Introduction: John 6 is filled with miraculous events, teachings, and challenges to our faith. It starts with Jesus feeding the five thousand, which is one of the most outstanding miracles in Jesus’ life, and ends with many followers turning away from him because of the high price of being a believer, we all like miracles, but do we all like the responsibility that comes with being a believer and follower of Jesus. As we get into this chapter, we learn more about Jesus’ power, his teachings on being the bread of life, and the importance of faith, as well as the challenges for the followers of Jesus, especially in this day and age in year 2024.
I. The Feeding of the Five Thousand (John 6:1-15)
In these first set of verses of the chapter, Jesus performs a miracle by feeding five thousand people with only five loaves of bread and two fish. This miraculous event shows Jesus’ power to provide for anyone, anywhere, and his compassion for the people.
Other verses in the Bible that will relate to this scripture:
- Matthew 14:13-21: This verse shows a similar event where Jesus feeds five thousand people, emphasizing his ability to provide.
- Luke 9:12-17: Another account of the same miracle, showing the consistency of Jesus’ power across different gospels.
- Mark 6:34-44: Mark’s version of the event, highlighting Jesus’ compassion for the people.
- 2 Kings 4:42-44: This Old Testament verse shows a similar miracle performed by Elisha, foreshadowing the coming of Jesus.
II. Jesus Walks on Water (John 6:16-21)
After the miracle of feeding the five thousand, Jesus walks on water to meet his disciples in a boat, and even Peter tries to do likewise, but sinks after a few steps. This miracle shows Jesus’ power over nature and his ability to calm any storm as well as our fears.
Other verses in the Bible that will relate to this scripture:
- Matthew 14:22-33: Another account of Jesus walking on water, showing his power and ability to calm fears.
- Mark 6:45-52: Mark’s version of the event, emphasizing Jesus’ control over nature.
- Psalm 77:19: This verse talks about God’s path through the sea, relating to Jesus’ walking on water.
- Job 9:8: Job speaks of God walking on the sea, foreshadowing Jesus’ actions.
III. Jesus Teaches About the Bread of Life (John 6:22-59)
In these verses, Jesus teaches the people about being the bread of life and the importance of believing in him. This teaching challenges the people to have faith in Jesus as the true sustenance for their souls, we as believers need more than food for the physical body, we have more of a need for spiritual health to make it in this world.
Other verses in the Bible that will relate to this scripture:
- Exodus 16:4: God provides manna from heaven for the Israelites, foreshadowing Jesus as the true bread from heaven.
- Isaiah 55:1-3: This verse invites everyone to come and eat, relating to Jesus’ invitation to partake in the bread of life.
- 1 Corinthians 11:23-26: Paul talks about the Lord’s Supper, which is a reminder of Jesus’ sacrifice and his role as the bread of life.
- John 1:1-4: This verse talks about Jesus being the Word and the source of life, relating to his teaching about being the bread of life.
IV. Many Disciples Turn Away (John 6:60-71)
In the last verses of the chapter, many of Jesus’ followers turn away from him because of his challenging teachings. Any person who is going to follow Jesus should count the cost, to make sure they will be able to finish what the started. This event shows the importance of faith and the cost of following Jesus.
Some other cross reference verses:
- Matthew 7:13-14: Jesus talks about the narrow and wide gates, relating to the difficulty of following him.
- Luke 9:23-24: Jesus tells his disciples to take up their cross and follow him, emphasizing the cost of discipleship.
- 2 Timothy 4:3-4: Paul warns about people turning away from the truth, relating to the disciples leaving Jesus.
- Hebrews 3:12-14: This verse warns against having an unbelieving heart, relating to the disciples who turned away from Jesus.
Conclusion: John 6 is a very spiritual chapter that shows us Jesus’ miracles, teachings, and the challenges of following him, things people should think about when accepting Jesus. Through the feeding of the five thousand and walking on water, we see Jesus’ power and compassion. His teachings on being the bread of life challenge us to have faith in him as the true sustenance for our souls. And finally, the disciples turning away reminds us of the cost of following Jesus. This chapter calls us to have faith, trust in Jesus’ provision, and be willing to follow him, no matter the cost.
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