The Proof Is In The "Putting" Series

John 6:30-40

The Proof is in the "Putting"

I. They Demanded Proof - v. 30-31

First, let’s establish that skeptical inquiry is not a bad thing...in fact, it can be quite beneficial. Scientific discoveries are based on this approach.

Definition---a skeptic is one who is willing to question any claim to truth, asking for clarity in definition, consistency in logic, and adequacy

of evidence. The use of skepticism is thus an essential part of objective

scientific inquiry and the search for reliable knowledge.

I welcome honest questions about Christianity! The key word is honest. We should never fear questions about what we believe--and why we believe it. A faith that can’t be tested can’t be trusted!

What we need to avoid is the type of skepticism that closes its mind to honest inquiry, common sense, and legitimate factual evidence.

Examples of dogmatic skepticism:

• Lord Kelvin said, ""Radio has no future," "Heavier-than-air flying machines are impossible," and "X-rays will prove to be a hoax."

• Astronomer William Henry Pickering said that air travel would be too expensive to be practical, and "proved" that because of wind resistance, airplanes could not possibly travel faster than express trains.

• A British Parliamentary Commission was formed to study the practicality of electric lighting when they learned that Thomas Edison was working on it, and decided that it was "unworthy of the attention of practical or

scientific men."

A. They wanted a sign from God - v. 30

"Show us, and we’ll believe you!" "Believe Me, and I’ll show you!"

Quote: Woody Allen said, "Faith would be easier if God would show Himself by depositing a million dollars in a Swiss bank account in our name."

Jesus said in Matt. 16:4 - A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign -- why do you suppose He said that? Because they wanted proof! They didn’t believe His words!

Because honest people will trust what you say!

Dishonest people don’t trust anyone!......"You can’t con a con"

Illustration: Wendy’s chili "finger" incident - San Jose - lady lied about it; would you trust anything she said?

Illustration: "Oprah" show about pathological liars

Matt. 5:33-37 - Again, ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine oaths:

But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God’s throne:

Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: neither by Jerusalem; for it is the city of the great King.

Neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one hair white or black.

But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.

B. They were tempting Him - v. 32

Note the phrasing of their request - "...as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat.

These are the same words Satan used to tempt the Lord in the wilderness, remember?

Matt. 4:5-6 - Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple,

And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down: for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee: and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone.

Moses’ manna was not truly from heaven; it was physical food

C. They had all the ’signs’ they needed!

Think of it--they had heard of His healing miracles, seen Him feed 5000, heard about Him walking on water---that’s all they needed

They had most likely asked His disciples how He got there, and the disciples probably told them about Him walking on water

II. They Wanted Provision - v. 32-34

A. They wanted a handout - v. 34

"Give a man a fish and he’ll eat a meal; teach a man to fish and he’ll eat for a lifetime"

Instead, seek to obtain permanent, eternal food

C. The provision they needed is Jesus Christ - v. 35

The physical needs we have (hunger, thirst, sleep) exist to teach us that we are not self-sufficient --- we need physical sustenance

They are outward signs of our inner need --- spiritual sustenance

What are you looking for from Jesus Christ?

Quote: All Christians know what Christ did for them in the past.

They believe what He’s going to do for them in the future.

But many believers don’t believe He can do anything for them now.

No wonder, they think He represents only future security, and their interest is in now benefits. - Zig Ziglar

III. They Needed "Putting" - v. 35-40

A. People need to "put on" the Lord

Rom. 13:14 - But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.