THREE THINGS TO KNOW
DON’T MISS THIS. Jesus is the bread of life—the only one who can truly satisfy our deepest hungers. One of the most meaningful ways to live that out is by sharing him with the people in our lives. Join us on March 26 at the Knapp Street campus for SHARING YOUR FAITH. Every believer should be able to articulate the gospel clearly and succinctly. This event will equip you with a simple way of sharing your faith that is clear and concise. To register, click HERE.
GROUP VALUES. This week we begin our focus to LOVE BEYOND. Loving beyond the group involves taking intentional steps to help others experience the love of Christ. As we approach Easter, consider who your group could invite to join you at Easter services. Are there neighbors, coworkers, family members, or friends who don’t attend church or are currently disconnected from a church body? Talk about it as a group, and begin making plans to extend the invitation.
GROW AS A LEADER. This week’s sermon explores the hunger we all carry and what we reach for to fill it. As a leader, you will likely hear people share honestly about the things they have looked to for satisfaction apart from Jesus. Create space for that vulnerability by being willing to share your own go-to idols first. Your openness will give others permission to be honest.
SERMON DISCUSSION GUIDE
Welcome to the first week of our new sermon series, LIFE AND WHERE WE FIND IT. This week, we discover Jesus is the bread of life and only he can satisfy the deepest hunger of the human heart.
ICEBREAKER
Think about a meal or food that you looked forward to for a long time. Did it live up to the hype?
THIS WEEK’S TEXT
Have someone read John 6:25-35 aloud.
What words or phrases surprise or confuse you in this passage?
What do the crowds want from Jesus in this passage?
What do you think Jesus means when he says, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty”?
THIS WEEK’S SERMON
Pastor Jeff Manion began our new series LIFE AND WHERE WE FIND IT by exploring Jesus as the bread of life. As a group, recall some of the sermon’s big ideas and main points.
Our culture tells us that the next thing will finally be enough (for example, the next experience, purchase, relationship, or achievement). Why do you think we keep believing that message even after it has let us down?
Even good things such as success, financial stability, or healthy relationships can become counterfeit gods that we look to for our value and satisfaction. What makes it so easy to mistake a good gift from God for the source of life itself?
These good things only satisfy for a little while before the feeling fades. When have you experienced that cycle of chasing something for satisfaction, only to find it fade?
The crowd wanted Jesus to perform a sign so they could believe. They wanted his gifts but not him. In what ways do we fall into the same pattern, wanting what Jesus can give without fully wanting Jesus himself?
Freedom from idols requires three things: identifying them, exposing them, and replacing them. Which of those three feels most difficult for you, and why?
As much as you are comfortable, share as a group: What is an idol God has revealed that you turn to for satisfaction and life?
What would it look like in a practical and daily way to replace that idol with greater love for Jesus this week?
WRAP UP
This week, we were reminded that Jesus doesn’t just offer to meet our needs. He is the answer to our deepest need. What encouraged or challenged you most from this conversation or the sermon, and why?