Moses is important to the Jewish and Christian faith because he is central in the Exodus narrative, leading the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. He was the conduit of God's divine guidance and established the covenant between God and the Jewish people. Moses is revered as a prophet, lawgiver, and leader, symbolizing faith, liberation, and the enduring connection between God and the Jewish people. Join us in the conversation as Pastor Ken Winter looks into John 6 and shares how Jesus is Greater.
1. Read John 6:1-5. Think about the significance of this miracle happening at the time of Passover. The blood of the Passover lamb is what protected the Israelites from the angel of death (see Exodus 12:21-23). Now read John 1:29, how did John describe Jesus? Discuss the differences between the Passover Lamb and the Lamb of God.
2. Read John 6:5-6. “When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, "Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat? He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do.” So when Jesus asks Philip, “Where are we going to buy bread so that all these people can eat?” It wasn’t because Jesus was perplexed or lost about what to do…..Jesus was testing him. What lesson was Jesus teaching Philip in through this test? How can tests prove our loyalty to Christ?
3. By this time, the disciples had already seen Jesus perform several big miracles. How can past miracles help us through current tests and trials? As a group, share some of the miracles that you’ve witnessed.
4. Jesus performs the miracle of feeding the crowd with bread and walking on water. How do these miraculous events compare to the wonders attributed to Moses in the Old Testament?
5. Read John 6:12. When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, "Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted." What is the significance of Jesus saying, “Let nothing be wasted”?
6. Read John 6:16-21. If Jesus is greater than Moses, how does this miraculous act demonstrate Jesus' divine nature and authority compared to the miracles attributed to Moses?
7. Moses was known for providing manna in the wilderness to sustain the Israelites. How does Jesus' feeding of the five thousand echo this event, and how does it show that Jesus is greater?
8. Read John 6:25-35. If you had to spend much of every day just working to get enough bread to survive the next day. How would hearing that Jesus is the bread of life affect your life?
9. Read Deuteronomy 18:15. Re-word this verse in your own words. What are we instructed to do? How can your group help hold you accountable to do that?
10. God wants us to rely on him for everything, every day. What would it take for you to start every day saying, “Jesus, I need you”? If everything is good, or no trials come our way, how do we really know we are living by faith?