John 6:1-15
Lead in: The story in John 6 of the feeding of the five thousand marks yet another one of Jesus’ miracles. Yet miracles are not always about performing mighty deeds. Author Jay Connier reminds us that miracles happen when “acting out of the humble love of God, we make that a reality in the lives of those we serve”. So, look for the everyday miracles. They are there. We just need to take time to notice them.
Prompt: Think of an example of the hidden miracles happening every day, but that often go unnoticed because people fail to look for them.
Lead in: When the people saw the miracle performed on the hill that day, they realized that God was at work in Jesus. So, in their enthusiasm, they were ready to make him king. But not wanting the glory they wanted to heap on him, Jesus slipped off to the hills to be by himself.
Prompt: Where in your life would it be easy to settle for glory and fame rather than remain humble, serving in obscurity?
Lead in: In II Kings 4:42-44 and in John 6:1-15, we hear a common theme. People are hungry but they fear there won’t be enough food to feed them. And the response to their fears? “Give them what you have.” They do this and, lo and behold, all eat until they are satisfied.
Prompt: Reflect on a time when you feared that what you had wasn’t enough but, lo and behold, to the satisfaction of everyone, it all worked out.
Lead in: Seeing how large the crowd was, Andrew said to Jesus, “There is a boy here who has five barely loaves and two fish; but what good are these for so many?” Despite Andrew’s skepticism, the boy offers his meager gift. Sometimes we undersell ourselves, thinking our meager gifts are insufficient for what is needed.
Prompt: Reflect on a time when you felt you had nothing to offer but with the encouragement of another, you offered what you had and it made all the difference, if for no one else, at least for you.
Lead in: In Ephesians 4:1 Paul says, “I urge you to live in a manner worthy of the call you have received.” And so Paul’s encouragement, “Live with humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another,” do this and you will preserve the unity that comes through love.
Prompt: Without naming them, who is it who is most challenging for you to bear with in humility, gentleness, and patience?
Prompt: What change in you is needed to see them in a different light?
