WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:01.640 My name is Alex Kohler, if you do not know me. 00:00:02.160 --> 00:00:05.200 I will admit, when Nathan asked me to preach, 00:00:05.500 --> 00:00:08.220 he did not tell me that I would be doing so for Providence Baptist. 00:00:08.560 --> 00:00:11.120 So, I hope I'm in the right place, but I think we'll be alright. 00:00:12.580 --> 00:00:15.060 I'm really excited to get into our text today. 00:00:15.439 --> 00:00:17.980 Our text can be found in John chapter 6. 00:00:18.400 --> 00:00:21.219 We'll be in verses 23 through 29 today. 00:00:23.080 --> 00:00:25.140 And like I said, I'm really excited to get into it. 00:00:25.500 --> 00:00:28.160 We are continuing our study of the book of John, 00:00:28.160 --> 00:00:31.000 and we will be coming off two amazing miracles 00:00:31.000 --> 00:00:33.299 that Jesus had performed early in the chapter, 00:00:33.740 --> 00:00:37.280 both the feeding of the 5,000 and Jesus walking on the water. 00:00:38.299 --> 00:00:41.079 Last week, as we got to see, and as Colson put it, 00:00:41.179 --> 00:00:44.400 we got to see the storm as a red carpet for the king to declare 00:00:44.400 --> 00:00:46.280 and demonstrate his authority. 00:00:46.659 --> 00:00:49.439 I love that phrase, and I love how Jesus' disciples 00:00:49.439 --> 00:00:52.100 got to see the miracle and respond to it, 00:00:52.100 --> 00:00:55.820 and now have been miraculously transported to the other side of the sea. 00:00:55.820 --> 00:01:00.420 Our text now picks back up the morning after that 00:01:00.420 --> 00:01:03.759 with a crowd now confused to where everyone has gone. 00:01:04.599 --> 00:01:05.879 Before getting into the text, 00:01:06.000 --> 00:01:08.599 I want to remind you of the purpose of the book of John 00:01:08.599 --> 00:01:10.960 and why he includes the things that he does. 00:01:11.879 --> 00:01:14.939 You may remember that John actually tells us directly 00:01:14.939 --> 00:01:17.240 in chapter 20, verses 30 through 31, 00:01:17.859 --> 00:01:20.900 that Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples 00:01:20.900 --> 00:01:22.560 which are not written in this book, 00:01:22.560 --> 00:01:25.579 but these, that is the works that John is writing about, 00:01:26.019 --> 00:01:29.519 are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, 00:01:29.719 --> 00:01:30.579 the Son of God, 00:01:30.840 --> 00:01:33.180 and that by believing you may have life in his name. 00:01:33.980 --> 00:01:36.200 So, about this, consider what John is saying. 00:01:36.859 --> 00:01:38.879 John, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, 00:01:38.980 --> 00:01:42.760 is writing these specific things so that we may have life, 00:01:43.000 --> 00:01:45.900 meaning it is no accident that it includes 00:01:45.900 --> 00:01:48.020 these specific miracles and interactions. 00:01:48.700 --> 00:01:50.260 These were not just some cool stories 00:01:50.260 --> 00:01:51.719 that John thought would be entertaining, 00:01:52.219 --> 00:01:55.719 but these are specifically and intentionally written words of Scripture 00:01:55.719 --> 00:01:59.520 and sufficient for the task of proving that Jesus is the Christ 00:01:59.520 --> 00:02:01.960 and that by believing in him we may have life. 00:02:02.880 --> 00:02:04.880 John says that is the purpose of the whole book, 00:02:05.219 --> 00:02:06.620 it is the purpose of chapter 6, 00:02:06.800 --> 00:02:08.840 and it is the purpose of our passage today. 00:02:09.300 --> 00:02:13.040 How great it is that we get to study these intentional words. 00:02:14.340 --> 00:02:16.360 As Nathan and Colson have both pointed out, 00:02:16.439 --> 00:02:17.219 regarding the miracles, 00:02:17.219 --> 00:02:19.699 the signs that Jesus performed were amazing, 00:02:19.900 --> 00:02:21.080 but pointed to something greater. 00:02:21.560 --> 00:02:23.099 And much like those of Jesus' day, 00:02:23.300 --> 00:02:24.979 there are those who recognize this greatness 00:02:24.979 --> 00:02:26.659 and those who do not. 00:02:27.280 --> 00:02:28.860 Today we'll get the opportunity to see 00:02:28.860 --> 00:02:30.680 how those who are present in Jesus' day 00:02:30.680 --> 00:02:31.900 to witness these events, 00:02:32.400 --> 00:02:33.180 respond to him, 00:02:33.259 --> 00:02:35.979 and how that can inform our hearts as well. 00:02:36.460 --> 00:02:38.219 So, before we begin and get into our passage, 00:02:38.479 --> 00:02:39.680 let's pray for the Lord's help. 00:02:41.360 --> 00:02:42.060 Heavenly Father, 00:02:42.180 --> 00:02:44.039 thank you so much for the opportunity we have 00:02:44.039 --> 00:02:45.039 to open up your word 00:02:45.039 --> 00:02:46.219 and to study it this morning. 00:02:46.679 --> 00:02:48.719 I pray that you would reveal its truth to us, 00:02:48.840 --> 00:02:49.900 that you would speak through me, 00:02:50.219 --> 00:02:52.680 and that you would give me clarity of thought and mind. 00:02:53.060 --> 00:02:56.120 I pray that as we study the responses of the crown, 00:02:56.280 --> 00:02:59.500 that it would be both a warning and encouragement for us 00:02:59.500 --> 00:03:00.780 on how we ought to respond 00:03:00.780 --> 00:03:03.120 to the works and words of Jesus Christ. 00:03:03.620 --> 00:03:05.079 Thank you again for these people. 00:03:05.319 --> 00:03:07.799 I pray that you would give all of us listening ears to hear, 00:03:08.139 --> 00:03:09.139 and I pray this in your name. 00:03:09.459 --> 00:03:09.680 Amen. 00:03:09.680 --> 00:03:09.760 Amen. 00:03:11.360 --> 00:03:14.060 So, John chapter 6, starting in verse 23, 00:03:14.580 --> 00:03:15.240 John writes, 00:03:15.480 --> 00:03:18.379 Other boats from Tiberias came near the place 00:03:18.379 --> 00:03:19.819 where they had eaten the bread 00:03:19.819 --> 00:03:21.379 after the Lord had given thanks. 00:03:21.900 --> 00:03:24.120 So when the crowd saw that Jesus was not there, 00:03:24.319 --> 00:03:25.099 nor his disciples, 00:03:25.640 --> 00:03:27.120 they themselves got into the boats 00:03:27.120 --> 00:03:29.080 and went to Capernaum seeking Jesus. 00:03:29.939 --> 00:03:31.840 When they found him on the other side of the sea, 00:03:32.060 --> 00:03:32.740 they said to him, 00:03:32.960 --> 00:03:34.439 Rabbi, when did you come here? 00:03:35.219 --> 00:03:36.120 Jesus answered them, 00:03:36.280 --> 00:03:37.680 Truly, truly, I say to you, 00:03:37.680 --> 00:03:38.700 you are seeking me, 00:03:38.879 --> 00:03:40.240 not because you saw signs, 00:03:40.640 --> 00:03:42.840 but because you ate your fill of the loaves. 00:03:43.700 --> 00:03:45.400 Do not work for the food that perishes, 00:03:45.800 --> 00:03:48.000 but for the food that endures to eternal life, 00:03:48.099 --> 00:03:49.540 which the Son of Man will give you. 00:03:50.040 --> 00:03:52.340 For on him God the Father has set his seal. 00:03:53.099 --> 00:03:53.879 Then they said to him, 00:03:54.000 --> 00:03:56.740 What must we do to be doing the works of God? 00:03:57.340 --> 00:03:58.280 Jesus answered them, 00:03:58.620 --> 00:03:59.879 This is the work of God, 00:03:59.960 --> 00:04:03.100 that you believe in him whom he has sent. 00:04:03.099 --> 00:04:06.359 This passage begins what is called 00:04:06.359 --> 00:04:07.900 the bread of life discourse, 00:04:08.319 --> 00:04:10.659 where Jesus will reveal himself as the true food 00:04:10.659 --> 00:04:12.219 that leads to eternal life, 00:04:12.599 --> 00:04:14.719 and by calling those who want to be his disciples 00:04:14.719 --> 00:04:17.000 to eat his flesh and to drink his blood. 00:04:17.699 --> 00:04:19.339 It will cause the crowd and the Jews around 00:04:19.339 --> 00:04:21.019 to grumble and dispute and take offense 00:04:21.019 --> 00:04:23.319 at how difficult a saying it is to accept. 00:04:24.120 --> 00:04:26.159 Our passage serves as a transition 00:04:26.159 --> 00:04:28.199 between the works that Jesus has been performing 00:04:28.199 --> 00:04:29.120 earlier in the chapter, 00:04:29.120 --> 00:04:30.639 That's the feeding of the 5,000, 00:04:30.980 --> 00:04:31.639 walking on water, 00:04:32.079 --> 00:04:34.699 and then the aforementioned of Jesus' teaching 00:04:34.699 --> 00:04:35.680 that come later. 00:04:36.720 --> 00:04:38.540 I mentioned that John likes to show us 00:04:38.540 --> 00:04:41.340 the response specific people had to Jesus 00:04:41.340 --> 00:04:42.120 and his works. 00:04:42.780 --> 00:04:44.079 This passage is an encouragement 00:04:44.079 --> 00:04:46.780 on how to respond well to the works of Jesus 00:04:46.780 --> 00:04:49.120 and a warning against responding wrongly. 00:04:49.879 --> 00:04:51.340 This idea of showing two paths 00:04:51.340 --> 00:04:52.680 is very common in the Gospels, 00:04:52.800 --> 00:04:53.939 and John is no exception. 00:04:54.899 --> 00:04:56.540 John warns us to look for this dichotomy 00:04:56.540 --> 00:04:57.620 at the beginning of his book. 00:04:57.620 --> 00:04:59.660 John 1, verse 9 says, 00:04:59.959 --> 00:05:01.879 The true light which gives life to everyone 00:05:01.879 --> 00:05:03.100 was coming into the world. 00:05:03.800 --> 00:05:04.660 He came to his own, 00:05:04.800 --> 00:05:06.300 and his own people did not receive him. 00:05:06.480 --> 00:05:08.399 But to all who did receive him, 00:05:08.560 --> 00:05:09.720 who believed in his name, 00:05:09.840 --> 00:05:12.000 he gave the right to become children of God. 00:05:12.579 --> 00:05:14.780 So the question to ask of anyone 00:05:14.780 --> 00:05:15.800 who interacts with Jesus 00:05:15.800 --> 00:05:17.939 is how did they respond to him? 00:05:18.480 --> 00:05:19.899 So let's examine this question 00:05:19.899 --> 00:05:21.319 as we experience this narrative 00:05:21.319 --> 00:05:24.120 through the eyes of those known as the crowd. 00:05:24.740 --> 00:05:26.300 And we will do this by examining the passage 00:05:26.300 --> 00:05:27.180 with three points. 00:05:27.840 --> 00:05:28.400 Point number one, 00:05:28.939 --> 00:05:30.340 the crowd seeks Jesus. 00:05:31.139 --> 00:05:32.079 Point number two, 00:05:32.319 --> 00:05:33.879 the crowd asks a question. 00:05:34.660 --> 00:05:35.379 And number three, 00:05:35.600 --> 00:05:36.600 the crowd responds, 00:05:36.939 --> 00:05:38.300 and then I'm putting in parentheses wrongly. 00:05:39.580 --> 00:05:40.420 But we don't know that yet. 00:05:40.800 --> 00:05:42.160 So, number one, 00:05:42.360 --> 00:05:43.560 the crowd seeks Jesus. 00:05:44.560 --> 00:05:45.319 John tells us that 00:05:45.319 --> 00:05:46.400 other boats from Tiberias 00:05:46.400 --> 00:05:47.220 came near the place 00:05:47.220 --> 00:05:48.639 where they had eaten the bread 00:05:48.639 --> 00:05:50.040 after the Lord had given thanks. 00:05:50.439 --> 00:05:51.480 So when the crowd saw that 00:05:51.480 --> 00:05:52.560 Jesus was not there, 00:05:52.680 --> 00:05:53.360 nor his disciples, 00:05:53.360 --> 00:05:54.879 they themselves got into the boats 00:05:54.879 --> 00:05:56.100 and went to Capernaum 00:05:56.100 --> 00:05:57.139 seeking Jesus. 00:05:58.340 --> 00:05:59.460 The news of the miracle 00:05:59.460 --> 00:06:00.600 of the feeding of 5,000 00:06:00.600 --> 00:06:01.420 spread quickly 00:06:01.420 --> 00:06:02.460 as it drew the attention 00:06:02.460 --> 00:06:03.420 of the region. 00:06:04.060 --> 00:06:05.060 The fact that Jesus was able 00:06:05.060 --> 00:06:06.319 to feed such a large number 00:06:06.319 --> 00:06:07.480 of people for free 00:06:07.480 --> 00:06:08.939 would probably not have been 00:06:08.939 --> 00:06:10.340 kept a secret for very long. 00:06:11.420 --> 00:06:12.340 John notes that boats 00:06:12.340 --> 00:06:13.080 from Tiberias 00:06:13.080 --> 00:06:14.000 were on the east side 00:06:14.000 --> 00:06:14.819 of the Sea of Galilee 00:06:14.819 --> 00:06:15.699 along with the crowd. 00:06:16.600 --> 00:06:17.280 This makes sense 00:06:17.280 --> 00:06:18.660 as Tiberias was an important city 00:06:18.660 --> 00:06:19.080 on the sea, 00:06:19.079 --> 00:06:20.339 so their boats being 00:06:20.339 --> 00:06:21.219 in the sea as well 00:06:21.219 --> 00:06:23.359 does not strike us 00:06:23.359 --> 00:06:23.959 as surprising. 00:06:24.339 --> 00:06:25.899 But it is not 100% clear 00:06:25.899 --> 00:06:26.439 in the passage 00:06:26.439 --> 00:06:28.339 why all of them are there. 00:06:29.279 --> 00:06:29.979 It has been suggested 00:06:29.979 --> 00:06:30.979 that it might be because 00:06:30.979 --> 00:06:32.019 of the storm that took place 00:06:32.019 --> 00:06:32.399 earlier. 00:06:32.599 --> 00:06:33.539 Just a little bit ago, 00:06:33.599 --> 00:06:34.279 there's that storm 00:06:34.279 --> 00:06:35.120 that Jesus ended up 00:06:35.120 --> 00:06:35.740 walking on water, 00:06:36.000 --> 00:06:36.759 so maybe that forced 00:06:36.759 --> 00:06:37.399 the boats there. 00:06:37.860 --> 00:06:38.939 Or perhaps these 00:06:38.939 --> 00:06:40.099 from Tiberias 00:06:40.099 --> 00:06:40.759 might have heard about 00:06:40.759 --> 00:06:41.500 the large crowd 00:06:41.500 --> 00:06:42.579 and so wanted to serve 00:06:42.579 --> 00:06:43.860 as some type of water taxi, 00:06:44.219 --> 00:06:44.939 bringing their friends 00:06:44.939 --> 00:06:46.000 or as a business opportunity 00:06:46.000 --> 00:06:46.959 people from one place 00:06:46.959 --> 00:06:47.339 to another. 00:06:47.339 --> 00:06:48.899 But another, 00:06:49.379 --> 00:06:49.879 and I would argue 00:06:49.879 --> 00:06:51.060 more probable reason, 00:06:51.459 --> 00:06:51.959 is this, 00:06:52.139 --> 00:06:53.119 simply the prospect 00:06:53.119 --> 00:06:54.539 for more free food. 00:06:55.459 --> 00:06:56.439 The text itself 00:06:56.439 --> 00:06:58.599 refers to the place 00:06:58.599 --> 00:06:59.060 where the crowds 00:06:59.060 --> 00:06:59.679 currently were, 00:06:59.779 --> 00:07:00.839 that is that east side, 00:07:01.179 --> 00:07:02.699 simply as the place 00:07:02.699 --> 00:07:03.379 where they had eaten 00:07:03.379 --> 00:07:04.459 the bread after the Lord 00:07:04.459 --> 00:07:05.259 had given thanks. 00:07:05.739 --> 00:07:06.679 So, as a result, 00:07:06.899 --> 00:07:08.099 that location would probably 00:07:08.099 --> 00:07:08.779 have attracted 00:07:08.779 --> 00:07:10.099 a lot of attention. 00:07:11.339 --> 00:07:12.659 Regardless of the exact reason 00:07:12.659 --> 00:07:13.639 for the ships being there, 00:07:13.799 --> 00:07:14.679 the crowd ultimately 00:07:14.679 --> 00:07:15.739 want to find Jesus. 00:07:16.559 --> 00:07:17.159 If you remember, 00:07:17.339 --> 00:07:18.619 we saw that in verse 15, 00:07:18.739 --> 00:07:19.619 there were even those there 00:07:19.619 --> 00:07:20.899 who wanted to come by force 00:07:20.899 --> 00:07:21.560 to take him 00:07:21.560 --> 00:07:22.319 and make him king. 00:07:23.099 --> 00:07:24.239 So, whether their motives 00:07:24.239 --> 00:07:25.599 were some kind of hunger 00:07:25.599 --> 00:07:26.299 or fervor, 00:07:26.659 --> 00:07:27.539 they ended up traveling 00:07:27.539 --> 00:07:28.319 to the west side 00:07:28.319 --> 00:07:29.019 to Capernaum 00:07:29.019 --> 00:07:29.879 where Jesus was. 00:07:31.039 --> 00:07:31.979 Stopping on Capernaum, 00:07:32.199 --> 00:07:33.620 why is that city significant? 00:07:34.279 --> 00:07:35.059 And that's because 00:07:35.059 --> 00:07:36.279 that would possibly be 00:07:36.279 --> 00:07:37.139 the best place 00:07:37.139 --> 00:07:37.919 to find Jesus. 00:07:38.839 --> 00:07:39.859 Matthew records for us 00:07:39.859 --> 00:07:40.399 that when Jesus 00:07:40.399 --> 00:07:41.339 began his ministry, 00:07:41.719 --> 00:07:42.139 and here's that 00:07:42.139 --> 00:07:43.019 John had been arrested, 00:07:43.179 --> 00:07:44.319 he withdrew into Galilee, 00:07:44.659 --> 00:07:45.500 and leaving Nazareth, 00:07:45.500 --> 00:07:46.199 he went and lived 00:07:46.199 --> 00:07:46.939 in Capernaum 00:07:46.939 --> 00:07:47.680 by the sea 00:07:47.680 --> 00:07:48.600 in the territory 00:07:48.600 --> 00:07:50.000 of Zebulun and Naphtali. 00:07:50.980 --> 00:07:51.959 This might have been 00:07:51.959 --> 00:07:52.939 something that was known, 00:07:53.120 --> 00:07:53.800 perhaps not. 00:07:54.240 --> 00:07:55.019 At the end of the day, 00:07:55.120 --> 00:07:55.939 it ended up being 00:07:55.939 --> 00:07:57.139 a very logical place 00:07:57.139 --> 00:07:57.560 to look, 00:07:57.699 --> 00:07:58.519 and they do end up 00:07:58.519 --> 00:07:59.199 finding him there. 00:08:00.779 --> 00:08:01.480 Providing for us 00:08:01.480 --> 00:08:03.779 an even more specific place 00:08:03.779 --> 00:08:04.800 than just Capernaum, 00:08:05.279 --> 00:08:06.079 John records for us 00:08:06.079 --> 00:08:07.560 in verse 59 of chapter 6 00:08:07.560 --> 00:08:09.220 that Jesus said these things, 00:08:09.279 --> 00:08:10.079 the things that we're 00:08:10.079 --> 00:08:10.800 about to read, 00:08:10.800 --> 00:08:11.780 in the synagogue 00:08:11.780 --> 00:08:13.280 as he taught at Capernaum. 00:08:13.800 --> 00:08:14.100 And so, 00:08:14.340 --> 00:08:15.280 the ensuing conversation 00:08:15.280 --> 00:08:16.960 most likely took place there. 00:08:18.439 --> 00:08:19.120 Upon finding him, 00:08:19.199 --> 00:08:20.139 they are eager to talk. 00:08:20.680 --> 00:08:22.000 John does not record for us 00:08:22.000 --> 00:08:22.800 how many people 00:08:22.800 --> 00:08:23.580 make up the crown, 00:08:23.939 --> 00:08:25.080 but it is reasonable to think 00:08:25.080 --> 00:08:25.720 that some of it 00:08:25.720 --> 00:08:27.000 was made up of the 5,000, 00:08:27.340 --> 00:08:28.420 which means it was likely 00:08:28.420 --> 00:08:29.500 a sizable number. 00:08:30.259 --> 00:08:31.100 And I will give them credit. 00:08:31.300 --> 00:08:32.139 A lot of effort 00:08:32.139 --> 00:08:32.779 and coordination 00:08:32.779 --> 00:08:33.600 probably went 00:08:33.600 --> 00:08:34.700 into getting all of them 00:08:34.700 --> 00:08:36.120 over to that side of the sea. 00:08:36.680 --> 00:08:37.700 Not only did they have to 00:08:37.700 --> 00:08:38.500 coordinate all the boats 00:08:38.500 --> 00:08:38.980 to get over, 00:08:38.980 --> 00:08:40.600 but then all successfully 00:08:40.600 --> 00:08:41.120 work together 00:08:41.120 --> 00:08:42.580 to find just one person. 00:08:42.879 --> 00:08:43.000 So, 00:08:43.200 --> 00:08:43.779 in a way, 00:08:44.019 --> 00:08:45.960 they are seeking after Jesus. 00:08:46.920 --> 00:08:47.840 The question is though, 00:08:48.100 --> 00:08:48.779 how do we know 00:08:48.779 --> 00:08:50.779 if they are seeking rightly or not? 00:08:51.539 --> 00:08:52.420 Let's find out 00:08:52.420 --> 00:08:53.420 if looking at 00:08:53.420 --> 00:08:54.300 how they greet Jesus, 00:08:54.800 --> 00:08:55.379 which we'll begin 00:08:55.379 --> 00:08:56.159 our second point, 00:08:56.360 --> 00:08:56.800 and that is, 00:08:56.899 --> 00:08:58.560 the crowd asks a question. 00:08:59.700 --> 00:09:01.360 The crowd asks a question. 00:09:03.000 --> 00:09:04.440 Because it was not clear to them 00:09:04.440 --> 00:09:05.159 how Jesus got 00:09:05.159 --> 00:09:06.259 to the other side of the sea, 00:09:06.779 --> 00:09:07.659 they ask him 00:09:07.659 --> 00:09:09.079 a decently logical question. 00:09:09.500 --> 00:09:09.839 They say, 00:09:10.019 --> 00:09:10.240 Rabbi, 00:09:10.500 --> 00:09:11.379 when did you come here? 00:09:11.899 --> 00:09:12.379 Make sense? 00:09:12.959 --> 00:09:14.339 This initial interaction 00:09:14.339 --> 00:09:15.839 reveals much about their heart 00:09:15.839 --> 00:09:16.719 and why they wanted 00:09:16.719 --> 00:09:17.439 to see Jesus. 00:09:18.219 --> 00:09:18.860 In a sense, 00:09:18.959 --> 00:09:19.919 they are seeking after him, 00:09:20.379 --> 00:09:21.600 but they are trying to put 00:09:21.600 --> 00:09:22.939 all the pieces together. 00:09:23.240 --> 00:09:24.259 But as Jesus himself 00:09:24.259 --> 00:09:24.980 will point out, 00:09:25.259 --> 00:09:26.439 it is not for the right reason. 00:09:27.959 --> 00:09:29.240 Taking a little bit of liberty 00:09:29.240 --> 00:09:30.399 from the other gospel accounts, 00:09:30.500 --> 00:09:32.279 we see that the 12 initially 00:09:32.279 --> 00:09:33.220 also responded 00:09:33.220 --> 00:09:34.339 in a confused manner. 00:09:35.000 --> 00:09:36.379 As Mark 6.52 says, 00:09:36.379 --> 00:09:37.559 that even the disciples 00:09:37.559 --> 00:09:38.340 did not understand 00:09:38.340 --> 00:09:38.960 about the loaves, 00:09:39.059 --> 00:09:40.220 but their hearts were hardened. 00:09:41.120 --> 00:09:42.120 It is not until they saw 00:09:42.120 --> 00:09:43.059 the work that Jesus did 00:09:43.059 --> 00:09:43.740 walking on the water 00:09:43.740 --> 00:09:44.259 that they seemed 00:09:44.259 --> 00:09:45.279 to begin to understand. 00:09:46.059 --> 00:09:47.019 John specifically notes 00:09:47.019 --> 00:09:47.779 that they were glad 00:09:47.779 --> 00:09:48.860 to take Jesus into the boat 00:09:48.860 --> 00:09:49.500 when they saw him, 00:09:49.700 --> 00:09:51.019 and they wanted to be with him. 00:09:51.580 --> 00:09:52.399 Matthew even records 00:09:52.399 --> 00:09:53.120 that those in the boat 00:09:53.120 --> 00:09:53.980 worshipped him, 00:09:54.080 --> 00:09:54.279 saying, 00:09:54.419 --> 00:09:54.679 truly, 00:09:54.899 --> 00:09:56.320 you are the Son of God. 00:09:57.259 --> 00:09:57.960 They had been amazed 00:09:57.960 --> 00:09:58.519 at the miracles 00:09:58.519 --> 00:09:59.779 that they had seen him perform, 00:10:00.120 --> 00:10:00.899 which led them to be 00:10:00.899 --> 00:10:01.720 in awe and worship 00:10:01.720 --> 00:10:02.659 of Christ himself. 00:10:02.659 --> 00:10:04.839 The crowd 00:10:04.839 --> 00:10:06.600 has a different response. 00:10:07.379 --> 00:10:08.279 This question they ask 00:10:08.279 --> 00:10:09.539 is not a response 00:10:09.539 --> 00:10:10.079 of worship. 00:10:10.980 --> 00:10:11.759 Unlike the disciples, 00:10:12.019 --> 00:10:12.600 it would seem 00:10:12.600 --> 00:10:14.480 that they do not recognize 00:10:14.480 --> 00:10:15.740 any true significance 00:10:15.740 --> 00:10:17.259 in the person of Jesus. 00:10:18.299 --> 00:10:19.500 Notice one other thing 00:10:19.500 --> 00:10:20.740 in the words that they choose. 00:10:21.600 --> 00:10:22.480 By using the term 00:10:22.480 --> 00:10:23.179 rabbi, 00:10:23.339 --> 00:10:24.719 which John has already told us 00:10:24.719 --> 00:10:25.360 means teacher. 00:10:25.620 --> 00:10:26.539 It's a very formal 00:10:26.539 --> 00:10:27.339 and respectful way 00:10:27.339 --> 00:10:28.159 to call someone. 00:10:28.600 --> 00:10:29.299 They consider him 00:10:29.299 --> 00:10:30.539 someone that they can learn from. 00:10:31.219 --> 00:10:31.980 But using this term 00:10:31.980 --> 00:10:32.719 in our passage 00:10:32.719 --> 00:10:33.719 is rather ironic 00:10:33.719 --> 00:10:35.039 because they will ultimately 00:10:35.039 --> 00:10:36.319 disagree and misunderstand 00:10:36.319 --> 00:10:37.000 his teaching. 00:10:37.419 --> 00:10:37.799 I know it's getting 00:10:37.799 --> 00:10:38.339 a little ahead, 00:10:38.500 --> 00:10:39.659 but that is what happens. 00:10:40.139 --> 00:10:41.079 Know earlier also 00:10:41.079 --> 00:10:41.579 how they wanted 00:10:41.579 --> 00:10:42.399 to make him king, 00:10:42.839 --> 00:10:43.839 but as we will find out, 00:10:43.919 --> 00:10:44.759 have their own idea 00:10:44.759 --> 00:10:46.039 of what his kingdom should be, 00:10:46.699 --> 00:10:47.679 and so have no clue 00:10:47.679 --> 00:10:48.139 what it means 00:10:48.139 --> 00:10:49.399 for Christ to actually reign. 00:10:50.079 --> 00:10:51.000 It seems that at this point 00:10:51.000 --> 00:10:52.279 they are at the very least 00:10:52.279 --> 00:10:52.839 confused, 00:10:53.139 --> 00:10:54.659 and it is about far more 00:10:54.659 --> 00:10:55.959 than how Jesus got 00:10:55.959 --> 00:10:56.819 to the other side. 00:10:58.159 --> 00:10:58.879 At this point, 00:10:59.339 --> 00:11:00.439 let us not respond 00:11:00.440 --> 00:11:01.380 with pride 00:11:01.380 --> 00:11:03.820 considering the actions 00:11:03.820 --> 00:11:04.920 and words of the crowd 00:11:04.920 --> 00:11:05.620 with contempt, 00:11:06.080 --> 00:11:07.380 or thinking that we would have been 00:11:07.380 --> 00:11:08.120 more faithful 00:11:08.120 --> 00:11:09.020 in their situation. 00:11:09.600 --> 00:11:10.400 Let us instead 00:11:10.400 --> 00:11:11.020 find ourselves 00:11:11.020 --> 00:11:12.320 in the crowd today 00:11:12.320 --> 00:11:13.540 not looking for ways 00:11:13.540 --> 00:11:14.740 to emulate their behavior, 00:11:15.000 --> 00:11:15.700 but rather finding 00:11:15.700 --> 00:11:17.120 regretful familiarity 00:11:17.120 --> 00:11:18.260 with their desire 00:11:18.260 --> 00:11:19.160 to seek after Jesus 00:11:19.160 --> 00:11:20.400 for something other 00:11:20.400 --> 00:11:21.200 than himself. 00:11:22.520 --> 00:11:23.660 So Jesus responds, 00:11:23.780 --> 00:11:24.460 but interestingly, 00:11:24.900 --> 00:11:26.500 totally ignores the question. 00:11:27.200 --> 00:11:28.320 He decides not to entertain 00:11:28.320 --> 00:11:28.820 their query 00:11:28.820 --> 00:11:29.500 or expound 00:11:29.500 --> 00:11:30.080 on how he got 00:11:30.080 --> 00:11:30.720 to the other side 00:11:30.720 --> 00:11:31.160 of the sea, 00:11:31.680 --> 00:11:32.900 but instead says, 00:11:33.360 --> 00:11:33.920 truly, truly, 00:11:34.000 --> 00:11:34.740 I say to you, 00:11:35.060 --> 00:11:35.900 you are seeking me 00:11:35.900 --> 00:11:37.360 not because you saw signs, 00:11:37.720 --> 00:11:38.680 but because you ate 00:11:38.680 --> 00:11:40.220 your fill of the loaves. 00:11:40.680 --> 00:11:41.460 So there it is. 00:11:42.120 --> 00:11:42.820 Jesus starts 00:11:42.820 --> 00:11:43.980 with his often used phrase, 00:11:44.140 --> 00:11:44.820 truly, truly. 00:11:45.379 --> 00:11:46.560 It marks that what follows 00:11:46.560 --> 00:11:48.220 is extremely important. 00:11:49.080 --> 00:11:49.940 Another way to say this 00:11:49.940 --> 00:11:50.420 might be, 00:11:50.780 --> 00:11:51.360 listen to this, 00:11:51.420 --> 00:11:52.040 this is important. 00:11:52.440 --> 00:11:53.180 It is both a call 00:11:53.180 --> 00:11:53.800 to the listener 00:11:53.800 --> 00:11:54.440 or reader 00:11:54.440 --> 00:11:55.440 to pay attention 00:11:55.440 --> 00:11:57.000 and of the authority 00:11:57.000 --> 00:11:58.320 of the words being spoken. 00:11:59.280 --> 00:12:00.100 It also means 00:12:00.100 --> 00:12:01.440 that what he is about to say 00:12:01.440 --> 00:12:03.100 is simply true. 00:12:03.460 --> 00:12:04.200 It can be trusted. 00:12:04.360 --> 00:12:05.300 There's no doubt 00:12:05.300 --> 00:12:06.100 that what he says 00:12:06.100 --> 00:12:06.740 is the case. 00:12:07.440 --> 00:12:08.280 Up to this point, 00:12:08.340 --> 00:12:09.400 we might have been confused 00:12:09.400 --> 00:12:10.240 about the motives 00:12:10.240 --> 00:12:10.740 of the crowd, 00:12:10.980 --> 00:12:11.780 but that ends 00:12:11.780 --> 00:12:13.160 with Jesus' words here. 00:12:14.460 --> 00:12:15.220 So what are they 00:12:15.220 --> 00:12:16.180 ultimately seeking after? 00:12:16.700 --> 00:12:17.580 Jesus confirms 00:12:17.580 --> 00:12:18.320 our suspicions 00:12:18.320 --> 00:12:19.120 and tells them 00:12:19.120 --> 00:12:20.340 that it is the bread. 00:12:20.340 --> 00:12:21.820 They ate their fill 00:12:21.820 --> 00:12:22.340 of the loaves 00:12:22.340 --> 00:12:23.480 but missed the significance 00:12:23.480 --> 00:12:24.060 of the sign 00:12:24.060 --> 00:12:24.759 and were impressed 00:12:24.759 --> 00:12:26.220 with the sign itself. 00:12:27.420 --> 00:12:28.120 I will say, 00:12:28.440 --> 00:12:29.180 please do not miss 00:12:29.180 --> 00:12:30.139 the amazing nature 00:12:30.139 --> 00:12:30.700 of the sign. 00:12:30.879 --> 00:12:31.820 I know Nathan talked about it 00:12:31.820 --> 00:12:32.540 a couple weeks ago, 00:12:32.940 --> 00:12:34.019 but that Jesus was able 00:12:34.019 --> 00:12:35.519 to multiply the loaves 00:12:35.519 --> 00:12:36.899 and display his power 00:12:36.899 --> 00:12:37.500 over creation 00:12:37.500 --> 00:12:38.420 and ability to create 00:12:38.420 --> 00:12:39.340 something from pretty much 00:12:39.340 --> 00:12:40.560 nothing is incredible. 00:12:41.379 --> 00:12:42.399 What Jesus is doing 00:12:42.399 --> 00:12:43.280 is telling the crowd 00:12:43.280 --> 00:12:44.200 that the danger 00:12:44.200 --> 00:12:45.600 is seeing what he did 00:12:45.600 --> 00:12:46.840 as nothing more 00:12:46.840 --> 00:12:47.540 than an amazing 00:12:47.540 --> 00:12:48.360 catering event. 00:12:49.019 --> 00:12:49.940 What this sign tells us 00:12:49.940 --> 00:12:50.920 about who Jesus is 00:12:50.920 --> 00:12:52.120 is far more significant 00:12:52.120 --> 00:12:52.620 than that. 00:12:54.140 --> 00:12:54.900 He tells us more 00:12:54.900 --> 00:12:55.640 about what he means 00:12:55.640 --> 00:12:56.340 as he continues 00:12:56.340 --> 00:12:57.480 to answer the crowd. 00:12:58.360 --> 00:12:58.900 He goes on. 00:12:58.960 --> 00:12:59.360 So he says, 00:12:59.740 --> 00:13:00.760 you ate your fill of loaves 00:13:00.760 --> 00:13:01.900 and then he goes on 00:13:01.900 --> 00:13:02.240 to say, 00:13:02.600 --> 00:13:03.660 do not work for the food 00:13:03.660 --> 00:13:04.240 that perishes 00:13:04.240 --> 00:13:05.100 but for the food 00:13:05.100 --> 00:13:05.660 that endures 00:13:05.660 --> 00:13:06.520 to eternal life 00:13:06.520 --> 00:13:07.780 which the Son of Man 00:13:07.780 --> 00:13:08.300 will give you 00:13:08.300 --> 00:13:09.140 for on him 00:13:09.140 --> 00:13:09.840 God the Father 00:13:09.840 --> 00:13:11.040 has set his seal. 00:13:11.560 --> 00:13:12.520 So there's a lot 00:13:12.520 --> 00:13:13.780 to unpack in that phrase 00:13:13.780 --> 00:13:14.760 so we're going to take it 00:13:14.760 --> 00:13:15.360 three at a time. 00:13:15.580 --> 00:13:16.160 We're going to start with 00:13:16.160 --> 00:13:17.160 do not work for the food 00:13:17.160 --> 00:13:17.640 that perishes 00:13:17.640 --> 00:13:18.760 but the food that endures. 00:13:18.759 --> 00:13:20.019 We'll talk about 00:13:20.019 --> 00:13:20.879 what the Son of Man 00:13:20.879 --> 00:13:21.480 will give them 00:13:21.480 --> 00:13:23.100 and then for on him 00:13:23.100 --> 00:13:25.399 God the Father 00:13:25.399 --> 00:13:26.039 has set his seal. 00:13:26.460 --> 00:13:26.600 So, 00:13:27.319 --> 00:13:27.939 what does it mean 00:13:27.939 --> 00:13:28.580 when he says, 00:13:28.740 --> 00:13:29.439 do not work for the food 00:13:29.439 --> 00:13:29.960 that perishes 00:13:29.960 --> 00:13:30.740 but for the food 00:13:30.740 --> 00:13:31.360 that endures 00:13:31.360 --> 00:13:32.279 to eternal life? 00:13:33.139 --> 00:13:33.519 First, 00:13:33.700 --> 00:13:34.580 I want you to hear 00:13:34.580 --> 00:13:35.439 the echo from Isaiah 00:13:35.439 --> 00:13:36.080 from the passage 00:13:36.080 --> 00:13:36.799 that we got to read 00:13:36.799 --> 00:13:37.259 this morning. 00:13:37.899 --> 00:13:38.419 It says, 00:13:38.419 --> 00:13:39.259 why do you spend 00:13:39.259 --> 00:13:39.639 your money 00:13:39.639 --> 00:13:41.459 for that which is not bread 00:13:41.459 --> 00:13:42.139 and your labor 00:13:42.139 --> 00:13:43.620 for that which does not satisfy? 00:13:44.279 --> 00:13:45.519 Listen diligently to me 00:13:45.519 --> 00:13:46.559 and eat what is good 00:13:46.559 --> 00:13:47.799 and delight yourself 00:13:47.799 --> 00:13:48.699 in rich food. 00:13:49.279 --> 00:13:49.959 Incline your ear 00:13:49.959 --> 00:13:50.659 and come to me. 00:13:51.079 --> 00:13:52.099 Hear that your soul 00:13:52.099 --> 00:13:52.579 may live 00:13:52.579 --> 00:13:53.699 and I will make you 00:13:53.699 --> 00:13:54.699 an everlasting covenant 00:13:54.699 --> 00:13:55.559 my steadfast 00:13:55.559 --> 00:13:56.659 sure love for David. 00:13:57.439 --> 00:13:58.599 The crowd is simply 00:13:58.599 --> 00:14:00.279 not listening diligently. 00:14:00.839 --> 00:14:01.319 They are spending 00:14:01.319 --> 00:14:01.860 their energy 00:14:01.860 --> 00:14:02.419 and effort 00:14:02.419 --> 00:14:03.099 and perhaps even 00:14:03.099 --> 00:14:03.899 some of their money 00:14:03.899 --> 00:14:04.919 seeking after that 00:14:04.919 --> 00:14:05.579 which ultimately 00:14:05.579 --> 00:14:06.559 will not satisfy. 00:14:06.559 --> 00:14:08.299 If they would simply 00:14:08.299 --> 00:14:09.059 listen. 00:14:10.459 --> 00:14:11.199 Jesus has talked 00:14:11.199 --> 00:14:11.919 this way before 00:14:11.919 --> 00:14:13.179 about physical nourishment 00:14:13.179 --> 00:14:14.279 and its fleeting nature 00:14:14.279 --> 00:14:15.419 during his earthly ministry. 00:14:15.759 --> 00:14:16.519 When he's talking 00:14:16.519 --> 00:14:17.500 to the woman of Samaria 00:14:17.500 --> 00:14:18.119 in John 4 00:14:18.119 --> 00:14:18.859 he says, 00:14:19.239 --> 00:14:19.699 everyone who drinks 00:14:19.699 --> 00:14:20.319 of this water 00:14:20.319 --> 00:14:21.319 will be thirsty again 00:14:21.319 --> 00:14:22.439 but whoever drinks 00:14:22.439 --> 00:14:22.939 of the water 00:14:22.939 --> 00:14:23.939 that I will give him 00:14:23.939 --> 00:14:25.299 will never be thirsty again. 00:14:25.939 --> 00:14:27.199 The water that I will give him 00:14:27.199 --> 00:14:27.859 will become in him 00:14:27.859 --> 00:14:28.699 a spring of water 00:14:28.699 --> 00:14:29.339 welling up 00:14:29.339 --> 00:14:30.439 to eternal life. 00:14:31.079 --> 00:14:31.759 What the crowd 00:14:31.759 --> 00:14:32.539 does not understand 00:14:32.539 --> 00:14:33.319 is that the food 00:14:33.319 --> 00:14:34.119 he provided for them 00:14:34.119 --> 00:14:34.879 is nothing but 00:14:34.879 --> 00:14:35.799 a mere representation 00:14:35.799 --> 00:14:37.120 of the true bread 00:14:37.120 --> 00:14:37.579 that Jesus 00:14:37.579 --> 00:14:38.559 can truly provide. 00:14:39.519 --> 00:14:40.319 Seeking after the food 00:14:40.319 --> 00:14:41.019 that does not perish 00:14:41.019 --> 00:14:41.699 puts eternity 00:14:41.699 --> 00:14:42.879 in our everyday lives 00:14:42.879 --> 00:14:43.620 and places Jesus 00:14:43.620 --> 00:14:44.240 at the center 00:14:44.240 --> 00:14:45.219 of our hearts 00:14:45.219 --> 00:14:46.639 as our supreme desire. 00:14:47.699 --> 00:14:48.559 So that's that first phrase. 00:14:48.919 --> 00:14:49.519 The second one. 00:14:49.659 --> 00:14:50.359 The son of man 00:14:50.359 --> 00:14:51.279 will give to you. 00:14:52.039 --> 00:14:52.599 This bread 00:14:52.599 --> 00:14:53.839 which he will ultimately 00:14:53.839 --> 00:14:55.219 reveal as himself 00:14:55.219 --> 00:14:56.679 will not satisfy 00:14:56.679 --> 00:14:57.519 our physical hunger 00:14:57.519 --> 00:14:58.579 with a full belly 00:14:58.579 --> 00:15:00.120 but it will fill 00:15:00.120 --> 00:15:01.179 a far greater need 00:15:01.179 --> 00:15:01.779 than that. 00:15:02.419 --> 00:15:03.139 The spiritual hunger 00:15:03.139 --> 00:15:03.659 that we have 00:15:03.659 --> 00:15:04.479 cannot be satisfied 00:15:04.480 --> 00:15:05.200 on our own. 00:15:05.800 --> 00:15:06.620 Our souls can only 00:15:06.620 --> 00:15:07.200 be satisfied 00:15:07.200 --> 00:15:08.340 by the only one 00:15:08.340 --> 00:15:09.080 who is perfectly 00:15:09.080 --> 00:15:09.700 righteous 00:15:09.700 --> 00:15:11.180 Jesus Christ himself 00:15:11.180 --> 00:15:12.379 and this gift 00:15:12.379 --> 00:15:13.060 he will give 00:15:13.060 --> 00:15:13.940 freely. 00:15:14.800 --> 00:15:15.300 There is nothing 00:15:15.300 --> 00:15:15.840 that can be done 00:15:15.840 --> 00:15:16.399 to earn 00:15:16.399 --> 00:15:17.500 the free gift of God 00:15:17.500 --> 00:15:18.580 which is eternal life 00:15:18.580 --> 00:15:19.259 in Christ Jesus 00:15:19.259 --> 00:15:19.899 our Lord. 00:15:20.639 --> 00:15:21.639 Jesus is making it clear 00:15:21.639 --> 00:15:22.860 that whatever this food 00:15:22.860 --> 00:15:24.039 which is eternal life 00:15:24.039 --> 00:15:25.139 will lead to 00:15:25.139 --> 00:15:26.580 will be given to them 00:15:26.580 --> 00:15:27.279 as a gift 00:15:27.279 --> 00:15:28.220 and this gift 00:15:28.220 --> 00:15:29.180 cannot be earned. 00:15:30.320 --> 00:15:30.759 So that's what 00:15:30.759 --> 00:15:31.279 he will give them. 00:15:31.700 --> 00:15:32.139 And then lastly 00:15:32.139 --> 00:15:33.120 for on him 00:15:33.120 --> 00:15:33.819 God the Father 00:15:33.819 --> 00:15:34.840 has set his seal. 00:15:35.000 --> 00:15:35.639 What does that mean? 00:15:36.419 --> 00:15:37.019 The seal 00:15:37.019 --> 00:15:37.699 that the Father 00:15:37.699 --> 00:15:38.319 has given Jesus 00:15:38.319 --> 00:15:39.080 is the ability 00:15:39.080 --> 00:15:40.000 and the approval 00:15:40.000 --> 00:15:41.019 to dispense 00:15:41.019 --> 00:15:41.960 of the spiritual food 00:15:41.960 --> 00:15:42.480 to those 00:15:42.480 --> 00:15:43.179 whom he chooses 00:15:43.179 --> 00:15:44.699 satisfying the need 00:15:44.699 --> 00:15:45.500 that starving sinners 00:15:45.500 --> 00:15:46.159 like the crowd 00:15:46.159 --> 00:15:46.980 and us 00:15:46.980 --> 00:15:47.480 need. 00:15:48.240 --> 00:15:48.860 It is the ability 00:15:48.860 --> 00:15:49.899 to grant eternal life 00:15:49.899 --> 00:15:50.679 and we find that 00:15:50.679 --> 00:15:51.580 John has told us 00:15:51.580 --> 00:15:52.399 about this already 00:15:52.399 --> 00:15:53.639 in the previous chapter. 00:15:54.460 --> 00:15:55.279 John chapter 5 00:15:55.279 --> 00:15:56.259 starting in verse 19 00:15:56.259 --> 00:15:56.620 says 00:15:56.620 --> 00:15:57.620 for whatever the Father 00:15:57.620 --> 00:15:58.120 does 00:15:58.120 --> 00:15:59.019 that the Son 00:15:59.019 --> 00:15:59.620 does likewise. 00:15:59.620 --> 00:16:01.259 for as the Father 00:16:01.259 --> 00:16:01.980 raises the dead 00:16:01.980 --> 00:16:02.639 and gives them life 00:16:02.639 --> 00:16:03.720 so also the Son 00:16:03.720 --> 00:16:04.759 gives life 00:16:04.759 --> 00:16:05.820 to whom he will. 00:16:06.460 --> 00:16:06.860 The Father 00:16:06.860 --> 00:16:07.980 has given all judgment 00:16:07.980 --> 00:16:08.539 to the Son 00:16:08.539 --> 00:16:09.799 as the Father 00:16:09.799 --> 00:16:10.820 has life in himself 00:16:10.820 --> 00:16:11.879 so he has granted 00:16:11.879 --> 00:16:12.720 the Son also 00:16:12.720 --> 00:16:13.320 to have life 00:16:13.320 --> 00:16:13.960 in himself 00:16:13.960 --> 00:16:15.320 and he has given him 00:16:15.320 --> 00:16:16.539 authority to execute judgment 00:16:16.539 --> 00:16:17.500 because he is 00:16:17.500 --> 00:16:18.539 the Son of Man. 00:16:19.580 --> 00:16:20.840 Jesus is reminding them 00:16:20.840 --> 00:16:22.000 if they didn't hear it already 00:16:22.000 --> 00:16:23.060 that he has been given 00:16:23.060 --> 00:16:23.620 the authority 00:16:23.620 --> 00:16:24.860 by the Father 00:16:24.860 --> 00:16:25.860 to give eternal life 00:16:25.860 --> 00:16:26.799 to whomever 00:16:26.799 --> 00:16:27.659 he wills. 00:16:27.659 --> 00:16:29.279 So, 00:16:29.620 --> 00:16:30.279 from here 00:16:30.279 --> 00:16:31.019 one would think 00:16:31.019 --> 00:16:31.899 that all present 00:16:31.899 --> 00:16:32.899 would fall down 00:16:32.899 --> 00:16:33.819 and worship the one 00:16:33.819 --> 00:16:34.459 who would be able 00:16:34.459 --> 00:16:34.939 to provide 00:16:34.939 --> 00:16:36.219 such an incredible gift 00:16:36.219 --> 00:16:37.480 and that they recognize 00:16:37.480 --> 00:16:38.259 that the seeking 00:16:38.259 --> 00:16:38.740 and striving 00:16:38.740 --> 00:16:39.839 after the physical bread 00:16:39.839 --> 00:16:40.600 that Jesus provided 00:16:40.600 --> 00:16:42.339 is short-sighted. 00:16:43.299 --> 00:16:44.159 The bread he provided 00:16:44.159 --> 00:16:44.919 earlier was only 00:16:44.919 --> 00:16:45.559 a foretaste 00:16:45.559 --> 00:16:46.919 but ultimately 00:16:46.919 --> 00:16:47.939 they do not 00:16:47.939 --> 00:16:48.879 do this. 00:16:49.559 --> 00:16:50.620 How similar were we 00:16:50.620 --> 00:16:51.639 before the illuminating 00:16:51.639 --> 00:16:52.860 work of the Holy Spirit? 00:16:53.319 --> 00:16:54.419 How often are we 00:16:54.419 --> 00:16:55.120 tempted to miss 00:16:55.120 --> 00:16:55.860 the true meal 00:16:55.860 --> 00:16:56.659 as well? 00:16:56.659 --> 00:16:58.179 I do not question 00:16:58.179 --> 00:16:59.079 that just like the crowd 00:16:59.079 --> 00:17:00.779 we too would follow 00:17:00.779 --> 00:17:01.719 by responding 00:17:01.719 --> 00:17:02.819 just as the crowd does. 00:17:03.500 --> 00:17:04.059 Which brings us 00:17:04.059 --> 00:17:04.799 to our third point 00:17:04.799 --> 00:17:06.299 the crowd responds 00:17:06.299 --> 00:17:07.619 wrongly. 00:17:08.339 --> 00:17:08.779 So, 00:17:08.940 --> 00:17:09.379 they say 00:17:09.379 --> 00:17:10.139 the crowd does not 00:17:10.139 --> 00:17:10.819 fall down to worship 00:17:10.819 --> 00:17:11.480 instead 00:17:11.480 --> 00:17:13.339 they ask a strange question. 00:17:14.039 --> 00:17:14.539 They recognize 00:17:14.539 --> 00:17:15.359 that what he says 00:17:15.359 --> 00:17:16.519 is some kind 00:17:16.519 --> 00:17:17.339 of spiritual insight 00:17:17.339 --> 00:17:18.779 they hear eternal life 00:17:18.779 --> 00:17:19.319 and know that they 00:17:19.319 --> 00:17:20.000 should work for it 00:17:20.000 --> 00:17:20.539 maybe that's some kind 00:17:20.539 --> 00:17:21.180 of Old Testament 00:17:21.180 --> 00:17:22.440 thought coming in. 00:17:23.000 --> 00:17:23.399 Perhaps they are 00:17:23.399 --> 00:17:24.180 confused by the term 00:17:24.180 --> 00:17:24.819 Son of Man 00:17:24.819 --> 00:17:25.559 even though it is 00:17:25.559 --> 00:17:26.019 one of Jesus' 00:17:26.240 --> 00:17:26.740 favorite terms 00:17:26.740 --> 00:17:27.599 to refer to himself. 00:17:28.240 --> 00:17:28.799 Perhaps they miss 00:17:28.799 --> 00:17:29.379 the whole part 00:17:29.379 --> 00:17:30.079 about the seal 00:17:30.079 --> 00:17:30.960 and what that means. 00:17:31.859 --> 00:17:32.379 Perhaps they are 00:17:32.379 --> 00:17:32.799 like the woman 00:17:32.799 --> 00:17:33.279 at the well 00:17:33.279 --> 00:17:34.119 who misses the point 00:17:34.119 --> 00:17:34.539 of what Jesus 00:17:34.539 --> 00:17:35.839 was referring to 00:17:35.839 --> 00:17:36.579 with living water 00:17:36.579 --> 00:17:38.039 by asking him 00:17:38.039 --> 00:17:38.799 to give the water 00:17:38.799 --> 00:17:39.399 so that she won't 00:17:39.399 --> 00:17:40.179 be thirsty again. 00:17:40.279 --> 00:17:40.460 Again, 00:17:40.759 --> 00:17:41.419 simply thinking 00:17:41.419 --> 00:17:42.599 about physical sustenance. 00:17:43.939 --> 00:17:44.700 In a crowd that big 00:17:44.700 --> 00:17:45.679 it's probably a combination 00:17:45.679 --> 00:17:46.460 of a bunch of that. 00:17:46.859 --> 00:17:47.299 So what do they 00:17:47.299 --> 00:17:48.240 ultimately ask? 00:17:48.700 --> 00:17:49.279 They ask 00:17:49.279 --> 00:17:50.919 what must we do 00:17:50.919 --> 00:17:51.700 to be doing 00:17:51.700 --> 00:17:53.059 the works of God? 00:17:54.559 --> 00:17:55.580 They do not ask 00:17:55.580 --> 00:17:56.080 how they can get 00:17:56.080 --> 00:17:56.380 the bread 00:17:56.380 --> 00:17:57.299 that Jesus talks about 00:17:57.299 --> 00:17:58.460 even though he says 00:17:58.460 --> 00:17:59.059 that he will give it 00:17:59.059 --> 00:17:59.360 to them. 00:17:59.960 --> 00:18:00.440 They hear about 00:18:00.440 --> 00:18:01.500 the benefits of God 00:18:01.500 --> 00:18:02.440 and wonder what work 00:18:02.440 --> 00:18:03.039 must be done 00:18:03.039 --> 00:18:03.620 to get it. 00:18:04.240 --> 00:18:05.319 Much like the rich 00:18:05.319 --> 00:18:06.340 young man asking 00:18:06.340 --> 00:18:06.819 teacher, 00:18:07.039 --> 00:18:07.740 what good deed 00:18:07.740 --> 00:18:08.180 must I do 00:18:08.180 --> 00:18:09.240 to have eternal life? 00:18:09.580 --> 00:18:10.360 Or the lawyer 00:18:10.360 --> 00:18:11.019 who stood up 00:18:11.019 --> 00:18:11.539 to put Jesus 00:18:11.539 --> 00:18:12.100 to the test 00:18:12.100 --> 00:18:12.740 saying teacher, 00:18:12.920 --> 00:18:13.759 what shall I do 00:18:13.759 --> 00:18:14.860 to inherit eternal life? 00:18:15.360 --> 00:18:16.519 The crowd thinks 00:18:16.519 --> 00:18:17.100 that they can 00:18:17.100 --> 00:18:18.220 can or need 00:18:18.220 --> 00:18:18.680 to work 00:18:18.680 --> 00:18:20.420 for this special bread. 00:18:21.620 --> 00:18:22.440 The crowd says 00:18:22.440 --> 00:18:22.840 they are ready 00:18:22.840 --> 00:18:23.920 to meet any demand 00:18:23.920 --> 00:18:25.060 that Jesus might ask 00:18:25.060 --> 00:18:26.000 or tasks that must 00:18:26.000 --> 00:18:26.539 be completed 00:18:26.539 --> 00:18:27.340 and totally miss 00:18:27.340 --> 00:18:28.279 the fact that 00:18:28.279 --> 00:18:29.580 salvation is a gift. 00:18:30.420 --> 00:18:31.360 Jesus just told them 00:18:31.360 --> 00:18:32.140 that he will give him 00:18:32.140 --> 00:18:32.940 this food 00:18:32.940 --> 00:18:33.700 that endures 00:18:33.700 --> 00:18:34.539 to eternal life. 00:18:35.420 --> 00:18:36.400 God gives this gift 00:18:36.400 --> 00:18:37.160 freely and is 00:18:37.160 --> 00:18:38.100 through one person, 00:18:38.480 --> 00:18:39.140 the son of man 00:18:39.140 --> 00:18:39.799 sent from God 00:18:39.799 --> 00:18:40.360 with the seal, 00:18:40.640 --> 00:18:41.259 Jesus Christ. 00:18:41.860 --> 00:18:42.640 There's one thing 00:18:42.640 --> 00:18:43.320 that it requires 00:18:43.320 --> 00:18:44.640 which Jesus will tell us 00:18:44.640 --> 00:18:45.480 in just a moment. 00:18:46.259 --> 00:18:46.740 He responds 00:18:46.740 --> 00:18:47.320 to their question 00:18:47.319 --> 00:18:48.700 and does so in a way 00:18:48.700 --> 00:18:49.740 that is slightly short 00:18:49.740 --> 00:18:51.139 and void of any metaphor 00:18:51.139 --> 00:18:52.419 or imagery of the bread. 00:18:52.980 --> 00:18:54.539 He speaks very plainly 00:18:54.539 --> 00:18:55.299 and says, 00:18:55.839 --> 00:18:57.359 this is the work of God 00:18:57.359 --> 00:18:58.899 that you believe in him 00:18:58.899 --> 00:19:00.399 whom he has sent. 00:19:01.720 --> 00:19:02.639 It's rather rare 00:19:02.639 --> 00:19:03.759 that he is this explicit 00:19:03.759 --> 00:19:05.259 and begs just one question. 00:19:05.639 --> 00:19:06.299 Who is the one 00:19:06.299 --> 00:19:07.079 who has been sent? 00:19:07.559 --> 00:19:08.659 And he has already alluded to it 00:19:08.659 --> 00:19:09.359 and as we will find 00:19:09.359 --> 00:19:10.119 later in the passage, 00:19:10.419 --> 00:19:11.299 it is Christ himself. 00:19:12.019 --> 00:19:13.019 To truly receive 00:19:13.019 --> 00:19:14.119 this bread of life 00:19:14.119 --> 00:19:15.039 is by grace alone 00:19:15.039 --> 00:19:15.819 through faith alone 00:19:15.819 --> 00:19:16.899 in the son of man 00:19:16.900 --> 00:19:18.519 Jesus Christ alone. 00:19:19.480 --> 00:19:20.259 John tells us 00:19:20.259 --> 00:19:21.000 in the beginning 00:19:21.000 --> 00:19:21.540 of his book, 00:19:21.759 --> 00:19:22.580 but to all who did 00:19:22.580 --> 00:19:23.200 receive him 00:19:23.200 --> 00:19:24.660 who believed in his name, 00:19:24.780 --> 00:19:25.500 he gave the right 00:19:25.500 --> 00:19:26.480 to become children 00:19:26.480 --> 00:19:27.380 of God. 00:19:28.720 --> 00:19:29.360 Without getting 00:19:29.360 --> 00:19:30.019 into the next passage 00:19:30.019 --> 00:19:30.740 too much, 00:19:30.900 --> 00:19:31.519 something eventually 00:19:31.519 --> 00:19:32.500 does click for the crowd. 00:19:32.820 --> 00:19:34.280 They follow Jesus' response 00:19:34.280 --> 00:19:35.120 by asking, 00:19:35.360 --> 00:19:36.380 then what sign do you do 00:19:36.380 --> 00:19:37.320 that we may see? 00:19:37.480 --> 00:19:38.400 What works do you perform? 00:19:38.759 --> 00:19:39.640 Our fathers ate man 00:19:39.640 --> 00:19:40.140 in the wilderness. 00:19:40.840 --> 00:19:41.800 Which makes me think 00:19:41.800 --> 00:19:42.220 for a moment, 00:19:42.580 --> 00:19:43.519 were they not just there 00:19:43.519 --> 00:19:44.220 the previous day 00:19:44.220 --> 00:19:45.200 and saw what he did? 00:19:45.660 --> 00:19:46.240 I guess not. 00:19:46.240 --> 00:19:47.640 Jesus then says to them, 00:19:47.759 --> 00:19:48.440 my father gives you 00:19:48.440 --> 00:19:49.240 the bread from heaven 00:19:49.240 --> 00:19:51.200 for the bread of God 00:19:51.200 --> 00:19:52.240 is he who comes down 00:19:52.240 --> 00:19:52.680 from heaven 00:19:52.680 --> 00:19:53.359 and gives life 00:19:53.359 --> 00:19:53.880 to the world. 00:19:54.339 --> 00:19:54.859 Starts a click, 00:19:54.940 --> 00:19:55.500 they then say, 00:19:55.819 --> 00:19:56.759 sir, give us this bread 00:19:56.759 --> 00:19:57.140 always. 00:19:58.019 --> 00:19:58.920 So Jesus says to them, 00:19:59.019 --> 00:20:00.220 I am the bread of life. 00:20:00.720 --> 00:20:01.380 Whoever comes to me 00:20:01.380 --> 00:20:02.019 shall not hunger 00:20:02.019 --> 00:20:03.180 and whoever believes in me 00:20:03.180 --> 00:20:04.079 shall never thirst. 00:20:04.720 --> 00:20:05.519 It's a little bit later 00:20:05.519 --> 00:20:06.680 that Jesus ultimately reveals 00:20:06.680 --> 00:20:07.839 that he is the true bread 00:20:07.839 --> 00:20:08.859 and that believing 00:20:08.859 --> 00:20:10.000 that he can find life 00:20:10.000 --> 00:20:10.539 in his name. 00:20:11.819 --> 00:20:12.740 This work that Jesus 00:20:12.740 --> 00:20:13.500 is talking about, 00:20:13.579 --> 00:20:14.880 that's the work of God 00:20:14.880 --> 00:20:15.540 is to believe, 00:20:15.860 --> 00:20:16.560 takes the plural 00:20:16.560 --> 00:20:17.340 out of the question 00:20:17.340 --> 00:20:18.400 that they initially asked. 00:20:19.040 --> 00:20:19.980 The crowd was concerned 00:20:19.980 --> 00:20:21.120 about doing many works, 00:20:21.320 --> 00:20:22.300 works that might help them 00:20:22.300 --> 00:20:23.220 to earn God's favor, 00:20:23.520 --> 00:20:24.420 but Christ's answer 00:20:24.420 --> 00:20:25.140 is incredible. 00:20:25.940 --> 00:20:26.640 The work of God 00:20:26.640 --> 00:20:27.660 is to do one thing 00:20:27.660 --> 00:20:28.800 and that is to believe. 00:20:29.760 --> 00:20:31.220 Romans 3.28 reminds us, 00:20:31.400 --> 00:20:32.360 for we hold that one 00:20:32.360 --> 00:20:33.640 is justified by faith 00:20:33.640 --> 00:20:35.000 apart from the works 00:20:35.000 --> 00:20:35.580 of the law. 00:20:36.260 --> 00:20:37.100 To believe in Jesus 00:20:37.100 --> 00:20:38.460 is all that is required. 00:20:38.740 --> 00:20:39.380 The true food 00:20:39.380 --> 00:20:40.540 is Christ himself. 00:20:40.539 --> 00:20:42.980 If we have the woman 00:20:42.980 --> 00:20:43.720 at the well 00:20:43.720 --> 00:20:44.759 and the 5,000 in mind 00:20:44.759 --> 00:20:45.559 while reading this passage, 00:20:45.659 --> 00:20:46.399 we see exactly 00:20:46.399 --> 00:20:47.399 what John is doing. 00:20:48.079 --> 00:20:49.059 We see that he's exposing 00:20:49.059 --> 00:20:50.159 the physical need for food 00:20:50.159 --> 00:20:51.099 to express a deeper 00:20:51.099 --> 00:20:52.299 spiritual need in our hearts. 00:20:52.619 --> 00:20:53.299 He presents Christ 00:20:53.299 --> 00:20:54.039 as a solution, 00:20:54.519 --> 00:20:54.940 the nourishment 00:20:54.940 --> 00:20:56.200 that I so desperately need, 00:20:56.279 --> 00:20:57.339 and all that is required 00:20:57.339 --> 00:20:58.059 is to believe. 00:20:58.980 --> 00:20:59.879 He also shows us 00:20:59.879 --> 00:21:01.799 that the crowd 00:21:01.799 --> 00:21:02.659 has missed it. 00:21:03.879 --> 00:21:04.279 So, 00:21:04.399 --> 00:21:05.159 what does true belief 00:21:05.159 --> 00:21:05.659 look like then? 00:21:05.700 --> 00:21:06.460 If we are to believe 00:21:06.460 --> 00:21:07.579 and that is the simple work, 00:21:07.759 --> 00:21:08.579 what does that look like? 00:21:08.579 --> 00:21:10.460 It is receiving him 00:21:10.460 --> 00:21:11.220 into our lives. 00:21:11.439 --> 00:21:12.199 It is trusting him 00:21:12.199 --> 00:21:13.639 as not only the one 00:21:13.639 --> 00:21:14.619 who can satisfy us 00:21:14.619 --> 00:21:15.199 in this life. 00:21:15.500 --> 00:21:16.559 He does care about us. 00:21:16.639 --> 00:21:17.679 He cares about the sparrows, 00:21:17.859 --> 00:21:19.639 but ultimately preserve us 00:21:19.639 --> 00:21:20.559 for the life to come. 00:21:21.220 --> 00:21:22.299 It is worshiping him 00:21:22.299 --> 00:21:23.139 for all he has done 00:21:23.139 --> 00:21:24.359 for us in salvation, 00:21:24.699 --> 00:21:26.079 and it is obeying him 00:21:26.079 --> 00:21:27.359 as we now have the freedom 00:21:27.359 --> 00:21:28.240 to glorify God 00:21:28.240 --> 00:21:29.259 through our works. 00:21:30.240 --> 00:21:30.439 Now, 00:21:30.619 --> 00:21:31.720 the letter that James wrote 00:21:31.720 --> 00:21:32.379 reminds us that 00:21:32.379 --> 00:21:33.500 faith apart from works 00:21:33.500 --> 00:21:33.939 is dead, 00:21:34.419 --> 00:21:35.939 but don't be as the crowd 00:21:35.939 --> 00:21:37.439 and think that 00:21:37.439 --> 00:21:38.139 eternal life 00:21:38.140 --> 00:21:39.240 is by the work. 00:21:39.660 --> 00:21:39.940 Instead, 00:21:40.380 --> 00:21:41.220 these works are what 00:21:41.220 --> 00:21:42.540 result upon receiving 00:21:42.540 --> 00:21:43.440 this free gift. 00:21:45.100 --> 00:21:46.060 At the end of the chapter, 00:21:46.200 --> 00:21:46.980 we see the responses 00:21:46.980 --> 00:21:48.240 that John records for us 00:21:48.240 --> 00:21:49.380 after the end 00:21:49.380 --> 00:21:50.440 of the Bread of Life discourse. 00:21:51.160 --> 00:21:51.680 It says, 00:21:52.200 --> 00:21:52.880 After this, 00:21:53.060 --> 00:21:53.860 many of his disciples 00:21:53.860 --> 00:21:54.420 turned back 00:21:54.420 --> 00:21:55.000 and no longer 00:21:55.000 --> 00:21:55.620 walked with him. 00:21:56.040 --> 00:21:57.300 So Jesus said to the twelve, 00:21:57.520 --> 00:21:58.160 Do you want to go 00:21:58.160 --> 00:21:58.840 away as well? 00:21:59.440 --> 00:22:00.360 Simon Peter answered, 00:22:00.540 --> 00:22:00.780 Lord, 00:22:00.860 --> 00:22:01.660 to whom shall we go? 00:22:02.060 --> 00:22:03.000 You have the words 00:22:03.000 --> 00:22:03.900 of eternal life. 00:22:04.740 --> 00:22:05.100 So, 00:22:05.240 --> 00:22:05.900 the question is, 00:22:06.160 --> 00:22:06.860 based on this passage, 00:22:06.859 --> 00:22:08.139 how will you respond 00:22:08.139 --> 00:22:09.079 to the works 00:22:09.079 --> 00:22:10.339 and words of Jesus? 00:22:11.379 --> 00:22:12.379 Will it be like the crowd, 00:22:12.759 --> 00:22:14.099 confused about physical food 00:22:14.099 --> 00:22:14.779 and works, 00:22:15.339 --> 00:22:15.779 or, 00:22:15.939 --> 00:22:17.019 like his true disciples, 00:22:17.199 --> 00:22:18.299 who follow the miracles 00:22:18.299 --> 00:22:19.579 upwards to Christ 00:22:19.579 --> 00:22:20.799 and believe in him? 00:22:22.159 --> 00:22:23.459 An early church document 00:22:23.459 --> 00:22:24.359 called the Didache 00:22:24.359 --> 00:22:25.599 was a short manual 00:22:25.599 --> 00:22:26.379 believed by many 00:22:26.379 --> 00:22:27.439 to be a catechism. 00:22:28.000 --> 00:22:29.240 The intro to that document, 00:22:29.319 --> 00:22:29.519 I think, 00:22:29.619 --> 00:22:30.379 sums up the answer 00:22:30.379 --> 00:22:31.279 to this question well, 00:22:31.419 --> 00:22:32.059 or at least presents 00:22:32.059 --> 00:22:32.819 the two options. 00:22:33.199 --> 00:22:33.699 It says, 00:22:33.700 --> 00:22:35.380 there are two ways, 00:22:35.759 --> 00:22:36.559 one of life 00:22:36.559 --> 00:22:37.580 and one of death. 00:22:38.059 --> 00:22:38.860 To think some more 00:22:38.860 --> 00:22:39.940 about responses 00:22:39.940 --> 00:22:40.519 to this question, 00:22:40.600 --> 00:22:41.440 let's take some time 00:22:41.440 --> 00:22:42.059 to consider 00:22:42.059 --> 00:22:43.140 some application. 00:22:44.180 --> 00:22:44.400 So, 00:22:44.480 --> 00:22:44.799 number one, 00:22:45.360 --> 00:22:46.400 if you are not saved, 00:22:46.620 --> 00:22:47.420 know that the gift 00:22:47.420 --> 00:22:47.980 of salvation 00:22:47.980 --> 00:22:48.759 is free. 00:22:49.039 --> 00:22:49.500 There is nothing 00:22:49.500 --> 00:22:50.100 that you can do 00:22:50.100 --> 00:22:50.539 to work, 00:22:50.700 --> 00:22:51.420 nor is there anything 00:22:51.420 --> 00:22:52.039 that you could do 00:22:52.039 --> 00:22:53.600 to earn eternal life. 00:22:54.319 --> 00:22:55.000 We have a problem 00:22:55.000 --> 00:22:55.700 so much greater 00:22:55.700 --> 00:22:56.819 than simply being hungry 00:22:56.819 --> 00:22:57.960 in a physical sense. 00:22:58.720 --> 00:22:59.480 John records Jesus 00:22:59.480 --> 00:23:00.360 performing these signs 00:23:00.360 --> 00:23:01.100 and presenting himself 00:23:01.100 --> 00:23:01.779 as the true bread, 00:23:01.779 --> 00:23:02.799 ultimately to show 00:23:02.799 --> 00:23:03.700 that greater need. 00:23:04.599 --> 00:23:05.319 We are dead 00:23:05.319 --> 00:23:06.160 in our trespasses 00:23:06.160 --> 00:23:06.700 and sins 00:23:06.700 --> 00:23:07.720 and need a savior. 00:23:08.680 --> 00:23:08.779 So, 00:23:08.879 --> 00:23:09.579 praise be to God 00:23:09.579 --> 00:23:10.359 for giving himself 00:23:10.359 --> 00:23:11.200 as the free gift 00:23:11.200 --> 00:23:11.940 of eternal life 00:23:11.940 --> 00:23:12.859 to all who believe. 00:23:13.720 --> 00:23:14.359 Turn away 00:23:14.359 --> 00:23:15.440 from your worthless bread 00:23:15.440 --> 00:23:16.099 that will ultimately 00:23:16.099 --> 00:23:16.960 never satisfy 00:23:16.960 --> 00:23:18.480 nor last for eternity 00:23:18.480 --> 00:23:19.460 and instead turn 00:23:19.460 --> 00:23:20.519 to the true bread of life 00:23:20.519 --> 00:23:21.700 who can save your soul. 00:23:22.559 --> 00:23:23.460 God has put his seal 00:23:23.460 --> 00:23:23.759 on Jesus, 00:23:23.920 --> 00:23:24.579 granting him authority 00:23:24.579 --> 00:23:25.420 to grant life 00:23:25.420 --> 00:23:26.960 to those who do believe. 00:23:28.339 --> 00:23:29.599 Paul's letter to the Titus 00:23:29.599 --> 00:23:30.660 sums up this idea 00:23:30.660 --> 00:23:31.660 of faith and belief 00:23:31.660 --> 00:23:32.140 in God 00:23:32.140 --> 00:23:33.040 not being a result 00:23:33.040 --> 00:23:33.720 of works well. 00:23:34.620 --> 00:23:35.040 He says, 00:23:35.420 --> 00:23:36.420 for we ourselves 00:23:36.420 --> 00:23:37.340 were once foolish, 00:23:37.519 --> 00:23:38.040 disobedient, 00:23:38.300 --> 00:23:38.820 led astray, 00:23:39.420 --> 00:23:40.519 slaves to various passions 00:23:40.519 --> 00:23:41.040 and pleasures, 00:23:41.440 --> 00:23:42.100 passing our days 00:23:42.100 --> 00:23:43.100 in malice and envy, 00:23:43.560 --> 00:23:44.279 hated by others 00:23:44.279 --> 00:23:45.519 and hating one another, 00:23:45.700 --> 00:23:46.400 eating that bread 00:23:46.400 --> 00:23:47.500 that does not satisfy. 00:23:48.259 --> 00:23:49.019 But when the goodness 00:23:49.019 --> 00:23:50.000 and loving kindness 00:23:50.000 --> 00:23:51.060 of God our Savior 00:23:51.060 --> 00:23:51.580 appeared, 00:23:52.019 --> 00:23:52.720 in that phrase 00:23:52.720 --> 00:23:53.480 is everything 00:23:53.480 --> 00:23:54.400 that Christ did. 00:23:54.480 --> 00:23:55.180 It's him coming 00:23:55.180 --> 00:23:55.680 to this earth, 00:23:55.759 --> 00:23:56.740 his earthly ministry, 00:23:57.240 --> 00:23:58.120 the work he did 00:23:58.120 --> 00:23:58.920 to die on the cross 00:23:58.920 --> 00:23:59.580 for our sins 00:23:59.579 --> 00:24:00.960 and raised again 00:24:00.960 --> 00:24:01.679 on the third day, 00:24:01.799 --> 00:24:02.439 defeating death. 00:24:03.519 --> 00:24:04.139 All of that 00:24:04.139 --> 00:24:04.579 is contained 00:24:04.579 --> 00:24:05.220 in that phrase. 00:24:06.059 --> 00:24:06.659 In that work, 00:24:06.859 --> 00:24:07.819 he saved us, 00:24:08.159 --> 00:24:09.039 not because of works 00:24:09.039 --> 00:24:09.919 done by us 00:24:09.919 --> 00:24:10.379 in righteousness 00:24:10.379 --> 00:24:11.119 like the crowd 00:24:11.119 --> 00:24:11.539 would say, 00:24:11.839 --> 00:24:12.299 but according 00:24:12.299 --> 00:24:13.240 to his own mercy 00:24:13.240 --> 00:24:14.039 by the washing 00:24:14.039 --> 00:24:14.740 of regeneration 00:24:14.740 --> 00:24:15.379 and renewal 00:24:15.379 --> 00:24:16.299 of the Holy Spirit, 00:24:16.679 --> 00:24:17.399 whom he poured out 00:24:17.399 --> 00:24:18.220 on us richly 00:24:18.220 --> 00:24:19.000 through Jesus Christ 00:24:19.000 --> 00:24:19.480 our Savior, 00:24:19.960 --> 00:24:20.679 so that being justified 00:24:20.679 --> 00:24:21.220 by grace, 00:24:21.299 --> 00:24:22.139 we might become heirs 00:24:22.139 --> 00:24:23.000 according to the hope 00:24:23.000 --> 00:24:23.819 of eternal life. 00:24:24.159 --> 00:24:25.000 God has given Jesus 00:24:25.000 --> 00:24:25.480 the authority 00:24:25.480 --> 00:24:26.000 to do that 00:24:26.000 --> 00:24:26.720 and we can accept 00:24:26.720 --> 00:24:27.480 this freely 00:24:27.480 --> 00:24:28.160 as a gift. 00:24:29.440 --> 00:24:30.200 The saying is trustworthy 00:24:30.200 --> 00:24:30.880 and I want you 00:24:30.880 --> 00:24:32.299 to insist on these things 00:24:32.299 --> 00:24:33.059 so that those 00:24:33.059 --> 00:24:33.700 who have believed 00:24:33.700 --> 00:24:34.160 in God 00:24:34.160 --> 00:24:34.700 may be careful 00:24:34.700 --> 00:24:35.460 to devote themselves 00:24:35.460 --> 00:24:36.240 to good works. 00:24:36.740 --> 00:24:37.799 These things are excellent 00:24:37.799 --> 00:24:38.380 and profitable 00:24:38.380 --> 00:24:39.059 for people. 00:24:39.460 --> 00:24:40.619 So all that faith 00:24:40.619 --> 00:24:41.680 results ultimately 00:24:41.680 --> 00:24:42.640 in those good works. 00:24:43.019 --> 00:24:43.880 Notice it doesn't say 00:24:43.880 --> 00:24:45.599 that because of the good works 00:24:45.599 --> 00:24:46.839 we can have that eternal life. 00:24:47.019 --> 00:24:47.460 No. 00:24:47.680 --> 00:24:48.460 It's so that those 00:24:48.460 --> 00:24:49.380 who have believed 00:24:49.380 --> 00:24:50.019 in God 00:24:50.019 --> 00:24:50.920 may be careful 00:24:50.920 --> 00:24:52.240 to devote themselves 00:24:52.240 --> 00:24:52.920 to good works. 00:24:53.099 --> 00:24:54.099 There is a progression there. 00:24:54.099 --> 00:24:56.359 So number two, 00:24:56.699 --> 00:24:57.759 for those who are saved 00:24:57.759 --> 00:24:58.559 and those who have 00:24:58.559 --> 00:24:59.259 tasted this bread, 00:24:59.599 --> 00:25:00.599 let's live as though 00:25:00.599 --> 00:25:01.399 we have ultimately 00:25:01.399 --> 00:25:02.099 been satisfied. 00:25:02.779 --> 00:25:04.199 Why are we so captivated 00:25:04.199 --> 00:25:05.419 by things that do not 00:25:05.419 --> 00:25:06.159 satisfy us? 00:25:06.759 --> 00:25:08.119 In regards to our salvation, 00:25:08.299 --> 00:25:09.859 let's daily take up 00:25:09.859 --> 00:25:10.839 this bread of life 00:25:10.839 --> 00:25:12.079 and remember what Christ 00:25:12.079 --> 00:25:12.799 has done for us. 00:25:13.039 --> 00:25:13.839 Let's live as though 00:25:13.839 --> 00:25:14.779 we are saved. 00:25:15.219 --> 00:25:16.000 While salvation cannot 00:25:16.000 --> 00:25:16.839 be earned by works, 00:25:16.919 --> 00:25:17.740 our salvation ought 00:25:17.740 --> 00:25:19.119 to result in works. 00:25:19.679 --> 00:25:20.480 Do not think that you 00:25:20.480 --> 00:25:21.659 can earn it by these works, 00:25:22.359 --> 00:25:23.759 but instead know 00:25:23.759 --> 00:25:24.400 that your life, 00:25:24.500 --> 00:25:25.420 if your life is not 00:25:25.420 --> 00:25:26.220 evidenced by them, 00:25:26.559 --> 00:25:27.220 you may have not 00:25:27.220 --> 00:25:28.000 actually tasted 00:25:28.000 --> 00:25:29.079 the bread of life. 00:25:30.480 --> 00:25:30.920 Practically, 00:25:31.160 --> 00:25:32.359 the way in which we work 00:25:32.359 --> 00:25:33.200 should look different 00:25:33.200 --> 00:25:34.140 than those around us. 00:25:34.660 --> 00:25:35.420 As those who have been 00:25:35.420 --> 00:25:35.960 given the gift 00:25:35.960 --> 00:25:36.720 of eternal life 00:25:36.720 --> 00:25:37.480 and have Christ 00:25:37.480 --> 00:25:38.359 as our supreme treasure, 00:25:38.799 --> 00:25:39.359 we are working 00:25:39.359 --> 00:25:40.200 for far more 00:25:40.200 --> 00:25:41.059 than our boss 00:25:41.059 --> 00:25:41.900 or for other people. 00:25:42.500 --> 00:25:43.259 We are working 00:25:43.259 --> 00:25:44.140 for a new master, 00:25:44.740 --> 00:25:45.019 Jesus. 00:25:45.859 --> 00:25:46.519 And so work 00:25:46.519 --> 00:25:47.299 as if you are working 00:25:47.299 --> 00:25:47.779 for him. 00:25:48.940 --> 00:25:50.099 Jesus was not calling us 00:25:50.099 --> 00:25:50.839 to cease working 00:25:50.839 --> 00:25:52.019 for our physical sustenance. 00:25:52.220 --> 00:25:53.059 We still need that. 00:25:53.059 --> 00:25:55.059 Paul reminds us 00:25:55.059 --> 00:25:55.559 that if anyone 00:25:55.559 --> 00:25:56.720 is unwilling to work, 00:25:56.819 --> 00:25:57.619 let him not eat. 00:25:58.339 --> 00:25:59.079 We ought to instead 00:25:59.079 --> 00:26:00.299 have the best attitude, 00:26:00.859 --> 00:26:01.419 lead in a way 00:26:01.419 --> 00:26:02.200 that models Christ, 00:26:02.659 --> 00:26:03.519 follow as Christ 00:26:03.519 --> 00:26:04.259 obeyed his Father, 00:26:04.859 --> 00:26:05.720 build the best homes, 00:26:05.839 --> 00:26:06.519 care for others, 00:26:07.039 --> 00:26:07.960 or in my case, 00:26:08.460 --> 00:26:09.399 serve the best chicken. 00:26:09.839 --> 00:26:10.759 Not because Truett 00:26:10.759 --> 00:26:11.379 told us, 00:26:11.659 --> 00:26:12.639 or I feel obligated 00:26:12.639 --> 00:26:13.519 or want to impress, 00:26:13.859 --> 00:26:14.579 or think that it 00:26:14.579 --> 00:26:15.399 will earn me something, 00:26:15.519 --> 00:26:16.319 but because we are 00:26:16.319 --> 00:26:17.859 ambassadors for Christ. 00:26:17.859 --> 00:26:20.000 Lastly, 00:26:20.500 --> 00:26:21.679 let us share this news 00:26:21.679 --> 00:26:22.159 with others. 00:26:22.819 --> 00:26:23.719 Far too many people 00:26:23.719 --> 00:26:24.659 think that they need 00:26:24.659 --> 00:26:25.519 to work harder 00:26:25.519 --> 00:26:26.659 to earn their salvation. 00:26:27.199 --> 00:26:28.279 Maybe somebody else 00:26:28.279 --> 00:26:29.359 worked for their own salvation 00:26:29.359 --> 00:26:30.319 and they can accept that. 00:26:30.379 --> 00:26:31.179 Or maybe they simply 00:26:31.179 --> 00:26:31.879 don't know 00:26:31.879 --> 00:26:33.299 of their true spiritual need. 00:26:34.000 --> 00:26:35.079 I would talk to them 00:26:35.079 --> 00:26:36.339 like you've had a good meal. 00:26:36.859 --> 00:26:37.259 I don't know 00:26:37.259 --> 00:26:37.859 if you enjoy 00:26:37.859 --> 00:26:39.379 going to the restaurant 00:26:39.379 --> 00:26:40.019 and getting 00:26:40.019 --> 00:26:41.199 an amazing steak 00:26:41.199 --> 00:26:42.099 or whatever meal 00:26:42.099 --> 00:26:42.579 that you like, 00:26:42.799 --> 00:26:44.399 having fantastic service. 00:26:45.220 --> 00:26:46.040 Maybe you end it 00:26:46.040 --> 00:26:46.920 with a dessert and coffee 00:26:46.920 --> 00:26:47.720 and it's just awesome. 00:26:48.200 --> 00:26:49.060 You want to tell people 00:26:49.060 --> 00:26:49.480 about it 00:26:49.480 --> 00:26:50.460 or take other people 00:26:50.460 --> 00:26:51.060 so that they can 00:26:51.060 --> 00:26:51.960 experience it with you. 00:26:52.340 --> 00:26:53.180 This is the idea 00:26:53.180 --> 00:26:53.920 that we should have 00:26:53.920 --> 00:26:54.740 with what Christ 00:26:54.740 --> 00:26:55.440 has done for us 00:26:55.440 --> 00:26:55.860 and the meal 00:26:55.860 --> 00:26:56.680 that we have tasted. 00:26:57.420 --> 00:26:58.200 We should want 00:26:58.200 --> 00:26:59.180 to do this way more 00:26:59.180 --> 00:27:00.560 and it should inspire us 00:27:00.560 --> 00:27:01.160 to do it way more 00:27:01.160 --> 00:27:01.680 than that meal. 00:27:02.140 --> 00:27:02.820 So let's take others 00:27:02.820 --> 00:27:03.440 to show them 00:27:03.440 --> 00:27:04.100 the incredible 00:27:04.100 --> 00:27:04.940 and truly satisfying 00:27:04.940 --> 00:27:06.160 nature of the bread 00:27:06.160 --> 00:27:06.720 of life. 00:27:08.720 --> 00:27:09.280 With that, 00:27:09.340 --> 00:27:10.019 I actually was going 00:27:10.019 --> 00:27:11.940 to read a passage 00:27:11.940 --> 00:27:13.440 from Charles Spurgeon 00:27:13.440 --> 00:27:13.960 based on this, 00:27:13.960 --> 00:27:14.480 but I actually like 00:27:14.480 --> 00:27:15.079 the one in the bulletin 00:27:15.079 --> 00:27:15.279 better. 00:27:15.620 --> 00:27:15.600 So, 00:27:16.000 --> 00:27:17.680 still Charles Spurgeon. 00:27:18.120 --> 00:27:18.519 He says, 00:27:18.900 --> 00:27:19.440 there's a tendency 00:27:19.440 --> 00:27:21.000 to think about us 00:27:21.000 --> 00:27:22.079 all to get away 00:27:22.079 --> 00:27:22.600 from Jesus 00:27:22.600 --> 00:27:23.500 and to look rather 00:27:23.500 --> 00:27:24.860 to these dreams 00:27:24.860 --> 00:27:26.259 than to the fountainhead. 00:27:26.799 --> 00:27:27.480 Why are we more 00:27:27.480 --> 00:27:28.360 taken up with the bits 00:27:28.360 --> 00:27:29.279 of glass that sparkle 00:27:29.279 --> 00:27:29.740 in the light 00:27:29.740 --> 00:27:31.240 than the sun himself? 00:27:31.720 --> 00:27:32.259 Let's pray.