Theme: "And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name." (20:30-31).
2. Public Persuasion
B. Of 5,000 (6)
In John six, Jesus shows He is the Christ by feeding 5,000, walking on water, and explaining election.
Jesus fed 5,000. This passage says there were 5,000 men. Since the other gospels mention women and children, there could easily have been over 10,000 people who came to Jesus for food. As if to underscore the human impossibility of feeding such a multitude, Jesus asked where they could get bread (v5b; NAS). With only five barley loaves and two small fish on hand, it was evident they needed more than men could offer. Enter Jesus, the Bread of Life. Jesus showed He is the Christ by feeding the multitudes.
Next, Jesus walked on water. Because He knew their temporal motives (cf. v26), Jesus withdrew to the mountain, and sent His disciples back across the sea to Capernaum. Due to a strong wind, the sea stirred up. When the disciples were half way across, Jesus walked on the sea and approached the boat. When He got in, they immediately arrived at the "land to which they were going." By walking on water, Jesus confirmed He is the Christ
Third, Jesus explained election. In this sermon, Jesus taught that: 1) people should seek Him for eternal life, rather than seeking temporal gain (v22-27), 2) He is the bread of eternal life, (v30-35, 48-58), 3) everyone who believes in Him (His death and resurrection as the payment for our sin) has "eternal life" (v29, 35-40; 68-69), and 4) no one can believe on Jesus unless the Father gives (v37) and draws him to Jesus (v44, cf. v65). Even the faith by which men are saved is a "gift of God (cf. Ephesians 2:8-9), and only those God chooses will trust in Jesus.
The doctrine of election offends many people, because it shows God--not man--is sovereign in the salvation of sinners, and because it leaves man no room to boast or glory. While the crowds departed, Jesus confirmed the only reason His disciples had faith is because He had chosen them.
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