READ | SERMON NOTES
Summary l John chapter 6 comprises several sections including today’s scripture reading on the feeding of the 5,000. This is followed by Jesus walking on water, His declaration that He is the Bread of Life and the people’s responses to His teaching. It was significant that the sign of the miraculous feeding occurred during the Passover period. In celebrating this sacred feast, the people were reminded of the oppression that God rescued them from in Egypt and their current struggle for freedom from the Romans. They therefore saw Jesus as the one who could help them attain freedom. But this sign was not about God’s ability to provide for the physical needs of the people, though He does of course provide for all our needs. The miracle points to Jesus as the Bread of Life (John 6:48-51). The people knew about manna falling from heaven as they wandered in the desert. Manna was the daily sustenance given to the Israelites by God. Jesus contrasts manna with the Bread of Life. He, the Bread of Life, is spiritual food offered to the whole world. He is God’s gift so that all who receive Him will have eternal life. Those who heard this teaching responded in two ways. One group rejected His teaching and left while the disciples responded as Peter did: “Lord, to whom can we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know that you are the Holy One of God” (John 6:68-69).
How do we “eat” the Bread of Life as mentioned in John 6:35? This is a figure of speech describing belief, and trust in Jesus, meditating on His Word and obeying Him. We not only confess our faith, we express it. We have a covenantal relationship with Jesus which is evident in three ways:
1. Redemption – bread is useless unless it is eaten. It must become part of us, that is digested to have an effect. Similarly, only when we receive Jesus and abide with Him will we be redeemed. The act of eating is an act of trust. It implies faith and belief that the Bread of Life gives eternal life. Just as we cannot eat on someone else’s behalf, here is no proxy for believing on behalf of another person. We need to know where we are headed after this life. Are we bound for heaven or hell?
2. Relationship with God – John 6:56 highlights that those who eat the Bread of Life abide in Jesus and He abides us We are to take hold of our right to a relationship with God. He knows us through and through. We have much trash in our lives that makes us unlovable. Yet God still loves us. The Holy Spirit is within to discard the rubbish in us.
3. Restored into God’s image – we need to grow up into Christ’s image. In vs 5, Philip was tested regarding where to buy bread to feed the crowd. As God’s children, we are tested in order to help us grow. Discipleship is uncomfortable and inconvenient. 1 Peter 1:6-7 teaches, “In this you rejoice, even if now for a little while you have had to suffer various trials, so that the genuineness of your faith—being more precious than gold that, though perishable, is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” Difficult situations help us to rely more on God. Furthermore, we are called to love others through our witness. We may find this difficult but all we need is offer all that we have, no matter how little. God can multiply our meager offering.
How will we offer our 5 loaves and 2 fish?
(Sermon notes by Angela Goh)
PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS
- Study Scripture
i. Read John 6:1-15. Why did Jesus test Philip?
ii. Read John 6:1-15 and 6:25-40. What did you learn about Jesus from the text? - Recall Sermon
i. How would a modern day equivalent of this event in John 6:1-15 look like? What would you emphasise?
ii. What is the significance of the Passover?
iii. What was the purpose of this sign? - Relate Personally
i. What are the seemingly impossible tasks that God has given you?
ii. How has God miraculously provided for you in your life? - Commit to Action – In what practical ways, will you seek Jesus differently in these weeks leading up to Easter?
