John 6 – A Tough Chapter for Jesus• Starts with 10,000-15,000 following

Him• Ends with only twelve (including Judas)

What happened?!!

The Gospel, at its heart, is deeply offensive.

Included in All Four Gospels1. Jesus crucifixion & resurrection2. Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist3. Jesus’ feeding of the 5,000 men and

their families

Some time after this, Jesus crossed to the far shore of the Sea of Galilee (that is, the

Sea of Tiberias), and a great crowd of people followed Him because they saw the miraculous signs He had performed on the sick. Then Jesus went up on a mountainside and sat down with His disciples. The Jewish

Passover Feast was near.

John 6:1-4

When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward Him, He said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for

these people to eat?” He asked this only to test him, for He already had in mind

what He was going to do.

John 6:5-6

Philip answered Him, “Eight months’ wages would not buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!” Another of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up,

“Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go

among so many?” Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and the men sat down, about

five thousand of them.

John 6:7-10

Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same

with the fish. When they had all had enough to eat, He said to His disciples,

“Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.”

John 6:11-12

So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of five barley

loaves left over by those who had eaten. After the people saw the miraculous sign that Jesus did, they began to say, “Surely, this is the Prophet who is to come into the

world.”

John 6:13-14

Feeding of 5,000, Cliff Notes1. There was a great need2. There were not many resources3. Jesus met the need anyway

What is the importance of this miracle?

If this miracle did not occur,what would be the result?

God cares about both your physical and spiritual needs.

Why is this important?1. It’s good to know that God cares about

both our physical and spiritual needs2. This is a great example of the model by

which we’re supposed to show Jesus’ love

When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward Him, He said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for

these people to eat?” He asked this only to test him, for He already had in mind

what He was going to do. Philip answered Him, “Eight months’ wages would not buy enough bread for each

one to have a bite!”

John 6:5-7

Lesson #1

Do not measure a problemaccording to your own abilities or

resources.

Philip answered Him, “Eight months’ wages would not buy enough bread for

each one to have a bite!”

John 6:7

How Many Times Have You Said…1. God, why do You have me in this

situation?2. God, why have You brought this person

into my life?3. God, why have You put me in this job or

capacity where I feel entirely unqualified?

4. I do not have what it takes to complete this task You have assigned to me!

What do you do when you’ve beenassigned what appears to be an impossible

task?

The Disciples’ Response• They found a boy with something (John

6:9)• They had the people sit down and get

ready for dinner (John 6:10)• They started passing out the basket

(John 6:11)

Jesus loves impossible circumstances because they provide a perfect test of His

power, which in turn provides a perfect testimony for us.

Another of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, “Here is a boy

with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so

many? … When they had all had enough to eat, He said to His disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be

wasted. So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of five

barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.

John 6:8-9, 12-13

Lesson #2

In the hands of Jesus, little becomes much.

God’s Modus Operandi• Gideon, Judges 7:7. 3000 soldiers were

too many to fight the Amalekites (who were too numerous to count), so God reduced the number of soldiers to 300. And won.

• David & Goliath (1 Sam. 17:50). Although he was already at a huge disadvantage, David refused to wear armor or use the King’s weapons.

God’s Modus Operandi1. God magnifies our need.2. God reduces our resources.3. You trust God with what little you have.4. God uses the little you have to show

how greatHe is.

Another of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, “Here is a boy

with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so

many?

John 6:8

Four Reasons God Likes Impossible Situations1. Impossible situations provide a perfect

test.2. Impossible situations stretch

undeveloped faith.3. Impossible situations strengthen our

eternal hope.4. Impossible situations show His

incredible love and faithfulness.

But He answered, “You give them something to eat.”

Mark 6:37

Lesson #3

Every victory brings an increase.

Jesus’ Miracle Then1. There was a great need2. There were not many resources3. Jesus met the need anyway

Jesus’ Miracle Now1. When you have a need2. …and you don’t have many resources3. …Jesus can meet your need anyway.

Three Questions1. What have I decided is too big for God

to accomplish?2. Where have I decided I have too little

to make a difference?3. How are you preparing for your

miracle?