LifeGroup Notes

BIG IDEA

As we continue in the gospel of John, we see the miracles Jesus performed early in ministry and the impact they had on those around him. Ask any follower of Christ today and they will tell you of the marvelous things He has done for them! Starting with salvation, our Savior has saved us from our sins! We would tell of the peace, joy, hope, and contentment we have in walking with Him! We would easily testify to our amazing relationship with Christ and the incredible things He has done for us. we see it echoed Throughout Scripture. The gospel of John is an entire book devoted to giving testimony to Christ and detailing His remarkable ministry.

Today, let’s dive into how the people Jesus fed are concerned about their physical hunger and how it relates back to the Old Testament.

Passages we’ll review:
John 6:1-15; Deuteronomy 18:15-18;
Matthew 17:5; 1 Timothy 2:5

OPEN
As you begin tonight, think about a time when Jesus has met a physical need in your life.

How did He meet your need? Was it in a way that you expected?

What stood out to you from the message this week? What led you to really think? Did anything challenge you?

[WATCH THE VIDEO]
Make sure everyone can see the screen and the audio is at a comfortable level.

What jumped out at you from the video in this session? What are some of your favorite miracles performed by Jesus?

READ

Read John 6:1-15

As we begin John 6, we find one of Jesus’ miracles of greatest magnitude. it is so impressive that it is recorded in all four Gospels. A huge crowd had been following Jesus and His disciples for several days. While some were following Him because of His teachings, many were simply amazed by His miraculous healing. In verse 4, we read that Passover was quickly approaching.

What is the significance of the Passover being mentioned as we read of Jesus miraculously feeding the crowd?

After being followed by such a large crowd for several days, Jesus and His disciples went to the mountainside. When Jesus saw the crowd had followed them around the Sea, He had compassion on them. Just as Moses asked God how he was to feed such a great multitude after leaving Egypt, Jesus asked a similar question of Philip.

What was Jesus’ true intent in asking Philip where they would buy bread to feed the crowd?

After everyone was fed, rather than simply encouraging everyone to return home, Jesus instructed His disciples to collect the leftovers so that nothing would be lost. What was the result of this exercise and why was this significant?

What was the crowd’s response to the twelve baskets of leftover pieces? Was this the response that Jesus desired?

Let’s take a look back at this promise in the Old Testament.

Read Deuteronomy 18:15-18

As Moses prepared the Israelites to enter the Promised Land, he made sure to remind them of all that God had commanded them to do. He also reminded them of their past so that they would not repeat the mistakes of the previous generation. As they encountered other nations, they would also encounter beliefs and practices contrary to what God had commanded them.

What was the promise that Moses reminded them of?

As the Israelites encountered God during the first revelation of the Ten Commandments on Mt. Sinai, they had been so terrified by God’s Presence that they asked that He would not speak to them directly anymore, but that He would speak through a prophet. Over the years, as they went through cycles of obedience and disobedience, God would indeed send many prophets to His people to speak His words to them and to guide them and, when necessary, draw them back to Him. While they were all sent by God, they were not the Prophet Moses was referring to.

Read 1 Timothy 2:5

Who was the true Prophet that Moses spoke of?

God confirms this to us as we see His response to the Transfiguration in Matthew 17:5.

What did He say to the disciples who were present?

What did the Israelites in the Old Testament and the Israelites in the crowd in John 6 have in common?

In hindsight, we can see how easily the people in the crowd, and sometimes even the disciples, only saw the physical provisions and misunderstood the magnitude of Jesus’ power and the eternal impact that his teachings would have on the world.

Do you think this is still an issue today? Why or why not?

LET’S PRAY
As you encounter experiences in life, remember that many times, just as with the feeding of the crowd, Jesus desires to respond in a way that might not make human sense, but rather in a way that brings the most glory to God! Just like the boy who shared his lunch, God can take our “little” and do mighty things if we give it to Him.

Consider the following as you pray together:
1. In what areas do you need to begin to look beyond the physical provision to the spiritual provision?
2. What can we draw from today’s study that can help us to grow in our relationship with Him?
3. What can you do this week that can help others who may be in the crowd to see that they also need a Savior?