Seeking the Bread of Life: A Call to Commitment
Summary
### Summary
In today's sermon, we delved into John 6:22-39, exploring the profound question, "Where could I go?" This passage recounts the day after Jesus fed the 5,000, when the crowd sought Him not for His miracles but for more food. Jesus challenged them to seek the eternal bread of life, which He Himself embodies. He declared, "I am the bread of life," emphasizing that those who come to Him will never hunger or thirst spiritually. This declaration was met with misunderstanding and skepticism, as many could only think of their immediate physical needs.
Jesus' words were a call to recognize Him as the source of eternal life and to prioritize spiritual nourishment over temporary, worldly desires. Despite His clear message, many disciples turned away, unable to grasp the deeper spiritual truths He was revealing. In a poignant moment, Jesus asked the twelve disciples if they would leave too. Peter's response, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life," highlighted the disciples' growing understanding and commitment to Jesus.
We reflected on our own lives, recognizing that we often seek Jesus for what He can do for us rather than for who He is. True faith involves a deep, unwavering commitment to Jesus, recognizing Him as the ultimate source of life, strength, and salvation. We were reminded that Jesus is always present, ready to heal and deliver, and that our relationship with Him should be rooted in love and devotion, not just in seeking blessings.
### Key Takeaways
1. Seek Eternal Nourishment: Jesus emphasized the importance of seeking spiritual nourishment over temporary, worldly needs. He is the bread of life, and those who come to Him will never hunger or thirst spiritually. This calls us to prioritize our relationship with Him and seek His eternal truths. [02:29]
2. Recognize Jesus' Presence: Many failed to recognize Jesus as the Son of God, focusing instead on their immediate needs. We must open our eyes to His presence in our lives and understand that He offers more than just physical sustenance; He offers eternal life and spiritual fulfillment. [03:32]
3. Commitment in Faith: Peter's declaration, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life," underscores the importance of unwavering commitment to Jesus. True faith involves recognizing Him as the ultimate source of life and standing firm in our devotion, even when others turn away. [04:48]
4. Jesus' Compassion and Healing: Jesus is always ready to heal and deliver us. The testimony of healing from heart failure serves as a powerful reminder that Jesus is the great physician, capable of performing miracles and bringing restoration in our lives. [12:09]
5. Living a Life of Surrender: Jesus calls us to a life of complete surrender and dedication. He desires a church that is on fire for Him, not lukewarm or half-hearted. Our lives should reflect a deep commitment to serving Him and living out His teachings with passion and conviction. [28:08]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:15] - Seeking Jesus for the Wrong Reasons
[02:29] - The True Bread from Heaven
[03:32] - Jesus Declares, "I Am the Bread of Life"
[04:48] - Peter's Declaration of Faith
[05:50] - Bringing Our Needs to Jesus
[06:55] - Seek First the Kingdom of God
[07:48] - Where Could I Go but to the Lord
[08:42] - Misunderstanding Jesus' Message
[09:45] - Recognizing Jesus as the Messiah
[10:29] - The Moment Everything Changes
[11:20] - Testimony of Healing
[12:09] - The Power of God in Healing
[13:34] - Medical Confirmation of Healing
[14:14] - The Great Physician
[15:01] - Jesus' Presence in Our Lives
[16:02] - Will You Leave Me Also?
[17:30] - The Call to Commitment
[18:09] - Our Unworthiness and Jesus' Sacrifice
[19:05] - The Blood of Jesus
[19:48] - A Church on Fire
[22:11] - Turning to Jesus in Our Need
[23:16] - The Authority of God's Word
[24:22] - Standing Firm in Trials
[25:13] - Seeking Jesus for the Right Reasons
[25:55] - Serving God Beyond Blessings
[27:11] - Commitment to the Faith
[28:08] - Jesus' Call to Surrender
[28:55] - Jesus as the Bread of Life
[29:33] - Laying Down Worldly Compromises
[30:24] - How Much God Do You Want?
[31:28] - Jesus' Unanswered Questions
[32:21] - Jesus' Purpose and Mission
[33:10] - Jesus' Plan for Peter
[34:13] - Walking on Water
[35:05] - Peter's Faith and Failure
[35:53] - Jesus' Look of Love
[36:50] - Jesus Knows Our Beginning and End
[37:20] - Jesus' Purpose in Our Lives
[38:08] - Peter's Denial and Redemption
[39:13] - Building on a Firm Foundation
[39:57] - Speaking Life in Jesus' Name
[40:34] - God's Prosperity and Victory
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- John 6:22-39
- Matthew 6:33
#### Observation Questions
1. What did Jesus mean when He said, "I am the bread of life"? How did the crowd react to this statement? ([03:32])
2. Why did many of Jesus' disciples turn away after His teaching about the bread of life? ([04:48])
3. What was Peter's response when Jesus asked the twelve disciples if they would leave too? ([04:48])
4. How does Matthew 6:33 relate to the message Jesus was conveying in John 6:22-39? ([06:55])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to seek "eternal nourishment" as opposed to "temporary, worldly needs"? How can this be applied in our daily lives? ([02:29])
2. How can we recognize Jesus' presence in our lives beyond just seeking Him for our immediate needs? ([03:32])
3. What does Peter's declaration, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life," reveal about true faith and commitment? ([04:48])
4. How does Jesus' compassion and healing power, as illustrated by the testimony of healing from heart failure, impact our understanding of His role in our lives? ([12:09])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you are seeking Jesus more for what He can do for you rather than for who He is? How can you shift your focus to seek Him for His eternal truths? ([02:29])
2. How can you become more aware of Jesus' presence in your daily life? Share a specific instance where you felt His presence beyond just meeting your immediate needs. ([03:32])
3. Peter's unwavering commitment to Jesus is a powerful example. What steps can you take to strengthen your commitment to Jesus, especially during challenging times? ([04:48])
4. Jesus is always ready to heal and deliver us. Is there an area in your life where you need His healing touch? How can you bring this need to Him in prayer and faith? ([12:09])
5. Jesus calls us to a life of complete surrender and dedication. What are some practical ways you can live out this call in your daily life? ([28:08])
6. Think about a time when you faced a difficult situation. How did your faith in Jesus help you through it? How can you apply this experience to future challenges? ([24:22])
7. Jesus desires a church that is on fire for Him. What can you do to contribute to a passionate and committed church community? ([19:48])
Devotional
### Day 1: Seek Eternal Nourishment
Jesus emphasized the importance of seeking spiritual nourishment over temporary, worldly needs. He is the bread of life, and those who come to Him will never hunger or thirst spiritually. This calls us to prioritize our relationship with Him and seek His eternal truths. Jesus' declaration, "I am the bread of life," is a profound invitation to shift our focus from the fleeting to the everlasting. The crowd that followed Jesus after the feeding of the 5,000 sought Him for more physical food, missing the deeper spiritual sustenance He offered. Jesus challenged them, and us, to seek the eternal bread that satisfies the soul.
In our daily lives, it's easy to get caught up in the pursuit of material needs and desires. However, Jesus calls us to a higher purpose, to seek Him and His kingdom first. When we prioritize our spiritual nourishment, we find a deeper fulfillment that transcends our immediate circumstances. This doesn't mean our physical needs are unimportant, but it places them in the context of a greater, eternal perspective. Reflect on how you can seek Jesus as your source of spiritual nourishment today. [02:29]
John 6:35 (ESV): "Jesus said to them, 'I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.'"
Reflection: What steps can you take today to prioritize your spiritual nourishment over your physical or material needs?
### Day 2: Recognize Jesus' Presence
Many failed to recognize Jesus as the Son of God, focusing instead on their immediate needs. We must open our eyes to His presence in our lives and understand that He offers more than just physical sustenance; He offers eternal life and spiritual fulfillment. The crowd's misunderstanding of Jesus' message highlights a common human tendency to focus on the tangible and immediate, often missing the profound spiritual truths right before us.
Jesus' presence in our lives is constant, but our awareness of Him can be clouded by our preoccupations and worries. Recognizing Jesus means seeing beyond our immediate circumstances and acknowledging His divine presence and power. It involves trusting that He is with us, guiding us, and providing for our deepest needs. Take a moment to reflect on how you can become more aware of Jesus' presence in your daily life. [03:32]
Matthew 28:20b (ESV): "And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Reflection: How can you become more aware of Jesus' presence in your daily life, especially in moments of need or uncertainty?
### Day 3: Commitment in Faith
Peter's declaration, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life," underscores the importance of unwavering commitment to Jesus. True faith involves recognizing Him as the ultimate source of life and standing firm in our devotion, even when others turn away. This moment of commitment from Peter reflects a deep understanding and trust in Jesus, despite the challenges and misunderstandings that may arise.
In our journey of faith, there will be times when we are tempted to turn away or seek other sources of fulfillment. However, true commitment means staying steadfast in our relationship with Jesus, trusting in His words and promises. Reflect on your own commitment to Jesus and consider how you can strengthen your faith and devotion to Him. [04:48]
John 6:68-69 (ESV): "Simon Peter answered him, 'Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.'"
Reflection: What does unwavering commitment to Jesus look like in your life, and how can you strengthen your faith in Him today?
### Day 4: Jesus' Compassion and Healing
Jesus is always ready to heal and deliver us. The testimony of healing from heart failure serves as a powerful reminder that Jesus is the great physician, capable of performing miracles and bringing restoration in our lives. This aspect of Jesus' ministry highlights His deep compassion and love for us, as well as His power to bring about physical and spiritual healing.
Reflecting on Jesus' healing power can strengthen our faith and remind us of His constant presence and care. Whether we are facing physical ailments, emotional struggles, or spiritual battles, Jesus is there to offer His healing touch. Consider how you can invite Jesus' healing into your life and trust in His ability to restore and renew you. [12:09]
Psalm 103:2-3 (ESV): "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need Jesus' healing touch, and how can you invite Him to bring restoration and renewal today?
### Day 5: Living a Life of Surrender
Jesus calls us to a life of complete surrender and dedication. He desires a church that is on fire for Him, not lukewarm or half-hearted. Our lives should reflect a deep commitment to serving Him and living out His teachings with passion and conviction. This call to surrender is a challenge to let go of our own desires and ambitions and to fully embrace Jesus' mission and purpose for our lives.
Living a life of surrender means daily choosing to follow Jesus, even when it requires sacrifice or goes against our natural inclinations. It involves trusting in His plan and being willing to lay down our own plans for His greater purpose. Reflect on what it means to live a life of surrender and how you can fully dedicate yourself to Jesus' call. [28:08]
Romans 12:1 (ESV): "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you. Because God the Father has set his seal on him. Then they said to him, what shall we do that we may work the works of God? Jesus answered and said to them, oh, I feel this. He said this. This is the work of God. That you believe in him whom he, the Father, has sent." [01:15] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "He said, I am the bread of life. He who comes to me shall never hunger. And he who believes in me shall never thirst. That right there, they didn't even realize or know. That Jesus, the son of the living God, was number one in their presence. Number two, that he was giving them insight into what was about to happen in the world. And they could only think about bread. In other words, they could only think about their own stomach." [03:32] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Where can we go? We can go to Jesus, Scott. We can go to Jesus. He, man, what's so awesome about Jesus is that we can bring to him our brokenness. We can bring to him every broken piece. And we know that he doesn't even flinch. He don't blink." [07:48] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "He wants us to be able to look cancer in the face. And say, I rebuke you in the name of Jesus. He wants us to be able to speak life. Not because of who we are. But because of who he is. And what he's done." [39:57] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "He wants to build us on a solid, firm foundation. To where you and I can't be rocked. We can't be shaken. We can't be tore down. We cannot be weak and compromising. He wants you to be a warrior for his kingdom. He wants you to be strong." [39:13] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Jesus said to the twelve. Will you go away also, and do you desire to leave me? Simon Peter, who normally said the wrong thing, suddenly said something so right. He jumped up, he looked at Jesus, and he said, Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. He spoke those powerful words. I feel them, man. I'm not much on goosebumps, but I got goosebumps this morning. When I recognized and I realized, where could we go but to the Lord? Where can we go where there is life that comes to us?" [04:48] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "He wants a church that's on fire. He wants people to say, no, I will serve you. I will not walk away. I will not be lukewarm. I will not be uncommitted and undedicated. I'll be there. I'm going to be faithful. I'm going to be a good servant. That's what he's looking for in these last days. He's not looking for people who will do less. He's looking for people who will love him more." [19:48] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You want the loaves. But you don't want the Lord. You want the fish. You don't want the Father. You want him to fix your mess up. But you don't want the Messiah. I came up with those myself. Nobody told me those. That comes from the Holy Spirit. And I believe when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples. He was broken. He looks at them as he looks at us. And he says, with all you know. With all you've been through. With everything that's happened. Are you going to leave too?" [17:30] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "He wants us to discern who he is, because the moment that we really understand who he really is, I'm going to tell you what, everything changes from that moment forward in your life. Everything will change. Your mediocrity, it'll fall off. You're doing things half way, you half in, half out, struggling with sin, not wanting to lay things down, and not wanting to do what you could to serve God, not making him Lord of your life. Every bit of that changes the moment you see him as the bread of heaven." [10:29] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "He says, trust in me. Stop looking to me for what you want and start looking to me for what I can give to you. For it's life and life eternal. It's abundant and it's blessed. Oh, we gotta get out of the world. Come on. Somebody ought to say amen right there. We ought to get out of the world. It's time to lay down the things we've compromised with. It's time to lay down the things that have stood between us and serving our good, good God." [28:55] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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