This message explores the fourth sign, Jesus’ feeding of the great crowd near the shores of the Sea of Galilee.
(John 6:1-15)
Sermon Outline
The Fourth Sign shows us Jesus is more than enough for our deepest hunger. When we surrender our “little” to Him, He multiplies it to bring more than enough to all.
1. The Setting (John 6:1-4; 5:13)
- The crowd “kept following” because they “continually saw” the signs Jesus “habitually did.”
- They were drawn to His power, not His person.
2. The Situation (John 6:5-9; Mark 9:24)
- A denarius = a standard day’s wage
- Phillip and Andrew calculated without Christ.
- It is not about the greatness of what is offered.
- It is about the greatness of the One to whom it is offered.
3. The Solution (John 6:10-13; Exodus 42:4)
- God cannot multiply what we refuse to give Him.
- The issue is never the greatness of what we hold.
- The issue is whether we actually release it for God to use.
4. The Savior (John 6:14-15; Deuteronomy 18:17-18)
- “The crowd wanted to be fed by Jesus without being led by Jesus.”
Conclusion: Why do you want Jesus?
- For those exploring Christianity: Don’t settle for a slice of bread—feed on the bread of life (James 4:14).
- Your greatest need is not food for today, it is eternal life in Christ.
- “Until Jesus is enough for you, no person, place or thing ever will be.”
- For the new Christian: Include Christ in your calculations! (Jeremiah 32:27; Ephesians 3:20)
- For those centered in Christ: Surrender even your little for Him to use!
- God cannot multiply what we refuse to give Him.
- In Christ’s hands, our little becomes His ‘more than enough’.
- Surrender it to God and watch Him work.
Trust Him as the One who satisfies your deepest hunger, surrender what you have so others may receive His provision too.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
Open Up: (answer one of these questions)
- What is the largest group you’ve ever cooked for? What did you make?
- What is your “go to” meal when you’re especially hungry?
Dig In:
- This week we continue our sermon series “Look for the Signs,” by exploring the fourth sign in John 6:1-15. Whether on your own or with others, begin your study in prayer, asking God to speak to you, and then read that portion aloud.
- What about this text stands out to you and why?
- How would you describe the ways Phillip and Andrew respond to the situation?
- Before this event, Jesus has already done some miraculous things (water to wine, healing, etc.). Why do you think that doesn’t have more of an influence on Phillip’s and Andrew’s responses to this situation?
- Which of the disciples are you most like when faced with an issue, Phillip or Andrew?
- What do you think is the significance of the fact there was more leftover after everyone ate than there was to begin with?
- How is the crowd’s response after this miracle different than their approach to following Jesus before it occurred? Why do you think it’s changed?
Live It Out:
- Where are you most tempted to calculate without Christ when facing a need that feels overwhelming? What helps you overcome this hesitation?
- In what area of life are you most tempted to be “fed by Christ without being led by Christ”? What is the danger in allowing that to happen?
DIG DEEPER
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Exploring Faith: What have you tried to pursue to find fulfillment in in your life? How have they worked? Commit to pursuing Christ for 1 month and see the difference following Him can make in your experience of peace, joy, kindness, etc.
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Growing in Faith: Look at the “impossible” things in your life. Pray to God to step in and act in a way only He can. Remind yourself of the promises Jeremiah 32:27 and Ephesians 3:20. How He might want to involve you in the solution to those situations?
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Centered in Faith: We know God wants to involve us in His plans. Look around your neighborhood, workplace, family, etc. Where do you see Him working and how do you think He wants to involve you in His work? Who do you think God wants you to come alongside on their journey? What might that practically look like this week?