Weekly Discussion Guide

1. Open with prayer. (2-5 min)
2. Read John 6:24-68.
3. Discuss these questions with your group. (20-45 min)

MY STORY | Starting Place
For what traits or habits are you likely to be judged by others?

DIGGING DEEPER | Practical Biblical Application
Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. (John 6:26)

Describe a time when what you “brought to the table” was exploited or taken for granted.

How did that impact your attitude toward your contribution?

What’s depressing about being accepted by someone on the basis of what you can do for him or her—not just for your friendship?

So they asked him, “What sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do? .... “Sir,” they said, “always give us this bread.” (John 6:30, 34)

In what ways are you expected to prove yourself? How does this impact your relationship with those who have these requirements of you?

At this the Jews there began to grumble about him because he said,
“I am the bread that came down from heaven.” They said, “Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How can he now say, ‘I came down from heaven’?” .... Then the Jews began to argue sharply among themselves, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?” (John 6:41-42, 52)

What is so challenging about being misrepresented or misunderstood?

How do you determine when you “need to set the record straight” or just let people believe whatever they’re going to believe about you?

GROWING TOGETHER | Spiritual Friendship
Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, “Does this offend you? (John 6:61)

From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.
“You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve.
Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.(John 6:66-68)

Why is it better for people to happily stay in a relationship with you (knowing who you really are) than to just tolerate you, hanging around, hoping for some sort of payoff?

What is so refreshing about the people in your life who accept you as you are—gifts, warts, and all?

MOVING OUTWARD | Faith in Action
Who needs to be assured that he or she is fully accepted by you? Perhaps someone you’ve actually been holding at arm’s length? Set up a time to get together with that person, and see what’s going on in his or her life.