Communion: John 6:26-40
In this special edition of our Sermon Notes, read the scriptures and discuss the questions in conjunction with celebrating the Lord’s Supper in your Small Group. An excellent way to do this is to read the scriptures aloud before you eat, pray together, asking God to bless your celebration of Him at the meal, and then pray a prayer of thanksgiving after the meal, asking God to help you to remember Him in the days to come. Discuss the questions after your meal.
Jesus answered them and said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. 27 Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you, for on Him the Father, God, has set His seal.” 28 Therefore they said to Him, “What shall we do, so that we may work the works of God?” 29 Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.” 30 So they said to Him, “What then do You do for a sign, so that we may see, and believe You? What work do You perform? 31 Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread out of heaven to eat.’” 32 Jesus then said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread out of heaven, but it is My Father who gives you the true bread out of heaven. 33 For the bread of God is that which comes down out of heaven and gives life to the world.” 34 Then they said to Him, “Lord, always give us this bread.” 35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst. 36 But I said to you that you have seen Me, and yet do not believe. 37 All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and I will certainly not cast out the one who comes to Me. 38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. 39 This is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing but raise it up on the last day. 40 For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day.” —John 6:26-40
Jesus answered them and said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. 27 Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you, for on Him the Father, God, has set His seal.” 28 Therefore they said to Him, “What shall we do, so that we may work the works of God?” 29 Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.” 30 So they said to Him, “What then do You do for a sign, so that we may see, and believe You? What work do You perform? 31 Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread out of heaven to eat.’” 32 Jesus then said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread out of heaven, but it is My Father who gives you the true bread out of heaven. 33 For the bread of God is that which comes down out of heaven and gives life to the world.” 34 Then they said to Him, “Lord, always give us this bread.” 35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst. 36 But I said to you that you have seen Me, and yet do not believe. 37 All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and I will certainly not cast out the one who comes to Me. 38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. 39 This is the will of Him who sent Me, that of all that He has given Me I lose nothing but raise it up on the last day. 40 For this is the will of My Father, that everyone who beholds the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I Myself will raise him up on the last day.” —John 6:26-40
Discussion Questions
- Context and Skepticism: In John 6:26-40, Jesus faced skepticism about eating his flesh and drinking his blood. How does this reaction compare to how some today view the Lord’s Supper as an ordinance? How can we address similar skepticism with understanding and clarity?
- Ordinance vs. Sacrament: Explore the distinctions between “ordinance” and “sacrament.” How does understanding the Lord’s Supper as an ordinance, grounded in obedience, and remembering, contrast with viewing it as a sacramental means of grace?
- Living out the Supper: John 6 emphasizes consuming Jesus’ flesh and blood and following his example. How can the Lord’s Supper practice, as an ordinance, guide us toward greater acts of love, sacrifice, and unity in our daily lives?
- Community and Unity: Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper within a communal meal. How can participating in the Lord’s Supper strengthen our sense of community and unity within the church?
- Openness and Inclusivity: Should the Lord’s Supper be open to all believers, regardless of their understanding of this ordinance? What qualifies a person to partake in the Lord’s Supper?
- Action and Transformation: John 6 connects the Lord’s Supper to Jesus’ mission of bringing life to the world. How can participating in the Lord’s Supper, as an ordinance, inspire us to actively engage in God’s mission and work for positive change in our communities?
- Personal Application: Reflect on your experiences and understanding of the Lord’s Supper. How has your perspective on this ordinance evolved? What personal commitments or actions might stem from a deeper understanding of the Lord’s Supper as an ordinance?
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