[:en]SCRIPTURE: JOHN 6
Bible Verses:
“ When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.” (John 6:19-21)
“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.” (John 6:27)
“ Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”” (John 6:29)
“Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty” (John 6:35)
“For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.” (John 6:38-40)
“I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” (John 6:51)
“Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them.” (John 6:54-56)
JESUS FEEDS THE FIVE THOUSAND (vs. 1-15)
A crowd of people followed Jesus because of the miraculous signs that He had performed. Jesus asked Philip where to buy bread for these people. Philip answered him: “Eight months wage would not buy enough bread for each one to have a bite” (v. 7), But Andrew saw a boy with 5 small barley loaves and 2 small fish. So Jesus told them to sit down. He took the loaves and fish, gave thanks and distributed to the people. After the people had eaten, they were able to gather 12 baskets of leftovers. After the people saw the miracle, they acknowledged that Jesus was the Prophet who is to come into the world (v. 12)(.
JESUS WALKS ON THE WATER (vs. 16-24)
The disciples went into the boat and set off for Capernaum. Jesus did not join them. Then a strong wind was blowing and and the water was rough. When they saw Jesus walking on the water and approaching them, they were terrified. But Jesus said to them: “It is I, don’t be afraid” (v. 20). They took him into the boat and reached the shore.
JESUS THE BREAD OF LIFE (vs. 25-59)
Jesus declared: “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry and he who believes in me will never be thirsty” (v. 35). He is the Son of God that gives life to the whole world. It is a free gift of God to those who believe in Him.
Jesus said: :Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life and I will raise him up the last day. For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remain in me and I in him” (vs. 54-56). The meaning of his flesh and blood is not literal but spiritual. A person who eats Christ’s flesh and drinks his blood receives the Word as taught by the Spirit.
Jesus is the living Word made flesh for us. To receive His Word into our heart is to receive Jesus Christ. We eat his flesh by partaking the Word of God.
MANY DISCIPLES DESERT JESUS (v.s 60-71)
The people could not accept his hard teachings. They rejected the Bread of Life for the soul, so many of his disciples deserted and they no longer followed him. However, Peter affirmed his faith in Christ. But Jesus told them that one of the twelve chosen by him is a devil.
LIFE APPLICATION:
- When Jesus asked Philip where to buy bread, Philip started to assess the cost. But Jesus did the impossible to teach Philip that God can do miracles. So, if you have an impossible task, trust God to provide the resources.
- The boy offered what he had and Jesus turned it into something great. To Christ, there is no limitation to his power nor barrier in age. Whether young or old, you can be of service to him if you make yourself available to Him. And he can do wonderful things through your offerings.
- Jesus walked on the water during a storm and gave his disciples the assurance of his presence. When you are in terrifying circumstances, God is always present to keep you and give you peace.
- Many followed Jesus to satisfy their physical needs and reap benefits. Watch your motive in following Jesus. Do not use religion to gain prestige and material advantages.
- We have to eat to satisfy our physical hunger. We have also to read His Word to satisfy our spiritual hunger.
- Jesus came down from heaven not to do his will but to do the will of his Father. We should also have the same purpose when we follow Christ.
- To eat His flesh as living bread means to be united with him by believing in his death and resurrection and trusting the Holy Spirit for power and strength.
- Many disciples deserted Jesus because of his hard teachings. How will you responds to Christ teachings? Will you accept and follow or reject and desert Him?
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