Give Us This Day, Part 2 Series

John, Part 23

Series: Give Us This Day, Part 2

John 6:16-21

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

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

-- Understand: In order to grow it requires us to dig; comes from a desire for Him

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

- Read John 6:16-21 / Pray

- Begin with the obvious takeaways…

1. Jesus's Divine Power:

- He walks on water, a task that is not possible for a human to do!

• He demonstrates control over nature and His divine authority

• Only authority of the Creator (Jn 1:14) could control what has been created!

2. Fear is a natural reaction to uncertainty:

- The disciples' are terrified (a ghost?); but look what He says:

• "Don’t be afraid. I am here!"; He reveals His identity to bring peace

• RE: God does often this for those He loves – even in midst of chaos!

• Discipleship brings Growth which established Trust

- Greek phrase Jesus uses is ego eimi, which means “I AM”

• This is not accidental or even casual Exodus 3:14

• The sea represents chaos, danger, forces opposed to peace God (sin)

• Only I Am can walk on the sea; command waters; bring order to chaos

3. Jesus shows He has complete authority over their uncertainty:

- Don’t miss the contrast of life happening here:

• Just before this we saw the feeding of the 5,000 (“gift of life giver”)

• The darkness of night; turbulent sea symbolize spiritual darkness/rebellion

• Consider: Life without Jesus has no calming rewards in it (chaos)

• Why? B/C life becomes dependent on our works, our ability, our skills

- APP: In truth, we could end right here: everything that we lack Jesus has!

- TR: But – this is NOT the whole story! Read Matthew 14-22-33

- OBV: The account of Matthew is longer than what John records

-- John is writing with a different purpose, audience, and theological emphasis

- SAME: The disciples encountered a storm that seemingly could destroy them

• REM: They went across the sea at Jesus’ direction: He told them to go!

• SEE: Sometimes, obedience can bring hardship; yet Jesus encourages!

- “WHY IS THIS NEEDED?” IMP: Tests shape Faith which builds Strength!

-- Peter wanted to be where Jesus was – asked for ‘proof’ v28

-- But he doubted & succumbed to the ‘challenge’; took his eyes off Jesus v30

- RE: John’s focus is different than the others of similar events - SEE:

1) Jesus’ divine authority over turmoil (the storm in the sea)

2) Jesus’ self-revelation (“It is I” / ego eimi, echoing God’s name)

3) The immediate arrival at their destination (His ability to bring safety)

- CHALL: SEE our opportunity here:

• Matthew emphasizes discipleship, faith, and obedience

o Peter’s attempt to walk on the water fits perfectly with Matthew’s concern for how followers respond to Jesus

• John emphasizes Christology - who Jesus is

o As a result, Peter’s role is unnecessary to John’s narrative goal

- John including Peter’s experience would shift attention away from Jesus

-- It would become more about Peter which is not John’s focus for us to learn

BIG IDEA

• Matthew unpacks this to teach about faith IN the storm

• John shows it to us to reveal the Lord OVER the storm

• It is a deliberate theological choice – one that gives us opportunity to pause

• What are you focused on today? Your story? Or Jesus’s?

Pray