John 6 – A Tough Chapter for Jesus

2. John 6 – A Tough Chapter for Jesus • Starts with 10,000-15,000 following Him • Ends with only twelve (including Judas) • What happened?!!

3. The Gospel, at its heart, is deeply offensive.

4. Included in All Four Gospels • Jesus crucifixion & resurrection • Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist • Jesus’ feeding of the 5,000 men and their families

5. Some time after this, Jesus crossed to the far shore of the Sea of Galilee (that is, the Sea of Tiberias), and a great crowd of people followed Him because they saw the miraculous signs He had performed on the sick. Then Jesus went up on a mountainside and sat down with His disciples. The Jewish Passover Feast was near. John 6:1-4

6. When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward Him, He said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” He asked this only to test him, for He already had in mind what He was going to do. John 6:5-6

7. Philip answered Him, “Eight months’ wages would not buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!” Another of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?” Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and the men sat down, about five thousand of them. John 6:7-10

11. Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish. When they had all had enough to eat, He said to His disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” John 6:11-12

12. So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten. After the people saw the miraculous sign that Jesus did, they began to say, “Surely, this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.” John 6:13-14

13. Feeding of 5,000, Cliff Notes • There was a great need • There were not many resources • Jesus met the need anyway

14. What is the importance of this miracle?

15. If this miracle did not occur, what would be the result?

16. God cares about both your physical and spiritual needs.

17. Why is this important? • It’s good to know that God cares about both our physical and spiritual needs • This is a great example of the model by which we’re supposed to show Jesus’ love

18. When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward Him, He said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” He asked this only to test him, for He already had in mind what He was going to do. Philip answered Him, “Eight months’ wages would not buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!” John 6:5-7

19. Lesson #1 Do not measure a problemaccording to your own abilitiesor resources.

20. Philip answered Him, “Eight months’ wages would not buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!” John 6:7

21. How Many Times Have You Said… • God, why do You have me in this situation? • God, why have You brought this person into my life? • God, why have You put me in this job or capacity where I feel entirely unqualified? • I do not have what it takes to complete this task You have assigned to me!

22. What do you do when you’ve beenassigned what appears to be an impossible task?

23. The Disciples’ Response • They found a boy with something(John 6:9) • They had the people sit down and get ready for dinner (John 6:10) • They started passing out the basket (John 6:11)

25. Jesus loves impossible circumstances because they provide a perfect test of His power, which in turn provides a perfect testimony for us.

26. Another of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many? … When they had all had enough to eat, He said to His disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted. So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten. John 6:8-9, 12-13

27. Lesson #2 In the hands of Jesus, little becomes much.

28. God’s Modus Operandi • Gideon, Judges 7:7. 3000 soldiers were too many to fight the Amalekites (who were too numerous to count), so God reduced the number of soldiers to 300. And won. • David & Goliath (1 Sam. 17:50). Although he was already at a huge disadvantage, David refused to wear armor or use the King’s weapons.

29. God’s Modus Operandi • God magnifies our need. • God reduces our resources. • You trust God with what little you have. • God uses the little you have to show how greatHe is.

30. Another of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many? John 6:8

32. Four Reasons God Likes Impossible Situations • Impossible situations provide a perfect test. • Impossible situations stretch undeveloped faith. • Impossible situations strengthen our eternal hope. • Impossible situations show His incredible love and faithfulness.

33. But He answered, “You give them something to eat.” Mark 6:37

34. Lesson #3 Every victory brings an increase.

35. Jesus’ Miracle Then • There was a great need • There were not many resources • Jesus met the need anyway Jesus’ Miracle Now • When you have a need • …and you don’t have many resources • …Jesus can meet your need anyway.

36. Three Questions • What have I decided is too big for God to accomplish? • Where have I decided I have too little to make a difference? • How are you preparing for your miracle?