Miracles, Teachings and Faith: The Bread of Life Discourse

John 6 invites us to witness the miraculous power of Jesus and to delve deeper into His teaching of Himself as the Bread of Life. The chapter reminds us of the enduring satisfaction and life Jesus offers to those who believe in Him, despite the complexities and challenges of faith. It urges us to steadfastly recognize Jesus as the Holy One of God, the ultimate source of life and nourishment.

Feeding the 5000 (John 6:1-15)

On the hills near the Sea of Galilee, Jesus miraculously feeds 5000 men with only five loaves and two fish provided by a boy. The crowd, recognizing this miracle, wants to make Jesus their king, but He withdraws alone into the hills.

Jesus Walks on Water (John 6:16-21)

Later that evening, while crossing the Sea of Galilee, the disciples encounter a storm. Jesus approaches them walking on water, calming their fears.

The Bread of Life Discourse (John 6:22-59)

The crowd finds Jesus in Capernaum where He introduces Himself as the Bread of Life, teaching that whoever comes to Him will never go hungry or thirsty, and whoever believes in Him will have eternal life. This teaching causes disputes among the crowd due to its spiritual depth.

Many Disciples Desert Jesus (John 6:60-71)

Many disciples find Jesus' teaching hard to accept and decide to leave Him. When Jesus asks the Twelve if they want to leave too, Simon Peter affirms their faith in Jesus as the Holy One of God.

John 6 unfolds with miraculous events: the feeding of 5000 and Jesus walking on water. These miracles lead to a crowd seeking Jesus, to whom He presents Himself as the Bread of Life. As He delves deeper into this teaching, the crowd and even some of His disciples exhibit mixed reactions, bringing the complexity of faith and unbelief into focus.

Miracles: Feeding the 5000 and Walking on Water
Jesus as the Bread of Life
Faith and UnbeliefJesus' Miracles
Jesus' Teachings on the Bread of Life
The Reaction of the Disciples and the CrowdJesus Christ
The Disciples, including Simon Peter
The CrowdThe Sea of Galilee
Capernaum

1. How does Jesus' miracle of feeding the 5000 impact your understanding of God's providence?

2. What does Jesus walking on water teach you about His control over nature and circumstances?

3. How does Jesus' teaching of Himself as the Bread of Life deepen your understanding of His mission?

4. How do the mixed reactions to Jesus' Bread of Life discourse reflect different approaches to faith and unbelief?

5. What can you learn from Simon Peter's steadfast faith in Jesus?

6. How does Jesus' ability to satisfy spiritual hunger and thirst relate to your spiritual needs?

7. What does it mean for you personally that Jesus offers eternal life to those who believe in Him?

8. How can you relate to the disciples' fear during the storm on the Sea of Galilee and their comfort when Jesus appears?

9. How does the crowd's attempt to make Jesus king contrast with Jesus' own understanding of His mission?

10. In your life, how can you seek Jesus as the Bread of Life, rather than merely seeking His miracles?

11. How does the crowd's reaction to Jesus' teaching challenge your understanding of faith and spiritual maturity?

12. How can Simon Peter's affirmation of faith inspire you in times of spiritual difficulty or doubt?

13. Why do you think Jesus' Bread of Life discourse was difficult for many of His disciples to accept?

14. How does the idea of Jesus as the Bread of Life influence your understanding of the Eucharist or Communion?

15. How can the miracles in this chapter enhance your trust in God's power and provision in your life?

16. How can you apply the principle of Jesus' satisfaction of spiritual hunger and thirst in your daily life?

17. How would you respond to spiritual teachings that you find difficult to understand or accept?

18. How does Simon Peter's response to Jesus' question reflect his understanding of who Jesus is?

19. What practical steps can you take to develop a faith like Simon Peter's, steadfast and focused on Jesus?

20. How can the reactions of the crowd and disciples in this chapter help you navigate your own faith journey and interactions with others about faith?