Week 6 – John chapter 6 Jesus is the Bread of Life

Chapter 6 marks a turning point in Jesus’ ministry. His popularity among the people has been increasing in spite of opposition from the Jewish leaders. We see clear evidence of this in the large crowd that follows him to the hill country east of the Sea of Galilee—the remote area known today as the Golan Heights. Although His popularity has been growing; nevertheless, when His teachings become difficult, followers begin to turn away.

1. Read John 6:1-13 The fourth sign miracle: Jesus feeds a crowd of thousands a. Why were these crowds of people following Jesus? (John 6:2)

b. What seemingly impossible task did Jesus set before Philip? (John 6:5-6)

c. John 6:6 reveals that Jesus’ question was meant to be a test of Philip’s faith.

What should Philip have known and understood about Jesus? (See John 2:7-11).

d. What material resources were available for providing food for this crowd of thousands? (John 6:8-9)

e. For personal reflection: Sometimes we are anxious and fearful because we cannot see how our present circumstances can meet our needs. How does this story of Jesus’ miraculous provision of bread give you hope for your future?

The disciples failed to comprehend that although the material resources they had were insufficient for the need, yet they had a supernatural resource who was more than able to meet their every need.

f. Describe how Jesus provided food for this gathering of thousands. (John 6:11)

g. What do you observe about the abundance of the provision? (John 6:12-13)

h. For encouraging others: Has there been a time in the past when an unexpected provision from God has met a need in your life? Share with your group so that they may be encouraged.

Those who had come to hear Jesus were living during a time of Roman occupation. They longed for the fulfillment of the Old Testament promise of another prophet like Moses to come [Deuteronomy 18:15]. They expected that this promised Prophet would deliver the nation from the oppressive rule of the Romans. They longed for a King like David—the promised King who would restore the nation to glory and peace.

2. Read John 6:14-15 Jesus has come to meet our greatest need

a. When the people saw the Jesus’ miraculous provision of bread, what did they assume? (John 6:14)

b. Jesus knows our hearts, and Jesus knew that these Israelites were forming plans for what they wanted Jesus to be and to do for them. What were their plans for Jesus? (John 6:15)

c. For personal reflection: This crowd of Israelites was frustrated because Jesus did not make Himself available to accomplish their agenda. Do you ever find that you are frustrated because Jesus is not doing what you think is necessary in your life? Take this to heart: God has in view greater plans than you can imagine. Will you trust Him to bring about a better solution than the one you have devised? Ask Him to help you trust His plan for your life.

3. Read John 6:16-21 The fifth sign miracle: Jesus walks on the sea

a. After the feeding of the 5000, the disciples left Jesus behind and began sailing across the Sea of Galilee. They encountered a strong opposing wind and a rough sea. They rowed for several hours and were still far from shore. In the wee hours of the morning, what did they see, and what was their reaction? (John 6:19)

b. As the disciples were struggling in the darkness, the Light of the world was coming to them. Jesus said to them, “I AM. Do not be afraid.” How did they respond to Him? (John 6:21)

c. How does this sign miracle demonstrate who Jesus is? (Job 9:8; Psalm 89:9)

The Gospel of John is distinctive in that it contains seven “I AM” statements of Jesus—statements that Jesus uses to describe Himself. These statements reveal His purpose and His identity. They emphasize that He is more than a miracle-worker; He is eternal God.

These are the seven “I AM” sayings of Jesus:

• I am the Bread of Life (John 6:35, 48) • I am the Light of the world (John 8:12, 9:5) • I am the Gate for the sheep (John 10:7-11) • I am the Good Shepherd (John 10:11-15) • I am the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:23-26) • I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:1-6) • I am the True Vine (John 15:5)

4. Read John 6:22-34 Jesus offers eternal life

a. Why did the crowd persevere in seeking Jesus? (John 6:26)

b. What was wrong with their view of Jesus and their expectation of Him? (John 6:27)

c. Read again John 6:28-29. The crowd asked Jesus what they had to do in order to receive the acceptance of God—they asked what they had to do in order to do the works that God requires. How did Jesus respond to them? (John 6:29)

d. For personal reflection: Read John 3:16-17. How would you explain to a friend what is required to become a Christian? Can you express it in your own words?

e. When the crowd demanded that Jesus provide bread from heaven as Moses had done, how did Jesus reveal the greater bread that He had come to give? (John 6:32-33)

5. Read John:35-40 I AM the Bread of Life

a. What is the ongoing, never-ending benefit for those who come to Jesus and believe in Him? (John 6:35)

b. What is the confidence that we have as believers in Jesus? (John 6:40)

6. Read John 6:41-59 God the Father gives eternal life through God the Son

a. How does the gift of Jesus as the bread of life differ from the gift of manna in the desert? (John 6:47-51) [optional: For background on the gift of manna, read Exodus 16:4,35]

b. Jesus affirms that whoever believes in Him has eternal life. Jesus goes on to say that we are to eat His flesh and drink His blood. This startling image alludes to His sacrificial death—His life poured out for us. It also illustrates that belief in Jesus brings a relationship and a connection that is to infuse our innermost being. How does Jesus describe this relationship? (John 6:56-57)

7. Read John 6:60-71 Only Jesus gives spiritual life

a. As Jesus’ teachings become more difficult to accept, many of His followers rejected Him and turned away. Jesus asked the twelve disciples He had chosen whether they wanted to leave, and Peter spoke on behalf of all of them. What reasons did Peter give for remaining with Jesus? (John 6:68-69)

b. For personal reflection: How has this lesson enlarged your view of who Jesus is and what He came to do? Do you have any questions about what it means to be a Christian?

Jesus is the Bread of Heaven given for the life of the world