John 5 & 6 Discussion

1. 5:1-15 Third Sign. The Jews accused the man of breaking the Sabbath. If that was so, according to Exodus 31:14-15, what should have been his punishment? Class Comments: Death. Even though Jesus knew what the man wanted, Jesus wanted the man to express his desire and his confession of weakness and dependency, just as in our prayers today we express our desires and weaknesses, though God already knows what they are. Verse 14: “a worse thing” refers to the spiritual consequences of sin.
2. 5:16-23 These days, some say that Jesus never claimed to be God. They say the claim was made later by His disciples, after His death. What does this passage say in that regard? Class Comments: Jesus was the Son of God, was divine, had the attributes of God, gives life.  Verse 18: The Jews interpreted “Son of God” as “equal with God.” People typically become more like their parents as they mature. Sons learn the trades of their fathers.
3. 5:24-30 According to this passage, who will be our judge? What kind of authority has he been given?Class Comments: Verse 27: Christ. He would execute judgment because he was the Son of Man. Verse 30: His judgment is righteous because of his motive – doing God’s will.
4. 5:31-47 What five witnesses testify of Jesus? (See verses 33, 36, 37, 39, and 46.) Class Comments: 1) John the Baptist – v. 33; 2) His works – v. 36; 3) the Father – v. 37; 4) the Scriptures – v. 39; 5) Moses – v. 46. Accusation: You don’t even believe Moses!
5. 6:1-15 Fourth Sign. How much bread and fish did Jesus distribute to the men, according to verses 11 and 12? [Consider: How did the people’s suggestion in verse 15 strip Jesus of authority, in a way?] Class Comments: As much as they wanted. [They wanted to make him an earthly king. It was a mockery, considering he was Creator.] Note the prayer of Jesus in verse 11.
6. 6:16-24 Fifth Sign. Describe the thoughts and actions of the crowd left behind. Class Comments:  They had seen the disciples get into the only boat, but Jesus hadn’t gone with them. Where could he be?
7. 6:25-40 What was the crowd looking for Jesus to do for them? What is the work of God? Class Comments:  They wanted food, just like Moses had provided. The work of God is for all to believe in Christ and have everlasting life.
8. 6:41-59 How do we eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood? According to verse 35, what type of hunger and thirst do these satisfy? Class Comments:  By letting His word become part of us. He is the bread of life, which he gave by dying on the cross. We eat his flesh and drink his blood when by faith we incorporate all he was into our lives, receiving daily nourishment through the Word, just as we must do with physical food. There also may be a reference to eating and drinking of the Lord’s Supper, when the sacrifice is remembered.
9. 6:60-71 Why do you think many of Jesus’ disciples left at this time? Class Comments: They were not looking for eternal life, did not understand his true mission. Sad verses in this passage: vss. 66, 67 and 70. They were following him, but did not “follow” him, as in understanding him.