Step 1: Opening and Introduction to the lesson – Personal Testimonies from last week’s study and Reflection: Do you prefer to socialize at large parties, have a dinner for four, or spend a quiet evening with a friend? Why? What was one of your greatest childhood fears: Bugs or snakes? High places? Darkness? Water?
Step 2: Hear – Read: Jesus feeds the 5000 and walks on water. John 6:1-24.
Step 3: Explore – Discover the Passage
- Why did the crowd follow Jesus (v. 2)? What did they think about him?
- What was the test that Jesus was using on Philip (v. 5)? From their responses, what grades would you give Philip and Andrew? Why was there more food after the feeding than before?
- How could the nearness of the Passover feast (when Jews from all over came to Jerusalem) fuel the desires of the people (vv. 14-15)? How do the people identify Jesus? What makes them say that? What does Jesus’ response indicate about his idea of his kingship? Where does Jesus go?
- How would you have reacted if you saw Jesus on the water? And when he climbed aboard? What power does Jesus reveal in vv. 16-21? What did the disciples fail to see in the feeding of the 5,000 that could have helped them here?
Step 4: Connect – Apply the Passage:
- When has God stretched your limited resources (physically or emotionally) far beyond what you could have imagined? In what way do you need to trust him to do so now?
- How are you like Philip and Andrew, failing to remember something about Jesus when you face a difficult situation? Why?
- Has Jesus ever frightened you? How? Where in your life do you need Jesus to say, “It is I, don’t be afraid.”
Step 5: Reflect: …Let nothing be wasted….It is I; don’t be afraid!
