John 6:1-21
ICE BREAKER
An age old question is: are you a glass half empty person or a glass half full person?
What would the people around you say that you are?
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- John wants us to have a growing confidence in the presence and provision of Christ.
He wants us to remember the leftover basket of bread at our feet each day.How confident are you that Jesus is present and purposeful in your life?
How full would your cup be in this regard?
- Christ is present with you and He is deeply for you.
How much during your normal week do you think of God’s presence in your life?How much do you think of God’s presence when you experience anger or fear?
How much do you think of God’s presence when you experience relational tension?
Brainstorm how you can foster this concept in your life, in your family and in your small group in the coming week. Try to get specific and practical.
Group leaders: if needed help the group to understand that Christ has a vital role for each person to fulfill in the lives of others.
- During the storm the disciples were frightened as Jesus approached them.
The disciples were afraid in spite of the fact that each had a tangible symbol of Christ’s provision at their feet: a basket full of bread.Take some time as a group to reflect on some ways Christ has faithfully provided in your life.
Group leaders: provide some time for the group to write out their answers. Consider giving them categories such as spiritual growth, relational conflict, suffering, or in the area of fear, anger etc.
- The pattern we see in John’s gospel is: test, gathering, fear.
When God tests us it is to grow us and stretch us.He is present and He has a purpose in the testing.
When we have good days and we have miracles or clear evidence of God’s provision we tend to say thanks to God.
But when things are bad or unexpected we forget God’s presence and His goodness.
John is asking us to examine this gap in our lives.
Share how you have been tested and grown through the testing in your life(sharing stories of His provision will help us narrow the gap).
Remember the basket at your feet when you are afraid or angry.
NOTES AND QUOTES
John writes of the miracle of feeding the five thousand with a unique purpose in mind.
He wants us to learn to depend upon the presence and provision of Christ in our daily lives.
Jesus tested Philip by asking him about the need to feed the crowd.
Philip did not place his trust in Jesus to feed the crowd.
Twelve baskets of bread fragments were gathered after the people ate.
Why did Jesus make leftovers?
The basket of bread that each disciple carries with him is a reminder of Christ’s provision.
Often what we want from Jesus is on our own terms.
He does not give us what we want because He wants something deeper for us.
John ends the story with Jesus saying this, “It is I; do not be afraid.”
Remember the basket at your feet when you are afraid or angry.
