• Begin by asking God to open hearts and minds to understand what it means that Jesus is the Bread of Life, and to help group members honestly examine their relationship with Him.
  

Question: What's your favorite type of bread or bread-based food? When you're really hungry, what do you crave most?

This helps transition into the sermon's central metaphor in a light, relational way.

1. 1. 1. Without Christ, you will never be satisfied. With Christ, you will never hunger again.

      2. The crowd sought Jesus for temporary benefits (full bellies) rather than for who He truly is.

      3. The way to God is not through working or earning, but through believing and receiving.

      4. Faith is simply "clinging" to Jesus—holding on to Him like a child holds a parent's hand.

      5. Jesus offers Himself, not just His benefits. He is the Bread of Life that truly satisfies.

4. Are You Seeking the Wrong Thing? (John 6:25-27)

5. 1. 1. Pastor Austin said the crowd wanted "what Jesus gives" rather than Jesus Himself. What are some modern examples of people wanting the benefits of Christianity without actually wanting Jesus?

      2. In your own spiritual journey, when have you been more focused on what Jesus could do for you rather than on knowing Him personally? What changed (or needs to change)?

      3. Jesus tells them not to work for "food that spoils" but for "food that endures to eternal life." What are some "foods that spoil" that we invest our time and energy pursuing today?

      4. Read 2 Corinthians 4:18. How can we practically "fix our eyes on what is unseen" in our daily lives?

4. Do You Understand How God Gives Life? (John 6:28-31)

5. 1. 1. 5. The crowd asked, "What must we do to do the works God requires?" Why is our natural tendency to think we need to earn God's acceptance? Where does this come from?

         6. Jesus answered: "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent" (v. 29). Why is this such a radical statement? How does it differ from every other religious system?

         7. Pastor Austin described faith as "clinging" to Jesus—like a clam on a rock or a child holding a parent's hand. How does this picture of faith differ from how you've thought about faith before?

         8. The crowd had just witnessed the feeding of the 5,000, yet they asked for another sign. Why do we sometimes demand more proof or evidence even after God has already shown Himself faithful?

4. Have You Come to Jesus for Life? (John 6:32-40)

5. 1. 1. 9. Jesus declares, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty" (v. 35). What does it mean practically to "never go hungry" or "never be thirsty" spiritually?

         10. Pastor Austin explained how bread represented God's provision, presence, word, and salvation throughout Scripture. How does understanding this biblical context deepen the meaning of Jesus calling Himself "the Bread of Life"?

         11. At the end of John 6, many disciples turned away, but Peter said, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life" (v. 68). Have you ever reached a point where you realized there was nowhere else to turn but Jesus? Share that experience.

         12. Pastor Austin asked: "Have you come to Jesus, or are you just stuck at the things that point to Him?" How would you honestly answer that question today?

4. 4. Take a few minutes of silence for each person to reflect personally on these questions:

      • Am I seeking Jesus Himself, or just His benefits?
      • Do I truly believe that Jesus alone can satisfy my deepest needs?
      • What am I "clinging to" right now—Jesus, or something else?
      • Is there an area where I'm trying to earn God's approval rather than receiving His grace?

      (Optional: Have 2-3 people share their reflections if they feel comfortable.)

1. 5. This Week's Challenge:

      Choose 1-2 of these to commit to this week:

      1. Daily Bread Practice: Each morning this week, before checking your phone or starting your day, spend 5 minutes "clinging to Jesus" in prayer. Simply tell Him, "I need You today. You are my bread of life."

      2. Examine Your Motives: Journal about why you follow Jesus. Be honest about whether you're more interested in His benefits or in Him personally. Confess where needed and ask God to deepen your love for Jesus Himself.

      3. Memorize John 6:35: Write it on a card and carry it with you. When you feel spiritually hungry or empty this week, recite this verse and thank Jesus for being your satisfaction.

      4. Share Your Testimony: Think of someone in your life who is seeking satisfaction in all the wrong places. Pray for an opportunity to share how Jesus has satisfied your soul in a way nothing else could.

      5. Fast from Something: Consider fasting from a "food that spoils" (social media, entertainment, etc.) for a day or a week, and use that time to feed on God's Word and presence.

4. Final Question: If someone asked you, "Why is Jesus better than everything else you could pursue in life?" how would you answer based on what we've discussed tonight?