THE LORD’S KINGDOM AND POWER–JOHN 6:15-21–LESSON 14
Introduction:
The Lord had just manifested His power by feeding 5,000 men plus who knows how many women and children that were with the men. The disciples were amazed at this great miracle. The people took note also and were about to move to crown Jesus their king. However, the Lord had other plans and moves to avoid this from happening.
As the disciple cross the Sea of Tiberias a storm causes them to fear for their lives, but Jesus is near to manifest His power once again.
I. THE LORD’S KINGDOM.
A. They were going to take Him by force, v. 15, “When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.”
1. Jesus knew their thoughts on the subject, John 2:24-25, “But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men, 25And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.”
2. All things are open before the Lord, Hebrews 4:13, “Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.”
B. Their intent was to crown Him King over Israel.
1. They had seen what He could do with a few fishes and two loaves of bread, vs. 5-13.
2. They knew of the miracles that he had done.
a. The water turned into wine, John 2:1-11.
b. The healing of the nobleman’s son, John 4:43-53.
c. The healing of the impotent man on the Sabbath, John 5:1-9.
3. They wanted a King that would free them from the Roman domination.
C. My kingdom is not of this world, John 18:36, “Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.”
1. The time was not yet, Acts 1:6-7, “When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? 7-And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.”
2. However, the time for the coming of the Lord is near when He will set up His Kingdom on this earth.
a. John the Baptist preached that it was near, Matthew 3:2, “And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
b. Today we preach that the kingdom of heaven is at hand also, Romans 13:11, “And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.”
II. THE LORD’S POWER.
A. The Storm affords an opportunity to teach the disciples a lesson in faith, vs. 16-18.
1. Jesus’ disciples go down to the sea and take a boat to the other side, vs. 16-17, “And when even was now come, his disciples went down unto the sea, 17-And entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them.”
2. They leave without Jesus and get into trouble, v. 18, “And the sea arose by reason of a great wind that blew.”
3. The Sea of Tiberias or Galilee is infamous for its storms. Perhaps it is a symbol of the storms of our life.
a. Jesus can calm to storms of life, Mark 4:39, “And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.”
b. Jesus can also raise a storm in your life, Psalm 1107:25-26, “For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof. 26-They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble.”
B. Jesus is always near when needed, vs. 19-21.
1. Just when all hope was gone, Jesus appears, vs. 19-20, “So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid. 20-But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid.”
2. He is there to comfort, John 14:18, “I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.”