The Importance Of Spiritual Food Series

The Importance of Spiritual food

John 6:25-35

Introduction

- The gospel of John screams of the faith that we should have in Christ

-- It is the clearest example of living life FOR the one who redeemed you and I

- Let’s dive right in tonight and examine the importance of spiritual food

- Read John 6:25-33 / Pray

∆ Point 1 – Looking for Jesus

- What it interesting to see is the way that these people have come to Jesus (v25)

-- They were not seeking Jesus because of who He is, yet they call him Rabbi

-- Their question is: “when did you get here” – like it’s a casual occurrence

- But Jesus, is far ahead of this play and cuts through the veil of their thought

-- Re: He did the same with Nicodemus when asked about eternal life (rebirth)

-- Jesus always answers the question they aren’t audibly asking (heart question)

- What they are searching for is the material goods of the world (v26)

-- No different than what we see today – everyone wants the next new thing

-- Even these people have admittedly followed because they want the next item

- So Jesus gets right to the heart of that matter (v27)

-- His instruction is that they should not seek after the temporary things

- APP: Using the term “food that spoils” invokes for us that temporary feeling

-- Are we searching for things that will eventually pass away?

-- Consider: Everything you own will be sold and eventually in a landfill

- These men are following Jesus for what material things He could give

-- They were not following Him because of the eternal life that He brings

-- APP: Why? See this more later: But He brings change to methods/habits

-- Since we (and they) like their sin and stuff, change is not welcomed

- Jesus confirms for them that what He is doing has been sealed by God

-- But more than sealed, it has been approved and ordained by God

-- This instruction brings them face to face with a choice about who Jesus is

- IMP: Today, many attempt to substitute spiritual things for physical things

-- EX: They try to impose their will to create a church that suits their needs

-- What John does is point us to the cross and the One who died on there

-- (v27b) “… on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval”

- Now, let’s ensure we are on the same page here with this conversation

-- It is not that they’ve come to Jesus because they are hungry or have a need

-- What they wanted Jesus for was to fill their own agendas/plans for tomorrow

- It’s like the perversion of Phil 4:13 into thinking it every wish is totally possible

-- APP: But in context, Paul’s instruction gives us so much more to consider

-- Phil 4:10-13: “10 I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

- TRANS: Jesus addresses their intention, and then the importance of salvation

∆ Point 2 – Believing in Jesus

- The crowd asks a definite spiritual question, which requires some explanation

-- If you notice, they wanted to know what to do to gain God’s favor (acceptance)

-- EX: Is there a checklist of things we should do so God will like us? (v28)

- Much like today, we see this very same thing played out over and over

• “How many times do I have to go to church?”

• “How much money should I give so that God will approve?”

• “When does God’s grace end and what’s the line I cannot cross?”

- Jesus gives them the only thing they need to know (v29)

-- All you have to do is this: believe on the One that God has sent

-- Consider the challenge this is to their structure and known way of worship

-- Do this, and this, and this, and this, and this … but now, it’s only this

- You would almost think that this would be a welcome change

-- APP: It is a departure from the religious rules … but as we know they deny it