Class Lesson November 13, 2011

Hey Gang,


We began a new 4 week series last Sunday centered around the events in the life of Moses that can help us deepen our walk with God. The series is entitled, "Make Your Life Count."

• There is a part of each one of us that wants to know that our lives count for something beyond just getting through the day.
• Many Christians fall back into the typical approach of trying to find their significance through their careers, families, or other relationships.
• Life can have meaning now, and we can make a difference in the world around us now.
• But ONLY through a relationship with Jesus Christ!

Last week we learned that to make our lives really count for something, we must Accept God's Call.

• God’s call on our lives is to serve Him! To use the spiritual gifts He has given each of us for His Kingdom.
• The Bible tells us that we are called for a holy and noble purpose; we were put on earth to make a contribution. God designed each of us to make a difference with our life here on earth.
• What matters is not the duration of our life, but the donation of it. Not how long we lived, but how we lived.

Last Sunday we watch Moses accept his call from God at the Burning Bush. This week picks up about four months later as God led the people out of Egypt to the mountain of God to receive God's laws. 

Our lesson asks a challenging question this week in our walk with the Lord, "How can we love people and take a stand against sin at the same time?"

 Care About Somebody

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Live and let live is the modern concept that one should let others live their lives as they see fit. Wouldn’t this be a better way to handle this situation?

Last Sunday we watch Moses accept his call from God at the Burning Bush. This week picks up about four months later as God led the people out of Egypt to the mountain of God to receive God's laws. God had shown Himself in miraculous power again and again as He led the people out of Egypt through the Red Sea, away from Pharaoh’s army, through the dessert to the mountain of God to receive His Ten Commandments. While Moses was on the mountain getting the Ten Commandments, the people built a golden calf. When Moses came down the mountain, he saw the calf and the people worshiping it. He was so angry that he broke the two clay tablets at the base of the mountain, burned the golden calf and ground it up spreading the powder on water, and then made the people drink it. God said He was willing to destroy the Israelites and begin anew with Moses, but Moses intercedes on behalf of the Israelites.

Moses Stands Against A Great Sin

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How can we love people and take a stand against sin at the same time?

 

I. INTERCEDE FOR OTHERS – EXODUS 32:7-14
7 The LORD spoke to Moses: "Go down at once! For your people you brought up from the land of Egypt have acted corruptly. 8 They have quickly turned from the way I commanded them; they have made for themselves an image of a calf. They have bowed down to it, sacrificed to it, and said, 'Israel, this is your God, who brought you up from the land of Egypt. ‘“ 9 The LORD also said to Moses: "I have seen this people, and they are indeed a stiff-necked people. 10 Now leave Me alone, so that My anger can burn against them and I can destroy them. Then I will make you into a great nation." 11 But Moses interceded with the LORD his God: "LORD, why does Your anger burn against Your people You brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and a strong hand? 12 Why should the Egyptians say, 'He brought them out with an evil intent to kill them in the mountains and wipe them off the face of the earth'? Turn from Your great anger and change Your mind about this disaster [planned] for Your people. 13 Remember that You swore to Your servants Abraham, Isaac, and Israel by Yourself and declared to them, 'I will make your offspring as numerous as the stars of the sky and will give your offspring all this land that I have promised, and they will inherit [it] forever.' “14 So the LORD changed His mind about the disaster He said He would bring on His people.

How did God feel about the golden calf? What are our golden calves today?

• We are often guilty of trying to make God in our image, molding Him to fit our expectations, desires and circumstances.
• When we do this, we end up worshiping ourselves rather than God. Self-worship today as in the Israelites’ time leads to all kinds of immorality.

God was ready to destroy the whole nation because of their sin, so why didn’t He? Why did God relent or change His mind?

• Verses 7-10 should be understood as a rhetorical proposal, a challenge to prompt Moses to action. Use “Standing in the Gap” on learner page 93.
• Do you think Moses would have responded the same way if he had arrived back at camp without first hearing of God’s great anger toward the sin of the people?

What was the result of Moses’ intercession on behalf of the Israelites? Was it enough for Moses to simply intercede and then say or do nothing once he arrived back at camp? Why?

• People were still sinning and would still face the consequences of their actions.

Why is intercessory prayer important when we feel the need to confront someone in their sin?

• Believers need to pray for one another.
• People are sometimes like stubborn animals that refuse to heed God’s directions.
• Sinners deserve God’s judgment.
• True believers can stand up before God and plead for sinners through their intercessory prayers.
• Intercessory prayer is a powerful force that God uses in ways beyond our understanding.

 

Who in your life can confront you about an issue in your life and you will listen?

• From what type of people do you not accept confrontation over sin well?
• What does this tell you about the characteristics you need to have to successfully confront sin?
• Godly people are shocked when people of ungodly lives commit great sin.
• This is especially true when the sinners are supposed to be godly.

II. CONFRONT THE SIN – EXODUS 32:15-20
15 Then Moses turned and went down the mountain with the two tablets of the testimony in his hands. They were inscribed on both sides—inscribed front and back. 16 The tablets were the work of God, and the writing was God's writing, engraved on the tablets. 17 When Joshua heard the sound of the people as they shouted, he said to Moses, "There is a sound of war in the camp." 18 But Moses replied: It's not the sound of a victory cry and not the sound of a cry of defeat; I hear the sound of singing! 19 As he approached the camp and saw the calf and the dancing, Moses became enraged and threw the tablets out of his hands, smashing them at the base of the mountain. 20 Then he took the calf they had made, burned [it] up, and ground [it] to powder. He scattered [the powder] over the surface of the water and forced the Israelites to drink [the water].



At what point did Moses get angry? Moses had been in the presence of God for 40 days. How do you think his time alone with God impacted his response to the scene he encountered?



Is Moses’ anger justified? Aren’t we warned against anger in the Bible?

• There is a place for righteous anger.
• However angry Moses might have been, God was angrier still – He wanted to kill all the people.
• Anger at sin is a sign of spiritual vitality.
• Don’t squelch this kind of anger. But when you are justifiably angry at sin, be careful not to do anything that you will regret later.

How do you think the Israelites felt about Moses’ angry demonstration?



Doesn’t the Bible say we are not to judge? (Matthew 7:1-5)

• The Bible says that we are not supposed to judge. Matt. 7:1-5
• So is Jesus saying that we should ignore sin, and tolerate every kind of evil?

Who in your life can confront you about an issue in your life and you will listen?

• From what type of people do you not accept confrontation over sin well?
• What does this tell you about the characteristics you need to have to successfully confront sin?

• Godly people are shocked when people of ungodly lives commit great sin.
• This is especially true when the sinners are supposed to be godly.

At what point did Moses get angry? Moses had been in the presence of God for 40 days. How do you think his time alone with God impacted his response to the scene he encountered?




How do you think the Israelites felt about Moses’ angry demonstration? Who in your life can confront you about an issue in your life and you will listen? From what type of people do you not accept confrontation over sin well? What does this tell you about the characteristics you need to have to successfully confront sin? 





III. CALL FOR A RETURN TO GOD – EXODUS 32:25-26
25 Moses saw that the people were out of control, for Aaron had let them get out of control, so that they would be vulnerable to their enemies. 26 And Moses stood at the camp's entrance and said, "Whoever is for the LORD, [come] to me." And all the Levites gathered around him.



After the Ten Commandment smashing and calf burning, did the people turn from their sin? Why do you think people sometimes continue in their sin even after seeing its destruction? How do you react when that happens?





What sort of announcement did Moses make? If you were in Moses’ shoes, would you have made a similar announcement, or would you have said or done something else? Was Moses’ statement about belief, behavior, or both?

Conclusion

Two extremes can invade the attitude of believers toward the sin of others. 

1. Being passive and never confronting wrong
2. Being self-righteous when we confront.

How should we as Christians respond to those involved in sin?

• Moses interceded in prayer on behalf of those who had sinned.
• Moses confronted their sin.
• Moses called the Israelites back to God. 
• Gal. 6:1: “Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.”
• James 5:19-20: “My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, 20 remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.”
• I Pet. 3:15-16: “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.”

Those Christians, who publicly make a strong stand against sin, while they privately live loose lives themselves, are rightly called hypocrites. But it is neither hypocrisy nor judging to uphold God’s standard of holiness before men.


But when we consider our brother’s speck to be a plank, and our plank to be a speck, our hearts are wrong. Love “...always protects, always trusts, always hopes” (I Cor. 13:7). When love corrects, it does so “with meekness and fear,” its words always gracious, “seasoned with salt” (Col. 4:6). Our denunciations of sin must be done for God’s honor and out of compassion for the sinner.




There is a time for standing up for God and good, and a time for loving sinners in the name of the Lord. Standing up for the Lord is an important way of bearing witness for Him. This kind of courageous commitment is necessary to make a difference in a world that has sinned against God. Sensitive believers are painfully aware of sin, which blights the lives of many people and is directed against God. Believers should intercede with the Lord for those who are perishing in sin. When rebuke is appropriate, it should be given. We should not give up on ourselves or on God.

Prayer of Commitment

Help me hate sin but love sinners. Amen

This is a challenging lesson this week on how we can love people and take a stand against sin at the same time. Pray about this lesson and let's discuss on Sunday.

In His Love,

David & Susan

Class Lesson November 6, 2011

Hey Gang,

We begin a new 4 week series centered around the events in the life of Moses that can help us deepen our walk with God. The series is entitled, "Make Your Life Count."

Listen, all adults want significance in their lives; there is a part of each one of us that wants to know that our lives count for something beyond just getting through the day. Even many Christians, who might give mental assent to the truth that life has meaning because they'll go to heaven when they die, fall back into the typical approach of trying to find their significance through their careers, families, or other relationships. Life can have meaning now, and we can make a difference in the world around us now. This study is important because it leads us to see how God calls us and can use us in significant ways. This life of meaning and purpose comes as we deepen our walk with God.

Our 4 lessons are as follows:

1. Accept the Call
2. Stand for the Lord
3. Respond to Difficult Situations
4. Adopt the Right Perspective

Watch this video below by Matthew West entitled, " My Own Little World."

My Own Little World

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A 15 year old girl named Aly created a video of the song by Matthew West, "My Own Little World" and posted it on YouTube. People have been blown away! The response has been huge! Below is a letter that Aly got from a friend at school...Aly is making a difference!

In history, God called unlikely people to do great things:

1. Moses had murdered someone and had run away.
2. David was a shepherd boy when anointed king.
3. Rahab was a prostitute when she saved two Israelites.
4. A young boy with a couple of fish and some bread supplied the means for Jesus to feed the hungry masses.
5. Saul was sincere but sincerely wrong in trying to please established religious leaders by getting rid of Christians.
6. Peter denied Jesus but then became a courageous leader.

What made the difference for all these people was that God called them and they accepted their call. It doesn’t matter who you are or what you’ve done; you can become God’s person now. 

How do I know what God wants me to do?

1. We are all called for a holy and noble purpose. 
2. We were put on this earth to make a contribution.
3. God designed you to make a difference with your life in this world.
4. What matters most is not the duration of your life, but the donation of it.
5. It's not how long you lived, but how you lived.
   

God wants to use you too, but we have to stop making excuses for not accepting God's call.

 
Moses had lived what many of us would consider a full life before he heard God's call at the burning bush. As he encountered God, the Lord told him he was on holy ground. God called Moses and revealed Himself as the God of the patriarchs, holy, concerned, and intent on delivering His people. When God told Moses of his key role in this deliverance, Moses made excuses. When God promised to be with him, Moses asked God's name. God knew that the king of Egypt would not let the people go, but the Lord would deliver them. Moses claimed that he was not an eloquent speaker, but the Lord promised to help him speak. Moses and his brother, Aaron, told the people of God's promised deliverance, and the people believed.

Moses' Calling by God

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I. HEED GOD’S DIRECTION – EXODUS 3:1-6

Moses and the Burning Bush
1 Meanwhile Moses was shepherding the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest ofMidian. He led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. 2 Then the Angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire within a bush. As Moses looked, he saw that the bush was on fire but was not consumed. 3 So Moses thought: I must go over and look at this remarkable sight. Why isn't the bush burning up? 4 When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called out to him from the bush, "Moses, Moses!" "Here I am," he answered. 5 "Do not come closer," He said. "Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy ground." 6 Then He continued, "I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." Moses hid his face because he was afraid to look at God.


Prior to this, Moses went from Egyptian prince to nomad to shepherd. Describe the setting and circumstances of Moses’ life in Exodus 3. Why do you think God didn’t call Moses when he lived in the palace, when he already had position and influence?

•  God wasn't through preparing Moses for his calling of service.

What might this tell you about God’s plans for your life?

• God may still be preparing you for something great in His plan.

What did God instruct Moses to do, and why?

•  Removing one’s shoes was an act of reverence in biblical times.
•  When God met Moses at the burning bush, the place became holy ground.
•  Do you show this kind of reverence when you are in God’s presence?
•  What are some practical ways we can practice humility before God?

Would you say that Moses was looking for God or that God came looking for Moses?

• God came looking for Moses.

What are some ways God reveals Himself to us besides burning bushes?

• Circumstances in life, other people, the Bible, in prayer.

What danger is there for believers who take the holiness of God casually?

• I believe that there is grave danger in taking the holiness of God casually.
• Remember the time when one of David's men didn't treat the Ark of the Covenant with respect - he was struck down by God.

II. DON’T GO IT ALONE – EXODUS 3:10-15

10 Therefore, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh so that you may lead My people, the Israelites, out of Egypt." 11 But Moses asked God, "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and that I should bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" 12 He answered, "I will certainly be with you, and this will be the sign to you that I have sent you: when you bring the people out of Egypt, you will all worship God at this mountain." 13 Then Moses asked God, "If I go to the Israelites and say to them: The God of your fathers has sent me to you, and they ask me, 'What is His name?' what should I tell them?" 14 God replied to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: I AM has sent me to you." 15 God also said to Moses, "Say this to the Israelites: Yahweh, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you. This is My name forever; this is how I am to be remembered in every generation.



What are some hang-ups empty nesters might have about accepting instructions from God?



Is there a difference in your calling to your profession and let’s say a pastor or full time minister’s calling? 

• A businessman has opportunities to show godly ethics and character in the workplace as a witness to people who may not ever give a pastor the time of day.
• Public school teachers work in a very real mission field right in a community.
• We should pray for each member to accept the unique call God has placed on their life.
• You are called to serve God. Growing up, you may have thought that being "called" by God was something only for missionaries, pastors, nuns, and other "full-time" church workers experienced, but the Bible says every Christian is called to service (Eph. 4:14; Rom. 1:6-7; 8:28-30; 1 Cor. 1:2,9,26; 7:17; Phil 3:14; 1 Peter 2:9; 2 Peter 1:3).
• Your call to salvation included your call to service. They are the same. Regardless of your job or career, you are called to full-time Christian service. A "non-serving Christian" is a contradiction in terms.

III. ACT IN GOD’S POWER – EXODUS 4:10-12

10 But Moses replied to the LORD, "Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent—either in the past or recently or since You have been speaking to Your servant —because I am slow and hesitant in speech." 11 The LORD said to him, "Who made the human mouth? Who makes him mute or deaf, seeing or blind? Is it not I, the LORD? 12 Now go! I will help you speak and I will teach you what to say."



The Israelites were God’s chosen people. Why would Moses have been concerned about convincing them? When is it tough to take a stand for God with the people who know us best?





What was Moses’ excuse? Do you think that was a real fear or was Moses just trying to get out of doing what God wanted him to do?

•  MOSES SIMPLY DID NOT WANT TO GO!

1. The previous excuses were simply a smokescreen attempt to hide this fact!
2. Now that the smokescreen is removed, God's impatience with Moses becomes evident
3. His anger was kindled against Moses – Exodus 4:14
4. Read verses 15-17 with an emphasis on the word "shall" to appreciate the anger of the Lord

• THE SAME IS TRUE WITH US TODAY!

1. Any and every excuse we could offer is only a smokescreen
2. We really would rather that God use someone else!
3. We really don't want to do what God has called us to do!
4. But brethren, the anger of the Lord is kindled against those who do not live up to their calling! -- If we have been making excuses, we need to repent!

·        

How important would you say it is for all believers to accept the unique calls God has placed on their lives? What danger do you create by refusing to faithfully serve God? Think about how Moses’ life would have been different had he embraced his excuses and refused to accept God’s call. How does our refusal affect us and others?



Three lessons to be pointed out here:

1. When God calls us into ministry or to do His work, he doesn’t say “This is the path…walk it!” Instead, he says (like He did to Moses) “I will be with you” (Ex.3:12)
2. When God calls, He also provides. Just as He provided Moses with the power to perform signs and wonders to convince the people (Ex.4:3-9), God has provided the Holy Spirit for us, to empower us as witnesses for Christ, to convince the people.
3. God can use anybody…whether they are slow in speech and tongue or they were previously murderers. Who would have thought God would use Moses? He was slow in speech, cowardly and was a murderer. But, God uses anybody and everybody!

It cost Jesus His own life to purchase your salvation. The Bible reminds us, "God paid a great price. So use your body to honor God" (1 Cor. 6:20). We do not serve God out of guilt or fear or even duty, but out of joy, and deep gratitude for what He has done for us. We owe Him our lives. Through salvation our past has been forgiven, our present is given meaning, and our future is secured. In light of these incredible benefits, Paul concluded, "Because of God's great mercy ... offer yourselves as a living sacrifice to God, dedicated to His service" (Rom. 12:1).

Prayer of Commitment

Lord, help me to do all that You call me to do. Amen

Devote yourselves this week to diving into this lesson and giving serious thought to what it means to be call of God. 

See you Sunday!

In His Love,

David & Susan

Class Lesson October 30, 2011

Hey Gang,

This is our final lesson on the miracles of Jesus and it's a familiar one in the feeding of the 5,000. This miracle is recorded in all four gospels and we will be studying John chapter 6.



How do you know when you’re hungry? What do you do about it? 

How do you know when you're spiritually hungry? What do spiritual pains feel like? How do people try to satisfy spiritual hunger? Are any of these ways like a candy-bar fix that masks the hunger without satisfying the need for true nourishment?

We are told to look to Jesus continually to satisfy our spiritual hunger.

Summary

Awed by Jesus’ miracles, many people followed Him. Some of these were not true followers but people hoping that Jesus would become their king. When a huge number showed up, Jesus asked the Twelve how they could feed so many with their scant provisions. Andrew brought a boy with his lunch to Jesus. Jesus miraculously provided enough food to feed the multitude. He then had to thwart an attempt to make Him their king. When the multitude followed Jesus around the lake, He told them that He was the Bread of life, who alone could provide food for spiritual nourishment. Jesus spoke of their need to believe in Him, which included letting Him be Lord, and not projecting on Him their hopes of an earthly messiah. But they persisted in their unbelief.

Background of the Miracle

“Feeding the 5000″ is the only miracle recorded by all four gospels. Disciples came from their mission, they were tired and hungry, did not have time to eat. They needed rest. Jesus just heard about the death of John the Baptist (Mat 14:13). Jesus wanted all of them to withdraw from the crowd so that they can have some rest. They headed to Bethesda, by boat to discourage crowd from following them. Bethesda – meaning “Fisherman’s house”, it was home of Philip, Andrew and Peter. Crowd was all in need, physical, emotional, spiritual. They sought teaching and healing, they were already gathered at the place, before Jesus arrived. Mark 6:34 says that he had compassion on them because they were life sheep without shepherd.


I. JESUS PROVIDES – JOHN 6:5-13

5 Therefore, when Jesus looked up and noticed a huge crowd coming toward Him, He asked Philip, "Where will we buy bread so these people can eat?" 6 He asked this to test him, for He Himself knew what He was going to do. 7 Philip answered, "Two hundred denarii worth of bread wouldn't be enough for each of them to have a little." 8 One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said to Him, 9 "There's a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish—but what are they for so many?" 10 Then Jesus said, "Have the people sit down." There was plenty of grass in that place, so they sat down. The men numbered about 5,000. 11 Then Jesus took the loaves, and after giving thanks He distributed them to those who were seated - so also with the fish, as much as they wanted. 12 When they were full, He told His disciples, "Collect the leftovers so that nothing is wasted." 13 So they collected them and filled 12 baskets with the pieces from the five barley loaves that were left over by those who had eaten.


At this point in Jesus’ ministry, His popularity was growing by leaps and bounds. Mark’s account of this miracle states that so many people were following Jesus and the disciples that they didn’t even have time to eat!



Verses 1-3 tell us that a multitude follows Jesus across the Sea of Galilee

• John records many events and details that are not recorded by the other writers, but the feeding of the 5000 is the only miracle (other than those associated with His death and resurrection) that is recorded by all four writers.
• However, they were unable to rest, because the people, having seen the signs or miracles He had accomplished, were determined to follow them. Mark adds that Jesus viewed them as sheep without a shepherd, so He taught them.

Verses 4-6 tell us that the multitude needs to eat



What question did Jesus ask Philip? Why did Jesus ask this question?

• Jesus questioned Philip as to where they could buy bread to feed so many people. But actually he was just testing Philip. Jesus already had a plan how He intended to feed the people. How was this question a test? Perhaps the purpose was simply to challenge them to think about the magnitude of the task, so that they would be even more impressed by what Jesus was about to do. Jesus often asked questions, not for the purpose of obtaining information, but to make a point.
• Did they realize yet what all Jesus could do? Do we?

Verses 6-7 tell us that Philip and Andrew discuss the problem of providing food for the people



What answer did Philip give? (Think: What does this show?)

• Philip said that they could not feed that multitude with 200 denarii worth of bread, if everyone was to have a little. A denarius is thought to be the typical wage for one day’s work. If so, 200 denarii would be a significant amount to spend. Some have suggested that this was all the money that the apostles had among them, yet Philip says it would not be enough to provide everyone with even a little to eat. Matthew’s account says the disciples recommended that Jesus send the people to the villages to buy food. Whatever else this tells us, it shows the huge size of the crowd and the extreme difficulty of feeding so many.
• Our focus is so many times only on the problem and what we can do to fix it. No consideration for the fact that God was in their presence and ours!
  

What food did Andrew say was available?

• Andrew said there was a lad who had five loaves of bread and two fish. But he was convinced this was nothing considering the size of the crowd.
• Once again, John makes sure that we have sufficient details about the miracle to be sure that it could not possibly have occurred by any natural means.

What do we learn from Andrew’s offer?

• We cannot limit what Jesus will do with what we bring to Him. For that reason, we need to make what we have available to Him, even if we think that what we bring to Him doesn’t amount to much at all. When we do, we can count on Him to take it and multiply it for His purpose.
• Jesus expects us to help feed others.

Verses 10-11 tell us that Jesus feeds the people using the boy’s lunch



What do you notice about the arrangements for feeding the people? How many people were fed?

• Jesus had the disciples give Him the food, then He had the people sit on the grass. Other accounts add that they were to sit in groups of 100’s and 50’s.
• He blessed or gave thanks for the food before passing it out. Prayer and thankfulness should be a regular part of our lives, and before meals is an especially good time to be thankful.
• Jesus then distributed to the 12 who in turn gave to the people. Coffman shows there is a symbolic significance in this. What Jesus here did with physical food is what He also did with spiritual food. He is the source of the truth, but it is distributed to the people through his inspired agents.
• We are here told that there were 5000 men present. Other accounts add that this did not count the women and children.
• In addition, we are told that everyone received as much as they wanted. So the miracle did not involve giving each person just a small portion. Their need was met, not minimally, but to the point of complete satisfaction. Such provision for such a huge crowd could not possibly have come from just the food provided in the boy’s lunch.

Verses 12-13 tell that the remnants were gathered


What was done with the remaining food? How much food was left over? What details are given to prove this event was impossible by natural law?

• To further impress on us the greatness of this event, so we will know it could not be possible by natural means, John adds additional details. All the people were given as much as they wanted, and they ate and were filled. It was not the case that some just watched or just ate a little. Everybody ate their fill.
• Then the remnants were gathered, and twelve baskets were taken up. But they had started out with just a few loaves and fishes. After all the people had eaten — 5000 men, not counting women and children — there was far more food left than at the beginning! In fact, the remnants were many times greater than the original amount.
• John makes sure we have sufficient details that we cannot possibly wonder about what happened. There can be no doubt that Jesus multiplied the food many times. He who made the world at Creation, created the plants and animals with the ability to multiply and provide our food. But that takes natural process over considerable time. But here He did the same work in an instant of time, without the benefit of natural law. There is no way to avoid the conclusion that this is impossible by natural means and therefore a great miracle.

Has Jesus ever filled a need in a way you didn’t expect?

• Part of Jesus’ meeting needs is yearning for the right things.
• Matthew 5:6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, because they will be filled.”
• How can we hunger for what makes life worth living?

The passage says that they were full, but were they satisfied?

• Physical food is not enough to meet people’s spiritual needs.

We’ve discovered in this series of lessons on miracles that Jesus’ miracles were performed for a deeper purpose than just the amazing event. 

 

What do you think was the Lord’s more-than purpose behind physically feeding thousands of hungry people?

• Once again, we see here the purpose of miracles, and John’s purpose is recording the miracles. Miracles demonstrate Jesus’ great power and confirm the truthfulness of His claims that God was with Him. This particular miracle also proves His power to provide for the needs of His people. It shows He believes in being thankful for our food, and it also shows that He did not believe in being wasteful.
• Jesus provides abundantly more than we could imagine physically and spiritually.

II. JESUS SATISFIES – JOHN 6:35-36a




35 "I am the bread of life," Jesus told them. "No one who comes to Me will ever be hungry, and no one who believes in Me will ever be thirsty again. 36 But as I told you, you've seen Me, and yet you do not believe.




The crowd Jesus fed was out to make Him king. So He withdrew from them. The next day some of the people tracked Him down and asked for a sign so they could believe in Him, as if the miracle meal wasn’t enough. How did Jesus use their obsession with food to emphasize what they really needed? How did the crowd want a “candy-bar fix” instead of real nourishment?



Jesus as the bread of life – 6:34-36


What is the “bread of life?” Think: How is Jesus like bread?

• Jesus had said that the Father gives bread from heaven and gives life to the world, so the people asked to receive this bread always. They were obviously still thinking in terms of physical or material gain. And they were not satisfied with the one time Jesus fed them. They wanted food all the time!
• Verse 35 is a key verse in understanding the whole discussion. Jesus told them what the bread is that they must eat, and He told how they should partake of it so as to meet their needs. Later in the chapter He spoke again of people eating His flesh and drinking His blood (vv 52-55). Some think that refers to the Lord’s Supper; but when you understand the context it becomes clear that the reference is not primarily to the Lord's Supper.
• What is the bread: Jesus plainly stated, “I am the bread of life” (cf. vv 48,51). And He is not only food, but also drink, for those who partake of Him will never hunger or thirst. We must both eat His flesh and drink His blood (vv 53ff). There can be no successfully denying it: the bread Jesus here refers to is Jesus Himself.
• In what way is Jesus like bread? Compare to vv 27,32,33. The bread of life is that which comes down from God in heaven (like manna — vv 31,32,49) and gives men what is necessary for them to have eternal life (cf. vv 33,40,47,50,51). Physical bread is a gift from God (James 1:17; Matt. 6:11) that provides what is necessary to physical life. Likewise, the bread of life (Jesus) came from God in heaven to provide what we need for spiritual and eternal life.

How do we partake of this bread?

• If we believe in Him and come to Him, we will never hunger or thirst. Hence, we partake of the bread by believing in Him and coming to Him (obeying Him). We eat the bread by becoming Christians and remaining faithful to Him.

The crowd Jesus fed was out to make Him king. So He withdrew from them. The next day some of the people tracked Him down and asked for a sign so they could believe in Him, as if the miracle meal wasn’t enough.



How did Jesus use their obsession with food to emphasize what they really needed? How did the crowd want a “candy-bar fix” instead of real nourishment?

• When Jesus met the people’s physical needs, they still weren’t satisfied. Some people will follow or show interest in Jesus only so He’ll meet their needs, but they will always feel empty. Some people rejected Jesus even after they experienced Him. People who decide not to receive Him will continue to endure the ache of spiritual hunger and thirst.

I Still Haven't Found What I'm looking For

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I think the U2 song speaks to where many of us are today.

JESUS CALLING

You have been called to take a “road less traveled” and it’s called - continual dependence on Me. True confidence comes from knowing you are complete in My Presence. Everything you need has its counterpart in Me. John 15:5 says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”


What sad truth did Jesus declare about these people? How is it possible to see Jesus without really seeing Jesus?






III. JESUS SECURES – JOHN 6:37-40



37 Everyone the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will never cast out. 38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do My will, but the will of Him who sent Me. 39 This is the will of Him who sent Me: that I should lose none of those He has given Me but should raise them up on the last day. 40 For this is the will of My Father: that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day."


So many times we become fixated just with today's problems as if there is no tomorrow. Jesus has secured you for eternity - do you realize this? 



We must come to Jesus to receive His blessings – 6:37


What promise did Jesus give in verse 37? Explain it.

• We partake of Jesus as the “bread of life” by believing in Him and coming to Him (v35). But some people (such as these Jews) will not come because they do not believe (v36). However, all whom the Father gives to Jesus will come; He will not cast them out but will raise them up.

Does God choose us for salvation or do we choose Him?

• How can “yes” be the correct answer to both questions?
• Look in John 6:44-45, and state both God’s and people’s roles in salvation. 44 No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him, and I will raise him up on the last day. 45 It is written in the Prophets: And they will all be taught by God. Everyone who has listened to and learned from the Father comes to Me—
• This is not teaching unconditional Calvinistic predestination. The Father has not unconditionally chosen certain individuals, regardless of their character, conduct, or will, and compelled them to accept Jesus regardless of what they want. He has simply declared what kind of person can and cannot come to Jesus.

What do these roles say to Christians about their responsibility in sharing the gospel with others?

• Those who come to Jesus are those whom the Father draws to Him, and these are the ones to be raised up. But how does the Father draw them? He draws them when they hear, learn, and are taught from the Father. Then they must believe. So, it is by the message of the gospel that the Father draws people and gives them to Jesus. God has determined that He wants to give to Jesus the kind of people who are willing to listen, understand, and have obedient faith. Here Jesus implies that these Jews would not be included, because they did not believe in Him.
• Many other passages say that God wants all men to be saved, so Jesus died for all and the gospel is to be preached to all (2 Pet. 3:9; 1 Tim. 2:4,6; John 3:16; Heb. 2:9; Mark. 16:15,16; Matt. 28:19). It is this gospel that calls men to Jesus (2 Thess. 2:14). The gospel is the word of eternal life (John 6:63, 68).
• Hence, the Father has chosen to give to Jesus all men who are willing, in response to the gospel, to demonstrate obedient faith. God wants all men to do this and has offered the gospel to all. But the only ones who are given to Jesus are the ones who (by their choice) choose to believe and obey, thereby coming to Him.

Jesus came to do His Father’s will and give eternal life to those who believe –6:38-40


Where did Jesus come from, and for what purpose did He come?


What was the Father’s will for Jesus, and what was His will for those who believe in Him?

• Jesus had not come to do His own will, but the will of the Father. This does not imply that their wills would otherwise conflict and differ. Jesus possessed Deity, so He and the Father and the Holy Spirit are in complete agreement in all things. But on earth Jesus was also a man who had come to learn (experience) obedience. He had totally submitted Himself to obey His Father like we must (see notes on 5:19,30)

Jesus is trying every way He can to get the people to see that His purpose here is spiritual and pertains to eternal life and man’s relationship to God. They completely miss the point when they emphasize physical food. And so do all others who fail to understand the spiritual nature of His life, His gospel, and His kingdom.



As a believer, you cannot afford to overlook the fact that people all around us are starving spiritually. What they search for can only be found in a relationship with Christ.




Points:

1. God is sovereign and chooses people to come to Jesus.

2. Human beings must come to Jesus in faith to receive forgiveness of their sins and eternal life in Christ.

3. True security – eternal security – is based on the work of Jesus in not losing anyone who believes in Him and in His keeping whoever believes in Him.

4. Our salvation will not be complete until its climax on the day of resurrection.



When Jesus fed the 5,000 – He met a basic human need – the need for food. Eating a good meal is a satisfying experience – and that meal was all anyone could eat. But many of the people failed to recognize their need for food for their souls. Some wanted to reduce Jesus from Savior to distributor of food. Jesus refused to accept any mission than the one given Him by the Father. In that mission, He meets our deepest needs. He satisfies our spiritual hunger, and He keeps us secure until the day of resurrection.

 




As the bible passages have shown, Jesus Christ alone can satisfy a person’s spiritual hunger. Pray that God would open your eyes to any part of you that is seeking spiritual satisfaction outside of Him.






Well, we've come to an end to this series of the meaning behind some of the miracles of Jesus. I hope you have enjoyed seeking, searching and studying the more-than purpose of each event as the Bible says that those who seek will find God's hidden truths.

See you on Sunday!




In His Love,


David & Susan