PHOTOPHILIC

Faith In Christ Jesus:

Faith is, first, that the character and motives of the Lord Jesus make Him worthy of trust.  Second, having confidence in His ability to do just what He says He will do.  Finally, taking of your self out of your own keeping and entrusting your self into Jesus’ keeping.  2 Timothy 1:12 is the perfect example of all three aspects of faith:  (1) for I know whom I have believed, and (2) am persuaded that he is able to keep that which (3) I have committed unto him against that day.     We are studying the Gospel of John, answering these questions:  What is revealed of Jesus’ character or characteristics, motives, and abilities? What is indicated that you could confidently commit into Jesus’ keeping?

John 6:25 – 40   After Glow

Jesus’ words, after the miracles, show evident breaks after verses 40 and 51.  The discourse ran throughout most of Saturday (Sabbath) as follows:

vv. 25-40                 When Jesus was 1^st found.

vv. 41-52                 As Jesus went to synagogue

vv. 52-58                 As Jesus was in synagogue

vv. 61-65                 After many turned from Jesus.

Capernaum’s synagogue was built by the “good Centurion” (Matt. 8:8).  Jairus  (Mk.5:22, Lk 8:41) was its chief ruler.  How many miracles had Jesus done there?

Matt 8:5                   Centurion’s servant healed.

Matt 17:25               Money in a fish’s mouth.

Luke 4:23                                Jesus famous at Capernaum.

Yet, in John 6:30, they asked, "What sign will You perform then, that we may see it and believe You? What work will You do?”  Think of all that God has done in your life.  Even though some things appear to be done by men, it is God who moves men to do His bidding!  Proverbs 21:1 “The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, [Like] the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.”

What did Jesus say that caused this enthusiastic crowd to hesitate?  By many means Jesus pointed them to Himself as all they needed, rather than to what they could do.