SEEKING HIS PRESENCE

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

PARAPHRASE JOHN 6:16-24

Jesus’ disciples went to the lake that evening and boarded a boat. Setting course across the lake for Capernaum it was now dark and Jesus wasn’t with them. Rowing 3-3 ½ miles into strong winds and rough waters, the disciples were terrified when they saw Jesus walking towards them on the water. After Jesus told his disciples not to be afraid they received him into the boat at which time they immediately reached the shore they were heading for.

The next day the crowds Jesus had fed on the opposite side of the lake began to realize that despite there being only one boat and despite having seen the disciples but not Jesus depart for Capernaum, neither remained with them. Getting into boats that had come from Tiberias, the people crossed the lake for Capernaum to look for Jesus.


PRINCIPLES John 6:16-24


I. FIRST CENTURY READERS

A. CIT: John told his first century readers that Jesus tested his disciples’ faith.

B. INTER: How did John tell his first century readers that Jesus tested his disciples’ faith?

C. ANS: John told his first century readers that Jesus tested his disciples’ faith by:

1. His not accompanying them on the boat vv 16-17

2. His disciples facing the wind and waves v 18

3. His walking to his disciples on the water vv 19-20

4. His presence immediately resulting in their arrival on shore v 21

5. His people crossing the lake to search for him vv 22-24


II. US TODAY

A. CIT: John tells us today that Jesus tests our faith.

B. INTER: How does John tell us today that Jesus tests our faith?

C. ANS: John tells us today that Jesus tests our faith by:

1. His not being visibly present to us vv 16-17

2. His having us facing trials in our journey of faith v 18

3. His presence being revealed to us when needed vv 19-20

4. His presence providing us immediate assurance v 21

5. His having us seek Him in our spiritual journey vv 22-24


PRAYER

Our Father, forgive us when we lack faith in Your Son’s presence in our life.

Our Father, forgive us when we lack faith in Your Son during the trials we face.

Our Father, Thank You for revealing Your Son’s presence when we need it the most.

Our Father, Thank You for providing the assurance we need of Your Son’s presence in our life.

Our Father, lead us safely to Your Son as we seek Him.

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



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