JOHN 6:1-27
Lesson # 12
WHAT ARE WE REALLY PRAYING FOR
I. Introduction:
Q? What are some of the things you last prayed for that were answered and you got what you asked for?
Q? Has that answer brought you closer to God?? Have you got closer to the “Giver” in your reception of the gift?
Q? How many of you have prayed for something that was not answered in a positive manner?
Q? Has that hurt your faith?
Note:? Let’s see what John is trying to say to us about a miracle and how Jesus Christ views miracles…
II.? Manna Revisited:? John 6:1-15
?? A.? The Feeding of the Five Thousand:? John 6:1-13
Have someone read John 6:1-7
Note:? Philip’s home town is near this location.? He would no doubt know the most about probable resources available to feed such an enormous crowd.
Q? Why does Jesus ask Philip this question, what is His real goal?
An = The text simply states He was testing Philip.? Jesus had already made up His mind as to what He would do.
Q? What is Philip’s answer?
?An = It would cost a fortune (perhaps six months wages for a laboring man) to give the crowd just a bit of food.
Q? How does Philip see the situation?
An =? Much like I would, as hopeless.
RQ? Jesus knew the same facts as Philip, what was Jesus really after?
Have someone read John 6:8-10
Q? What is Andrew’s response?
An = Andrew is always bringing people to Jesus (Barclay, p. 207) and he brings to Jesus’ attention what is at hand.? It is a ridiculous response, but it is a response, no matter how small.
Q? How many people needed to be fed?
An = About 5,000 men (seemingly not counting women and children).
Have someone read John 6:11-13
Q? How well does Jesus do with just a bit?
An = Quite well.? We never know what we will accomplish when we bring even a lowly lad to Christ.? An old German school teacher used to bow before his students each morning and was once asked why he did such a thing.? His answer, according to Barclay (p. 207) was:? “You never know what one of these boys may some day become.”? One of the boys present in that class was Martin Luther.
We also never know what we will accomplish if we, as the little boy did, give what little we have into His hands.
?? B.? The Aftermath of the Feeding of the Five Thousand:? John 6:14-15.
Have someone read John 6:14-15.
Q? What was the crowd’s reaction?
An = They saw this as proof of Jesus being the Messiah.
Q? What is Jesus’ response?
An = He withdraws.? He does not want to be taken as king.? He seemingly does not want what we would think is the obvious intent of His miracle.? They were ready to “see the sign” and “sign on”.? They made the logical jump that the Pharisees were refusing to make, but Jesus will not accept it.
Q? Why does Jesus refuse their acceptance of Himself as their king?
III.? Boat Ride In The Evening:? John 6:16-21.
Have someone read John 6:16-21.
Q? What was their emotional reaction to Jesus’ appearance?
An =? They were frightened.? Does not that seem appropriate and even desired?? People need to know Jesus is not just their friend but their Lord:? “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom”.
Q? What is Jesus’ reaction to their fear?? What are the only words spoken in this little story?
An = His answer has two parts:? He lets them know it is Him, and He attempts to dispel their fear.
Q? What was their response?
An = They received Him.
RQ? What if you were a disciple in those days, would this be an easy man to work for?
RQ? What do you think of a leader who challenges you to do the impossible, then does it, but does not take advantage of the situation, and then scares the day lights out of you in the boat?
Note:? Working for Jesus was certainly not boring!!
RQ? If Jesus acted that way with His disciples then, might He not act that with you?
IV.? Hunting and Finding Jesus, the Riddle Addressed:?? John 6:22-27
Have someone read John 6:22-25.
Q? What did the crowd want to know?
An = How did Jesus get there.?
Q? Would they have been amazed if they found out how Jesus really got there?? What would they thought of Jesus?
An = They would have been even more impressed.? Let’s watch what Jesus does.
Have someone read John 6:26-27.
Q? What does Jesus’ answer mean??
Q? What is a “rice Christian”?
An = Someone who accepts Christianity because they were given something like rice in starving countries or a great program or attention in the inner city.? Such converts do not last, they only seek Christ because they want “rice” or in this case in verse 26, “loaves of bread”.
Q? According to verse 27 does Jesus want to manipulate us with temporary gifts?
An = No, He wants us to see the “eternal” food, the real manna, something which leads to eternal life.? Jesus was wants us to seek the “Giver”, not just the gift.
RQ? Have some of you known people who have received gifts from God but found themselves no closer to the Lord?
RQ? Has this ever happened to you?? Have you gotten something you really wanted but found yourself no closer to the Lord?
RQ? Have some of you ever sought something from the Lord, and not gotten it, but found yourself growing closer to God?
RQ? What kind of God is there, who is willing to not look good in the short run, so that He can draw us into a deeper faith?