John 6:16-21

Theme

Overcoming Fear

Questions
  • What sort of fears do you have at the moment? How are you reacting to what is going in the UK (and the world) with the Covid-19 virus?
  • The disciples were experienced sailors, and it’s unlikely that they would have set sail if they knew a storm was coming - but the storm hit and made the going rough (v.18).
    • How do you deal with unexpected storms in life? Do you tend to panic or are you level headed?
    • How much does the response of the people around you, or that you see on social media, influence your own response?
  • The disciples assumed that Jesus was still on the shore where they had left him (v.17), they did not expect him to be present in the boat or storm. Are there times when you assume Jesus is not with you, or cannot reach you?
  • The disciples were terrified by what was happening, look at v.18-19 what made them frightened:
    • Why do you think the storm frightened them?
    • Why do you think they were frightened when they saw Jesus coming towards them (look at Mark’s description in Mark 6:49-50)?
  • When Jesus approaches the disciples, he says “I am” (often translated “It is I”).
    • Think about what we have learned over the last few weeks: what does Jesus mean by “I am”? [for example, look at John 8:58 and Exodus 3:13-14]
    • What comfort or strength do you think the disciples got when Jesus said, “I am”?
    • Do you find comfort at the moment in Jesus’ words “I am, don’t be afraid”?
  • Once he has told the disciples who he is, Jesus says “do not be afraid” (v.20).
    • Does being told not to be afraid automatically make us less fearful, or does it depend on knowing and trusting the person who speaks?
    • Look up the following verses from the prophet Isaiah in which God speaks telling his people not to fear. How do these verses help you? Isaiah 41:8-10 & Isaiah 43:1-3.
  • In v.21 John talks about the disciples being willing to take Jesus into the boat with them.
    • What do you think about the word ‘willing’? Does it seem like a strange word to use?
    • What do you think makes us unwilling to allow Jesus to join us in the boat navigating difficult situations?
  • How can you take Jesus’ words “I am, don’t be afraid” and apply them to what is going on just now? In what practical ways can you hold on to these words?