6th July 2025

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Overview

In this sermon from John 6:60–71, Pastor Nathan concludes the “bread of life” discourse. After feeding the 5,000 and walking on water, Jesus’ teaching about eating His flesh and drinking His blood provokes offense and desertion among many followers. Yet Peter’s bold confession—“Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life”—models wholehearted commitment. We’re challenged to follow Jesus on His terms, not ours, fully surrendering every part of our lives to the true Bread from heaven.

Sermon Notes

Introduction
Pastor Nathan situates us in the ongoing John series (running through to Easter 2026), noting the heavy travel between Galilee, Jerusalem, and beyond. Crowds have witnessed two major miracles—feeding 5,000 on the mountainside and Jesus walking on the sea—so expectations for a deliverer are high. Last week ended with Jesus’ declaration, “I am the true bread that came down from heaven,” setting the stage for today’s difficult teaching and its fallout.

Scripture Passage
John 6:60–71 (NLT)
60 Many of his disciples said, “This is very hard to understand. How can anyone accept it?”
61 Jesus knew his disciples were complaining … “Does this offend you?” … “The Spirit alone gives life …”
65 “… No one can come to me unless the Father has enabled them.”
66 From this time many turned back and no longer followed him.
67 Jesus asked the Twelve, “You do not want to leave too, do you?”
68 Simon Peter answered, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life.”
70 “… Did I not choose you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil.”

Main Points
1. Hard Teaching Reveals True Disciples
Jesus’ call to “eat my flesh and drink my blood” shocks many into desertion, exposing shallow faith based on signs rather than the Savior Himself.
2. Dependence on the Spirit
“The Spirit alone gives life” (v63); human effort and intellect cannot bridge the gap—only divine enabling draws us to Christ.
3. Wholehearted Commitment
Peter’s confession (“Lord, to whom would we go?”) models surrender: recognising Jesus as the sole source of life and truth, even when His demands are hard.

Illustrations & Stories
• Miracle Recap: Feeding the 5,000, followed by the storm-tossed crossing and Jesus walking on water.
• “I AM” Statements: Jesus layers heavy claims—Son of Man, heavenly origin, bread of life—to press His identity and mission.
• Missionary Story: William Cohen in 19th-century India resisted renouncing Christ under threat, declaring, “Though none go with me, still I will follow.” His martyrdom ignited widespread faith.

Application
• Examine Your Motives: Are you following Jesus for convenience or for His character and promises, even when “His terms” conflict with your comfort?
• Surrender Control: Identify areas—wealth, opinions, relationships—where you cling to “your way” rather than God’s way.
• Embrace the Spirit’s Work: Trust the Holy Spirit to equip you for the hard demands of discipleship; human striving falls short.
• Commit Anew: Like Peter, affirm “To whom would we go?” and resolve to follow Jesus without reserve, regardless of cost.

Closing
Pastor Nathan invited the congregation to respond by singing “Christ Is Enough” and the hymn “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus,” making a communal commitment to stick with Christ through every trial and teaching challenge.

Resources & Links
• Bible Passage: John 6:60–71 (NLT)
• Worship Songs: “Christ Is Enough”; “I Have Decided to Follow Jesus”
• Next Steps: Reflect on where you’ve made Jesus a “hobby” rather than Lord; journal prayerfully about areas needing full surrender.

#hillschurch #beencouraged #nathanbell #evertonhills #brisbanechurch #brisbane #wesleyanmethodistchurch #hillschurchsermon

Find out more about Jesus here

Find the answers to life’s biggest questions. Try Alpha

Can we pray for you? Request prayer and click ‘Prayer Request’ Button.

To give/tithe to the work of Hills Church, click here.

#hillschurch #thegospelofjohn #evertonhills #brisbanechurch #brisbane #wesleyanmethodistchurch #hillschurchsermon