What happened?

After this Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias. ² And a large crowd was following him —John 6:1-2a

After this many of his disciples turned back and no longer walked with him. —John 6:66

Benefits to following Jesus…

• Healing

And a large crowd was following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing on the sick. —John 6:2

• Provision

And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples, “Gather up the leftover fragments, that nothing may be lost.” —John 6:12

• Freedom

Perceiving then that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, Jesus withdrew again to the mountain by himself. —John 6:15

Many followers wanted the benefits of a relationship with Jesus without the required commitment.

Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. —John 6:26

Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. ⁴⁸ I am the bread of life. ⁴⁹ Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. ⁵⁰ This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. ⁵¹ I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.” —John 6:47-51

What the cross reveals to us…

• The cross tells us that we are worse than we want to admit.

• The cross reveals that God’s grace is greater than we can imagine.

• The cross calls us to die so that we might live.

So Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you want to go away as well?” ⁶⁸ Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, ⁶⁹ and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.” —John 6:67-69

Discipleship Guide

Let’s Talk About It

During Jesus’s ministry, many people followed him. Understandable, Jesus was healing people, delivering people and providing for peoples’ needs. Anticipation grew, thinking that He was the long awaited Messiah who would come and bring freedom to Israel! But as Jesus clarified the cost and commitment required for a relationship with Him, many turned away. They wanted the benefits of a relationship with Jesus without the commitment it required. The cross tells us that we are worse than we want to admit. It reveals to us that God’s grace is much greater than we can imagine. And the cross calls us to die so that we night live.

(John 6)

Discussion questions

• Which part of the message impacted or challenged you?

• Read John 6:1-2 and verse 66. Describe the difference between seeking God for the benefits of a relationship with Him and seeking a relationship with Him.

• Read John 6:47-51. As you reflect on the crowd following Jesus, how do you see yourself in them? What step can you take to realign your life and pursue Him before everything else? What does it mean that Jesus is the bread of life?

• Read John 6:67-69. Pastor Gregg said that the cross calls us to die so that we might live. What does that mean and what does it look like to “die”?

Take a Step

• Have you embraced the cost of following Jesus? Ask God to reveal to you where He wants to prune your priorities and shape you to be more like Him.

Here’s My Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your cross. I am sorry that I often seek You for what You can do for me instead of because of who You are. I ask you to prune my priorities, refine my character, and realign my desires. Shape my life so I more clearly reflect You and can more sincerely live for Your kingdom. In Jesus’ name, amen.