Embracing Spiritual Nourishment Through Faith and Service
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we delved into a profound teaching from the Gospel of John, where Jesus speaks about eating His flesh and drinking His blood. This statement, shocking to His contemporaries, is deeply symbolic of our sacrament of communion. Jesus uses the word "trogo," which means to gnaw or crunch, to emphasize the raw, unrefined nature of truly partaking in Him. This isn't about polite, controlled consumption but about a deep, almost primal need for spiritual nourishment.
Jesus' shocking language serves to redirect the disciples' focus from the physical miracles, like the manna from heaven, to the spiritual sustenance He offers. He is the Word of God, the embodiment of divine teaching, sent not just to feed our bodies but to nourish our faith and lives eternally. Some disciples found this teaching too hard and left, but those who stayed, like Peter, recognized Jesus as the Holy One of God, the source of eternal life.
Faith, as we understand it, is a gift from God, not something we can earn or manufacture. This gift calls us into a partnership with God, a partnership that is often uncomfortable and uncertain. Yet, it is in this discomfort that we find our true calling—to serve, to love, and to be part of God's work in the world. Our upcoming "God's Work Our Hands Day" is a perfect example of this partnership in action. Service is the best form of evangelism, and through it, we can show God's love more powerfully than any sermon or theological argument.
Living out this faith means embracing the uncomfortable, trusting in God's guidance, and recognizing that our actions, no matter how small, can be a part of God's grand narrative. Whether it's through a kind word, a helping hand, or simply being present, we are called to let our light shine. The peace of Christ be with you always.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Raw Need for Spiritual Nourishment: Jesus uses the word "trogo" to describe eating His flesh, emphasizing a raw, unrefined need for spiritual sustenance. This isn't about polite, controlled consumption but about a deep, almost primal need for Jesus in our lives. This challenges us to move beyond superficial faith and seek a deeper, more authentic relationship with Him. [18:38]
2. Redirecting Focus from Physical to Spiritual: Jesus' shocking language about eating His flesh and drinking His blood serves to redirect the disciples' focus from physical miracles to spiritual sustenance. He is the Word of God, sent to nourish our faith and lives eternally. This teaches us to look beyond the immediate and tangible, seeking the deeper spiritual truths in our walk with God. [20:23]
3. Faith as a Divine Gift: Faith is not something we can earn or manufacture; it is a gift from God. This gift calls us into a partnership with God, often leading us into uncomfortable and uncertain territories. Embracing this gift means trusting in God's guidance and recognizing that our actions, no matter how small, can be part of God's grand narrative. [22:51]
4. Service as the Best Form of Evangelism: Our upcoming "God's Work Our Hands Day" exemplifies how service is the best form of evangelism. Through acts of service, we can show God's love more powerfully than any sermon or theological argument. This calls us to live out our faith in tangible ways, serving our neighbors and embodying Christ's love in the world. [25:47]
5. Embracing the Uncomfortable: Living out our faith means embracing the uncomfortable and trusting in God's guidance. We don't always get clear reassurances, but aligning ourselves with Christ's teachings and compassion allows us to continue our partnership with God. This teaches us to find comfort in the uncertainty, knowing that God is with us and working through us. [24:25]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[04:30] - Announcements
[06:18] - Confession and Forgiveness
[15:50] - Gospel Reading: John 6
[17:33] - Prayer
[18:38] - The Shocking Language of Jesus
[19:29] - Trogo vs. Ethseo
[20:23] - Redirecting Focus from Physical to Spiritual
[21:20] - Jesus as the Word of God
[22:07] - The Gift of Faith
[22:51] - Living with the Gift of Faith
[23:37] - Trusting in God's Guidance
[25:47] - Service as Evangelism
[26:30] - Personal Testimony
[30:03] - Embracing the Uncomfortable
[43:38] - Communion
[45:41] - Blessing and Dismissal
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- John 6:53-69 (NIV)
> Jesus said to them, "Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them. Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your ancestors ate manna and died, but whoever feeds on this bread will live forever." He said this while teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum. On hearing it, many of his disciples said, "This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?" Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, "Does this offend you? Then what if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before! The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life. Yet there are some of you who do not believe." For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him. He went on to say, "This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled them." From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. "You do not want to leave too, do you?" Jesus asked the Twelve. Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God."
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus mean when He says, "Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life"? How did His disciples react to this statement? [15:50]
2. What is the significance of Jesus using the word "trogo" instead of "ethseo" when talking about eating His flesh? [18:38]
3. How does Jesus redirect the focus of His disciples from physical miracles to spiritual sustenance? [20:23]
4. What was Peter's response when Jesus asked the Twelve if they also wanted to leave? [16:40]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus chose such shocking language to describe the need for spiritual nourishment? How does this challenge our understanding of faith? [18:38]
2. How does the concept of faith as a divine gift change the way we view our relationship with God? What does it mean to live in partnership with God? [22:51]
3. In what ways does Jesus being the "Word of God" impact our daily lives and spiritual practices? [21:20]
4. How can service be considered the best form of evangelism? What are some practical examples of this in our community? [25:47]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt a deep, almost primal need for spiritual nourishment. How did you seek to fulfill that need? [18:38]
2. Jesus redirected His disciples' focus from physical to spiritual sustenance. What are some physical distractions in your life that might be hindering your spiritual growth? How can you address them this week? [20:23]
3. Faith is described as a gift from God that calls us into uncomfortable and uncertain territories. Can you identify a recent situation where you felt uncomfortable in your faith journey? How did you respond, and what did you learn from it? [22:51]
4. Our upcoming "God's Work Our Hands Day" is an example of service as evangelism. What specific act of service can you commit to this week to show God's love to others? [25:47]
5. Living out our faith means embracing the uncomfortable and trusting in God's guidance. What is one area of your life where you need to trust God more? How can you take a step of faith in that area this week? [24:25]
6. Peter recognized Jesus as the Holy One of God, the source of eternal life. How can you deepen your recognition and relationship with Jesus in your daily life? [16:40]
7. Think of a small action you can take this week to let your light shine in your community. How can this action be a part of God's grand narrative? [25:10]
Devotional
Day 1: The Raw Need for Spiritual Nourishment
Jesus uses the word "trogo" to describe eating His flesh, emphasizing a raw, unrefined need for spiritual sustenance. This isn't about polite, controlled consumption but about a deep, almost primal need for Jesus in our lives. This challenges us to move beyond superficial faith and seek a deeper, more authentic relationship with Him. Jesus' shocking language serves to redirect the disciples' focus from the physical miracles, like the manna from heaven, to the spiritual sustenance He offers. He is the Word of God, the embodiment of divine teaching, sent not just to feed our bodies but to nourish our faith and lives eternally.
Some disciples found this teaching too hard and left, but those who stayed, like Peter, recognized Jesus as the Holy One of God, the source of eternal life. This teaches us to look beyond the immediate and tangible, seeking the deeper spiritual truths in our walk with God. We are called to let our light shine, embracing the uncomfortable and trusting in God's guidance. [18:38]
John 6:53-54 (ESV): "So Jesus said to them, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.'"
Reflection: What areas of your spiritual life feel superficial or routine? How can you seek a deeper, more authentic relationship with Jesus today?
Day 2: Redirecting Focus from Physical to Spiritual
Jesus' shocking language about eating His flesh and drinking His blood serves to redirect the disciples' focus from physical miracles to spiritual sustenance. He is the Word of God, sent to nourish our faith and lives eternally. This teaches us to look beyond the immediate and tangible, seeking the deeper spiritual truths in our walk with God.
In our daily lives, it's easy to get caught up in the physical and material aspects of our faith—attending church, participating in rituals, and seeking miracles. However, Jesus calls us to focus on the spiritual nourishment that comes from a deep relationship with Him. This means prioritizing our spiritual growth and understanding over the physical manifestations of our faith. [20:23]
Colossians 3:2-3 (ESV): "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God."
Reflection: What physical aspects of your faith might be distracting you from deeper spiritual growth? How can you shift your focus to the spiritual nourishment Jesus offers?
Day 3: Faith as a Divine Gift
Faith is not something we can earn or manufacture; it is a gift from God. This gift calls us into a partnership with God, often leading us into uncomfortable and uncertain territories. Embracing this gift means trusting in God's guidance and recognizing that our actions, no matter how small, can be part of God's grand narrative.
Living with the gift of faith requires us to trust in God's plan, even when it leads us into unknown or challenging situations. This partnership with God is not always easy, but it is through this discomfort that we grow and fulfill our true calling—to serve, to love, and to be part of God's work in the world. [22:51]
Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV): "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you find it difficult to trust in God's guidance? How can you embrace the discomfort and uncertainty as part of your faith journey?
Day 4: Service as the Best Form of Evangelism
Our upcoming "God's Work Our Hands Day" exemplifies how service is the best form of evangelism. Through acts of service, we can show God's love more powerfully than any sermon or theological argument. This calls us to live out our faith in tangible ways, serving our neighbors and embodying Christ's love in the world.
Service is a powerful way to demonstrate our faith and share God's love with others. By serving those in need, we become the hands and feet of Jesus, making His love visible and tangible. This form of evangelism speaks louder than words and can have a profound impact on those we serve. [25:47]
Matthew 5:16 (ESV): "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: How can you serve your community in a way that reflects God's love? What specific actions can you take this week to be the hands and feet of Jesus?
Day 5: Embracing the Uncomfortable
Living out our faith means embracing the uncomfortable and trusting in God's guidance. We don't always get clear reassurances, but aligning ourselves with Christ's teachings and compassion allows us to continue our partnership with God. This teaches us to find comfort in the uncertainty, knowing that God is with us and working through us.
Embracing the uncomfortable aspects of our faith journey can be challenging, but it is in these moments that we grow and deepen our relationship with God. Trusting in His guidance, even when it leads us into unknown territories, allows us to fulfill our calling and be part of His grand narrative. [24:25]
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Reflection: What uncomfortable situations are you currently facing in your faith journey? How can you trust in God's guidance and find strength in your weaknesses?
Quotes
1. "But Jesus has been teaching them about God and about God's laws and the love that is behind the law and answering their questions, but they're still focused on the physical things like food. He's trying to point them to him being the teaching. And if shocking them by talking about them eating his body and blood physically doesn't get their attention, well, I have a feeling Jesus is like, okay, I'm going to try something different here because you're just not getting it." [21:20] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "He is showing the teachings. Jesus himself embodies the example that God wants for the world. He's sent by God not just to provide physical nourishment, not just for their bodies, but for their faith, for their lives, for their lives everlasting, being a part of the work that God is doing. some of the disciples that are following Jesus up until this point leave. They're like, no, we don't want any of that. That's not who we thought you are. We're not going to listen. They go back to their everyday lives." [22:07] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "And Jesus reveals that those who follow him, the ones that truly believe, that are willing to be a part of what God is doing in the world, this isn't just a decision. This is a gift from God. This faith that enables you to push through, to be a part of this healing, both physical but also metaphysical for the world. That's not something that comes from within you. It's a gift from God." [22:51] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "But living into a partnership, knowing that our faith is a gift from God, is hard. Because we enter into that partnership purely out of trust. We don't always get the reassurances that, yes, what you were doing is 100% the right thing because it is cut and dry and there's no other way to see it." [24:25] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "But there is something comforting knowing that things don't begin and end with us. When we look to Jesus in those times where we're like, I don't know what to do. I have an educated guess, but God, if you could just help me out here. If we align ourselves with Christ's teachings, with the good that Jesus did in the world, the compassion that's behind it, then ultimately, we continue that partnership with God." [25:10] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Worshiping together is a facet, but serving our neighbors is an example that Christ has given us. And I've always said service is the best form of evangelism. I've had moments in my own life where God showed me a better way to live. And despite being raised in multiple churches throughout my life, the examples that other people showed me were far more powerful, meaningful, memorable, and profound than any amount of theology that I have ever taken, seminary included." [26:30] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "But when I learned that I could use that experience of being hurt to walk alongside someone to say, hey, we have different experiences, but I know a little bit about what you're going through. That turned into something different. And I'd like to claim credit for it and be like, look at what a good person I am. But it wasn't. And I'm not. I try. That came from beyond me." [28:09] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Glimpses of what God is doing in our lives don't have to be profound or major either. Sometimes it's, it can just be an encouraging word when it's needed. Or simply, some quiet time when the world seems to be falling to pieces. But regardless of the glimpses that we see, Jesus still works his ministry, even today. If we're willing to continue that partnership, we can keep getting those glimpses, but oftentimes we become part of that story. We become part of what God's doing in the world." [29:24] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "So either way, God is good. Either way, God wins. And that's something that John points to us in this gospel. The question that we're left with is how do we choose to be a part of it? After service today, we're going to talk about that. Don't feel like you have to do everything. None of us can do everything. Believe me, I've tried. It's not healthy. But you have something in who you are God has given you. So let that shine. Let other people see it. You being you may be the comfort someone needs in their life." [30:03] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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