Possible Impossibilities (John 6:1-21)

Introduction
Have you ever come to the end of a vacation only to discover you can't wait to get back to work so you can get some rest? Maybe you travelled too far, saw too much in too short a time, or things were stressful due to lack of planning.

Jesus and his disciples were heading to the eastern shore of the sea of Galilee in order to get a little down time -- some much needed rest. The disciples had just finished travelling around Galilee healing, casting out demons, and preaching about the Kingdom of God. Everywhere Jesus went, he was surrounded by crowds of needy people, even to the point where he and his disciples could not eat or sleep. On top of all these ministry commitments, news of John the Baptist's death had just come out and no doubt greaved the Lord and many if not all of the Twelve. They needed some time away!

In spite of their need for rest, God's plans always must take priority. Little did the disciples know, but waiting for them on the opposite shore of the Sea of Tiberias was a crowd of people, much like sheep looking for something, but not quite sure what. They wanted to be wherever Jesus was because where he was things were happening -- miraculous signs. And as the disciples saw this crowd, they saw people that would steal their rest, eat their food, and rob the intimacy that they so much wanted with their Rabbi. But Jesus saw them differently. He saw a need that went beyond the outer surface needs. He saw a people that needed to be fed with food that only he could give. Food that met the spiritual emptiness that all of them had.

Jesus had things that he wanted to teach his disciples. He was going to give them an opportunity to see that with him, any impossible situation had possibility. He was going to give them the privilege of being used by him to perform an unprecedented miraculous sign -- beyond their ability to fully comprehend.

The Impossible Meal (John 6:1-15)
Jesus can use our inabilities just as well as our abilities.
Jesus doesn't need what we have to offer but offers the privilege of seeing him use it anyway.
What are you hording that could be of greater use in the Master's hands?
How have you been privileged to be used by Jesus in spite of your inabilities?
What impossible situation are you currently facing? What possibilities does this present for God to be glorified in your life?
How are you feeding others from what Jesus is providing for you this year through the book of John?
What do you need to do in order to start nurturing an attitude of thankfulness to God whether in plenty or in want?

The Impassable Storm (John 6:16-21)
Obedience to God's will is no guarantee of smooth sailing.
Jesus will never give his disciples more than they can bear.
What kind of storms are you facing in your life right now? Illness? Loss of a friend? Loss of a job? Jesus knows exactly where you are and if you belong to him, he is right there with you.
Looking back on your life, what storms have you endured that you are now glad for because they built your faith?
What do you need to do in order to ask Jesus into the boat with you?