In our worship gatherings on Sunday, we continued our new series “I AM: Facing Uncertain times with an ever-present God”. We’d love to have you join us for this great exploration into the identity of God…a God who can help us weather the storms of this season by being a steadfast anchor for us to cling to!
John 6 is the first time we see Jesus taking ownership of the divine “I AM” name first found in Exodus 3:14. Jesus had just miraculously fed more than 5,000 local Galileans (John 6:1-13). Not only were their stomachs full, but this poor Jewish crowd became instantly thrilled: they had found a leader Who could feed a massive crowd on the fly! These were provisions and power anyone would salivate over. So they immediately tried to build a campaign around Him:
- John 6:14-15 “‘When the people saw the sign that he had done, they said, “This is indeed the Prophet who is to come into the world!’ 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 knew their short-term political aims didn’t mesh with God’s vision for His eternal ministry. So He excused Himself, and took off.
However, as we continue to read we discover the crowd caught up to Jesus again (John 6:22-24). When they ask Jesus where He’d been, He answers deeper questions stirring in their hearts:
- John 6:26-27 “…you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. 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.”
The crowd loved the free, quick, and easy food. But Jesus teaches they’ve got deeper needs than dinner. They need true, eternal sustenance, provided by God through His Son the Messiah. They don’t just need passing provisions or power; they need Jesus Himself, now and forever. The same is true for us today.
*Take a moment to meet with God regarding these thoughts. Remove distractions, sit still, and listen for His voice. Thank God for the ways He has provided for your daily needs.
Then, consider how the crowd responded to Jesus “feeding the 5,000.”
- How can people today sometimes treat Jesus like a commodity to be used for our needs/desires, instead of a Master we follow? How have you?
- What steps could you take to pursue a relationship with Jesus, rather than treating Him as a resource?
Jesus taught “whoever comes to me shall not hunger” (John 6:35).
- How has Jesus satisfied your true, deep needs?
- What habits have you developed in order to be sustained by the “Bread of Life” each day?
- If you haven’t yet, what is one way you could begin a new habit like that this week?
Bible Reading Plan for the week
One healthy habit to keep up sustained by the Bread of Life is to read the Bible regularly. Join us this week as we read an introduction of who Jesus was and the full story of how Jesus came to claim He was the “Bread of Life.” Grow in God by soaking in these Scriptures this week! Use an easy-to-read printed Bible, or even an audio bible while you exercise or commute! (or explore other Bible reading plans). Enjoy!
- Monday, June 15 John 1:1-18
- Tuesday, June 16 John 1:29-34
- Wednesday, June 17 John 6:1-15
- Thursday, June 18 John 6:16-21
- Friday, June 19 John 6:22-38
Explore, learn, and grow more!
Check out more great resources on our Revive webpages at neighborhoodchurch.com
Learning alongside you,
Kerry Kaufman
