FOCUS ON & FOCUS OFF

TEXT JOHN 6: http://www.biblica.com/bible/verse/?q=John5&niv=yes

PARAPHRASE JOHN 6:1-15

Some time after reviewing the testimonies to his being the Son of God, Jesus crossed to the other side of the Sea of Galilee near the time of the Passover, followed by many people who had witnessed his miraculous healings.

Seeing how many people were present as he ascended a mountainside with his disciples, Jesus tested Philip’s faith by asking him where they could get enough food for the people to eat. Philip responded by telling Jesus how costly it would be to purchase enough bread for everyone present to get a single bite. Pointing to the only food available, a boy with five small loaves of bread and two fish, Andrew questioned Jesus about the value of such meager resources when there were so many hungry people present.

Telling his disciples to prepare everyone to eat by having them sit down in the grass, Jesus took the boy’s bread and fish, gave thanks to God and gave everyone as much to eat as they wanted. Telling his disciples to collect all the leftovers so nothing would be wasted, they filled twelve baskets with the food that remained after everyone had eaten.

Witnessing Jesus miraculous feeding of everyone, the people confessed him as the prophesized Messiah, but knowing they thought this meant he had come to be their earthly king he left them to be alone on a mountain.

PRINCIPLES John 5:1-15

I. 1st Century Readers

A. (CIT) John told his first century readers that Jesus’ disciples lacked faith in his ability to feed the people.

B. (INT) Why did Jesus’ disciples lack faith in his ability to feed the people?

C. (ANS) Jesus’ disciples lacked faith in his ability to feed the people because they focused:

1. On
A. The People (The Number) vv. 2, 5, 10
B. The Impossible (The Money) vv. 5-7
C. The Improbable (The Resources) vv. 8-9

2. Off
A. His Purpose (Not an Earthy King) vv. 14-15
B. His Identity (The Son of God) vv. 1-3
C. His Father (His Provision) vv. 4, 10-13


II. Readers Today

A. (CIT) John tells us that Jesus’ disciples lack faith today in his ability to feed the people.

B. (INT) Why do Jesus’ disciples lack faith today in his ability to feed the people?

C. (ANS) Jesus’ disciples lack faith today in his ability to feed the people because they focus:

1. On
A. The Numbers (The People) vv. 2, 5, 10
B. The Money (The Impossible) vv. 5-7
C. The Resources (The Improbable) vv. 8-9

2. Off
A. His Kingship (His Purpose) vv. 14-15
B. His Sonship (His Identity) vv. 1-3
C. His Provision (His Father) vv. 4, 10-13


PRAYER

Our Father, forgive us when we focus on the Numbers –Ourselves.

Our Father, forgive us when we don’t focus on Your Kingship -Your Purpose.

Our Father, forgive us when we focus on the Money –The Impossible.

Our Father, forgive us when we don’t focus on Your Sonship - Your Identity.

Our Father, forgive us when we focus on the Resources - The Improbable.

Our Father, forgive us when we don’t focus on Your Provision – You.

We ask all of this in the Name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.



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