Sermon Listening Guide
Speaker: Dr. Condy Richardson
Scripture: John 6:14-27
Sermon Title: “Miracles Upon Miracles”
John 6:14-27 (NIV)
14 After the people saw the sign Jesus performed, they began to say, “Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.” 15 Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself.
Jesus Walks on the Water
16 When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, 17 where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. 18 A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. 19 When they had rowed about three or four miles,[a] they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. 20 But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” 21 Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.
22 The next day the crowd that had stayed on the opposite shore of the lake realized that only one boat had been there, and that Jesus had not entered it with his disciples, but that they had gone away alone. 23 Then some boats from Tiberias landed near the place where the people had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. 24 Once the crowd realized that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into the boats and went to Capernaum in search of Jesus.
Jesus the Bread of Life
25 When they found him on the other side of the lake, they asked him, “Rabbi, when did you get here?”
26 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. 27 Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.”
Jesus Walks on the Water
16 When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, 17 where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. 18 A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. 19 When they had rowed about three or four miles,[a] they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. 20 But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” 21 Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.
22 The next day the crowd that had stayed on the opposite shore of the lake realized that only one boat had been there, and that Jesus had not entered it with his disciples, but that they had gone away alone. 23 Then some boats from Tiberias landed near the place where the people had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. 24 Once the crowd realized that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into the boats and went to Capernaum in search of Jesus.
Jesus the Bread of Life
25 When they found him on the other side of the lake, they asked him, “Rabbi, when did you get here?”
26 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. 27 Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.”
First Thoughts
In John 6, the stories of Jesus feeding the 5,000 and walking on water are closely tied.
Why did John choose to include certain stories but not others (John 21:25)?
These stories in John 6 highlight the power of Jesus to save.
Feeding 5,000
In verse 26, Jesus tells shows them that they misunderstand their main problem.
Jesus’ miracle draws a comparison of himself to Moses.
In testing Philip (verse 6), Jesus is teaching a lesson to the Twelve.
Jesus teaches that we need the “Bread of Life” more than we need a free meal.
Walking on Water
As Jesus sends the Twelve across the Sea of Galilee, we see that obedience may cause hardship.
This miracle also reminds us of a miracle from Exodus.
Jesus shows himself to be greater than the prophet Moses in John 6.
We fear things we cannot control and things that are very petty.
In walking on water, we see Jesus show us how to overcome fear and hold deep faith.
Jesus is fully aware of the storms of life we face.
“I Am”
In verse 15, Jesus understands that these people want to make him their earthly/political king.
In verse 20, his “it is I” statement remind us of God telling Moses his name is “I Am.”
To increase our faith and conquer fear, we must ask God for faith and trust in God’s wisdom.
As your faith increases, your fear will decrease.
Final Thoughts
Rembrandt’s Christ in the Storm on the Sea of Galilee shows his need for Jesus’ comfort.
During the storms of life, we want to be in the boat with Jesus.
You need him more than you realize.
In John 6, the stories of Jesus feeding the 5,000 and walking on water are closely tied.
Why did John choose to include certain stories but not others (John 21:25)?
These stories in John 6 highlight the power of Jesus to save.
Feeding 5,000
In verse 26, Jesus tells shows them that they misunderstand their main problem.
Jesus’ miracle draws a comparison of himself to Moses.
In testing Philip (verse 6), Jesus is teaching a lesson to the Twelve.
Jesus teaches that we need the “Bread of Life” more than we need a free meal.
Walking on Water
As Jesus sends the Twelve across the Sea of Galilee, we see that obedience may cause hardship.
This miracle also reminds us of a miracle from Exodus.
Jesus shows himself to be greater than the prophet Moses in John 6.
We fear things we cannot control and things that are very petty.
In walking on water, we see Jesus show us how to overcome fear and hold deep faith.
Jesus is fully aware of the storms of life we face.
“I Am”
In verse 15, Jesus understands that these people want to make him their earthly/political king.
In verse 20, his “it is I” statement remind us of God telling Moses his name is “I Am.”
To increase our faith and conquer fear, we must ask God for faith and trust in God’s wisdom.
As your faith increases, your fear will decrease.
Final Thoughts
Rembrandt’s Christ in the Storm on the Sea of Galilee shows his need for Jesus’ comfort.
During the storms of life, we want to be in the boat with Jesus.
You need him more than you realize.