Jesus is offensive (Bread of Life - part 4) John 6:60-71

Summary

In this thought-provoking sermon series conclusion, the speaker explores Jesus' 'Bread of Life' discourse from John 6, highlighting its potential to offend. The sermon challenges the audience to embrace the discomfort and confusion Jesus' teachings can cause, suggesting that offense is a sign of grappling with divine truth. It emphasizes the transformative power of faith in Jesus, as seen in Peter's declaration of loyalty despite the difficulty of the teachings, encouraging believers to trust in Jesus' words over their own understanding.

Takeaways

• 📜 The script discusses Jesus' 'Bread of Life' sermon from John chapter 6, which is considered offensive by some due to its challenging content.
• 🔊 Jesus' declaration of being the bread of life and the 'great I am' is seen as difficult to accept, causing many disciples to doubt and even leave.
• 🤔 The sermon challenges traditional understandings of love, victory, and happiness, and can be seen as foolishness or a stumbling block to those not in faith.
• 💬 Jesus' words and actions, especially the concept of eating his flesh, are portrayed as offensive and contrary to human nature, yet they are essential for true followers.
• 👥 The sermon divides the audience into believers and skeptics, with some turning away and others, like Peter, affirming their faith despite the difficulty.
• 🙏 The importance of faith over personal understanding is emphasized, as true followers must trust in Jesus' words even when they are hard to comprehend.
• 🌱 The script likens the response to Jesus' teachings to seeds falling on different types of soil, with only some taking root and growing, representing true commitment.
• 🔑 Peter's response to Jesus, 'Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life,' highlights the ultimate trust and commitment to Jesus as the source of life.
• 🌟 The sermon calls for a complete surrender to Jesus, requiring believers to empty themselves and follow Christ fully, which is both challenging and transformative.
• 🌐 The message of Jesus' sermon has had a profound impact over the centuries, leading to individuals and societies dedicating their lives to serving him.
• 🙌 The call to action for believers is to trust in Jesus more than their own understanding, to find life in him, and to embrace the teachings that may initially seem offensive.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the 'Bread of Life' sermon by Jesus in John chapter 6?

The main theme of the sermon is that Jesus declares himself as the bread of life, emphasizing that he is the source of eternal life and that people must partake in him spiritually.

Why does the speaker suggest that being offended by Jesus is a good thing?

The speaker suggests that being offended by Jesus is a good thing because it indicates that one is engaging deeply with his teachings, which can challenge and confront one's beliefs and values.

What was the reaction of many of Jesus' disciples when they heard his teachings in John chapter 6?

Many of Jesus' disciples were offended and confused by his teachings, particularly the metaphor of eating his flesh, leading them to say that his teaching was difficult and to turn away from him.

What does Jesus mean when he says 'the flesh is useless' in the context of his teachings?

Jesus means that the physical aspects of his teachings are not as important as the spiritual message, which is the life-giving word of God.

How does the speaker describe the two different responses to Jesus' teachings?

The speaker describes one response as being offended and turning away, while the other is a commitment to follow Jesus despite the difficulty and offense, trusting in him more than in one's own understanding.

What does the speaker mean by 'offensive' in the context of Jesus' teachings?

The speaker refers to 'offensive' as the challenging and counterintuitive nature of Jesus' teachings that go against common human desires and societal norms.

What does the speaker suggest is the proper response to being offended by Jesus' teachings?

The proper response, according to the speaker, is to continue to trust in Jesus and his teachings, even when they are difficult or offensive, and to commit to following him fully.

What does the speaker imply about the nature of true faith in Jesus?

The speaker implies that true faith in Jesus involves a deep commitment to him and his teachings, even when they challenge one's own desires and understanding, and a willingness to be transformed by them.

How does the speaker interpret Peter's response to Jesus in John 6:68-69?

The speaker interprets Peter's response as a declaration of complete trust in Jesus, recognizing that Jesus has the words of eternal life and that there is no other to whom they can turn.

What is the significance of the 'bread of life' metaphor in Jesus' teachings?

The 'bread of life' metaphor signifies that Jesus is the spiritual nourishment necessary for eternal life, and that believers must partake in him to have life.

What does the speaker suggest about the role of the church in relation to Jesus' teachings?

The speaker suggests that the church should be a community that embraces Jesus' teachings in their entirety, even the difficult and offensive parts, and supports one another in their faith journey.