The House You're Building

        Orient  John 6:22-69 Today’s scripture reading is best understood connected to the previous section, so feel free to read the entirety of chapter six if it puts it in context.  In this section, Jesus is able to explain the significance of providing a meal for thousands out of one boy’s lunch.  It is the first of the famous “I am statements,” where Jesus speaks in metaphor to compare Himself to an object to teach his followers about Him.  We also find figurative language where Jesus talks about his salvation in abstract terms.  Following a common pattern we’ve seen, His teaching confuses those who miss the spiritual metaphors in His teaching and as a result, many of His followers leave.  The 12 disciples are first mentioned as the core group that will remain with Christ till the end of passion week.     Introduction I love food!  When I first got married, I didn’t know how to cook ...

  Have you ever thought about what it was like when God created the animals?  I’m a huge Harry Potter fan and one of my favorite parts is seeing how the artists in the films visually recreate some of my favorite magical creatures like hippogriffs and thestrals.  Imagine the whimsy of God, making the massive blue whale, the intricate hummingbird or the pieced-together platypus.  Not only inventing their physical characteristics but choosing their behaviors.  I on team dog because God made them loyal, sweet, and playful.    What was God thinking when He created sheep?  Did you know that sheep are mentioned more than any other animal in the bible [1] ?  Not only were sheep an important part of the ancient world’s economy, but God uses them in the Bible as an analogy of how we act.  It’s almost like God knew us and decided to design an animal that reflects our tendencies to show us our need for Him. Most ar...

Key Verse:   “ I am the living bread that came down from heaven.   If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever.   This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”   John 6:51 (NIV)   Jesus gave His life on earth so that we can live.   All that He asks in return is that we believe in Him.   In the second half of John 6, Jesus tells the Jews, His Disciples, and us how to do this – by eating His flesh and drinking His blood (v. 53).   Jesus is speaking metaphorically, yet the Pharisees and many of Jesus’ followers didn’t understand and therefore rejected His message.   As you study this week, please reflect on Jesus’ words. Think about your own response to Jesus’ message regarding His flesh and blood.   Reflect on how He was sacrificed so that you may truly live.     Read John 6:41-71   ·          Jesus makes several references to God c...

Key Verse of the Week :   “Jesus said to them:   ‘I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.’”   John 6:35 (ESV) Why do we seek temporary, immediate satisfaction from things on earth when Jesus provides everything we need and will do so for eternity?   This week’s passage illustrates how we can see the miracles that Jesus performs – even accept His gifts – and still not understand the depth of what Jesus provides for us.   As you read the first half of John chapter 6 (vv. 1-40), reflect on your own understanding of what Jesus provides for you.   What do you seek Him for?   Do you seek Him for the temporary or the eternal? Read John 6:1-40 and Exodus 16:4-15, 35 ·          Answer the 5 W’s (who, what, when, where, and why) about the two signs that Jesus performs in this section of chapter 6.   What was the people’s response ...