Give Us This Day, Part 1 Series

John, Part 22

Series: Give Us This Day, Part 1

John 6:1-15

- Continuing in John with a new sermon series: “Give Us This Day” (5 parts)

-- Purpose: To examine the command (discipleship) to follow Him (obediently)

-- FOCUS: The application of our belief in Him to help us live faithfully, now!

-- There are many items to teach on over the next few months; pray for wisdom

Read John 6:1-15 / Pray

Point 1 – Two Understandings of Faith

- Situation: The crowds KEEP following Him because of His works v2

-- Sea of Galilee is a very large lake to travel around: 13 miles long / 8 miles wide

-- Jesus would’ve understandably been wearying from their daily pressure

-- SEE: Ministry is not for the fragile because everyone needs something

- Now, something unique happens as they are following them v5b

• He knew that they would be without a meal, been with him all day

• They could have just returned home – but instead they followed for more

• Greek: akoloutheó; followed or pursued (Deliberately is the implication)

- So, Jesus uses this opportunity to pose a question to Philip v6

• Don’t miss: He tests the faith of one of His disciples to reveal his heart

• APP: God’s questions are less about knowledge and more about your faith

• Consider: What is God asking you to trust Him on that you haven’t yet?

- In response, Philip demonstrates a “cynical view” of faith v7

-- His response is from a place of human logic vs. trust of Who he is with

-- All he accounts for is money and resources: “Where’s the nearest Walmart?”

-- APP: He is not looking to the power, or the ability, of what God can do

-- EX: Mark 4:35-41 shows us another example of this same problem

- A cynical faith only sees what is humanly possible (it naturally omits God)

-- BIG: Why? We fear that God’s authority is not enough in our situation!

• Yes, we thank God when He comes through for us in our need

• But we fail to see what He can do if we would trust Him

- New Year: Where are you asking God to help you grow in faith?

-- Don’t get caught up in the “new year, new me” stuff that society sells

-- APP: Where do you need God to work in you? Have you asked? Phil 4:6-7

- SEE: In contrast, we see an “optimistic faith” from Andrew vv8-9

-- He went to the crowd, and was able to find a young boy who brought lunch

-- APP: He brought something: “Here is what I can find Lord, will this help?”

- Andrew was willing to offer something to Jesus’s challenge/question

-- He trusted Jesus and was willing to give what he could find to help

-- APP: Andrew was willing to sacrifice everything, trusting Jesus for the rest

-- DEEPER: He was willing to trust; to lay it before the Lord; are you?

- TR: Now … let’s see if we can unpack what Jesus did as a teaching moment

Point 2 – Our Faith Guides our Discipleship Journey

- What Jesus does: bring an unswerving demonstration of what faith looks like

-- Taking what was offered, Jesus lays it before God for His use/glory

-- How? He gives thanks & He prays – don’t overlook the necessity here

• Giving thanks: To actively recognize God as the source of all good things, expressing praise through prayer, worship, and obedience to God

- This is not asking God to bless your 5lb hamburger to the health of your body

-- This is asking God to use what you have, who you are, to show others who He is

-- The real blessing comes from Him using you (we GET to) to share with others

-- FREE: This is why the contrast of Andrew and Philip’s responses are shown!

- GROWTH: The result is known to us because of God’s ultimate authority v11

-- The outcome of this incredible feast was ALL God: to amplify trusting Him

-- All Jesus could do was lay this before God, and trust God for the delivery

-- SEE THIS ^ : The work is God’s not yours, ours, mine, etc. Always Him!

-- APP: This is why it’s critical when you pray, we pray for His will …

- APP: God meets the need because of the One who asked; what He brought

• Jesus demonstrates what it means to trust in God for total provision

• And we get to see the results: 5,000 men were filled (plus women/kids)

- BONUS: He not only met the need but provided abundantly (4 things) vv12-13

1) The 12 baskets gives remembrance to the 12 Tribes of Israel