I AM: Part 4 - The Bread of Life

In this fourth week of the series on the identity and mission of Christ, Jake discussed how Jesus is the bread of life. The church in Pergamum was compromising their standards to conform to their culture, but Jesus offered them a lasting gift that He still offers all who will accept! Key Verses: John 6:25-35, 47-54, 60, 66-69, Revelation 2:12-17, Hebrews 4:12 Read these verses and discuss the following questions: 1. First Jesus feeds the crowd bread and fish. Why did he do that? How can that relate to the way that we minister in our own community? 2. In verses 26-28, when Jesus offers them the free gift of eternal life, what is their response? Is that still a response that people have? Have you? Why or why not? 3. Read John 6:35 again; this verse is a foundation of our faith, but do you really believe it? In your normal, everyday life, do you feel satisfied with what Jesus gives you, or are you always hungering/thirsting for something more? 4. Following Jesus’ declaration, the people begin to grumble and talk about how they know His parents, so how could he be from heaven. Are there times in your life when you have found it easier to discredit the messenger than to hear truth? 5. The Christians in Ephesus were working hard but had no love, the Christians in Smyrna were enduring hard times, what are the good and bad things that John pointed out about the Christians in Pergamum? 6. The culture in Pergamum was pulling the Christians there to compromise their standards and beliefs. Can you name some specific ways that our current culture pulls Christians to compromise? Can you think of any you struggle with? 7. Hebrews 4:12 says that God’s word is sharper than any two edged sword; what is the real life implication of these words? What emotions do you have when you really think about those words? 8. At the end of his letter to Pergamum, John tells the readers that there is a gift for those who choose the follow the spirit. What is that gift?