Tabor Baptist Church

Introduction

• There is much to say
• Concentrating on the first half of the chapter
• A personal story about driving abroad
• Differences
• One sign that was misunderstood (a speed camera)
• If you misunderstand a sign it can end up in disaster
• This can help us understand the Book of John
• John 1-11 all about signs
• Like a sign pointing us towards Jesus
• Who He is, what He has come to do
• People are constantly misunderstanding what the signs are pointing to
• Therefore, they are misunderstanding Jesus
• 5 ways the people have misunderstand Jesus

Misunderstanding that Jesus doesn't know what He is doing (v1-13)

• "He said to Philip, "Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?""
• Jesus was testing Philip and get him to grow in his faith
• Philip's response: these people cannot be fed!
• Instead of responding in faith, he doubts God
• Do we recognise a little bit of Philip in our experience?
• Personal example
• Despite Philip's lack of faith we see Jesus' sovereignty (v8-13)
• There is plenty left over

Misunderstanding who Jesus is (v14-15)

• The people think that Jesus is a prophet
• They jump to conclusions
• They think that Jesus will come and liberate them
• People misunderstand who Jesus is
• Jesus is not just some moral person
• Both Christians and non-Christians can misunderstand
• Jesus is not just Saviour but Lord
• We cannot decide who Jesus is

Misunderstanding that Jesus is just for this life (v25-26)

• Do not just go for food that perishes but food that lasts forever
• Your greatest problem is not your next meal but your eternal soul
• Note that Jesus does provide food for them
• Example
• Our greatest problem is our eternal destination
• The world is obsessed with the 'here and now'
• You must look ahead to the life to come

Misunderstanding what we have to do (v28-29)

• What must we do, to do the works of God?
• Understandable coming from the Jewish mindset
• This is perhaps man's greatest thought
• "Believe in Him whom He sent" (v29)
• Simply believe in Jesus
• Nothing more, nothing less
• Example of Martin Luther and the Book of Romans
• Salvation is by faith alone
• The default of our heart is to go back to tickboxes and turn away from grace
• We need to hear again Jesus's words: "Believe in Him whom He sent"

Misunderstanding that Jesus gives satisfaction (v30)

• The people look for a sign
• There is a subtle mistake
• They look for satisfaction
• Jesus doesn't respond by giving them the bread of life, He says "I  am the bread of life"
• Jesus is the satisfaction
• Example of Augustine
• Only true satisfaction is found in Jesus

Closing Remarks

1. Have you found your satisfaction and the reason you were made?
• Have you found Jesus?
2. Are we still satisfied in Jesus?