat” or something else. And its a great sermon and a great lesson and trust Jesus.

The fact that it isnt in either Mark or John doesnt mean it didnt happen. But what is the focus of John’s gospel? It was not to focus on an abundance of faith or keeping eyes on Jesus. He wrote his Gospel in order that all those that read would see the signs that Jesus is God and all those that read would believe.

So John leaves it out and we are studying the book of John so we arent spending much time there either.

They let Jesus and Peter both back into the boat and when Jesus steps onto the boat. John tells us that they were IMMEDIATELY to the other side.

IMMEDIATELY

Now the point that many preach and pastors make here is that when you let Jesus in the boat, you immediately leave the storm

WRONG

If you could go and ask the disciples today what they thought of that I feel like they would say ehhhhh. Sure there are storms that God brings you through but I still got sawed in half, or boiled alive, or tied to 4 horses that ran in seperate directions.

So whats the lesson? It points back to Jesus.

Its not when Jesus entersthe boat the storm goes away

its WHEN JESUS ENTERS THE BOAT THE STORM DOES’NT MATTER

The New International Version Chapter 6

22 The next day the crowd that had stayed on the opposite shore of the lake realized that only one boat had been there, and that Jesus had not entered it with his disciples, but that they had gone away alone. 23 Then some boats from Tiberias landed near the place where the people had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. 24 Once the crowd realized that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into the boats and went to Capernaum in search of Jesus.

Jesus the Bread of Life

25 When they found him on the other side of the lake, they asked him, “Rabbi, when did you get here?”

26 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. 27 Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.”

28 Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?”

29 Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”

So the mob is looking for him for one reason only. They want more food and what Jesus can bring them

Same people in churches today. its worse than the enemies

Its like kids eating candy. they eat and they eat and they eat

sugar leads to more hunger

You have to have sunstance from GOD

You can fill youself with a relationship or money or success or kids or health

You can only survive on steady diet of JESUS

Now you must wonder how do you get the perfect meal

KAHILS in NEBRASKA

You just believe! Just ask for it