Will You Also Go Away? | John 6
- Phillip Bates
- Aug 12
- 3 min read
From the Sermon Series: Questions Jesus Asked
Sermon Guide for August 16, 2026
How to Use This Guide:
These guides are designed to help you engage more deeply with my weekly sermon or serve as stand-alone, self-guided Bible studies. Use them to prepare your heart before worship or to reflect on God’s Word throughout the week.
Parents, use the “Family Practice” section to lead meaningful conversations that nurture your kids' faith and help them grow in God’s love.
Will You Also Go Away?
John 6
Big Idea
Following Jesus means receiving him on his terms, not ours. Because Jesus alone has the words of eternal life, he is always worth following, even when his words are difficult.
Setting the Scene
John 6 begins with one of Jesus' greatest miracles. He feeds thousands of people with five loaves and two fish, and the crowd is thrilled. They even want to make him king! But by the end of the chapter, many of those same people have walked away. Why? Because Jesus refused to become the kind of Messiah they wanted. He called people to follow him on his terms rather than their own.
Point 1: Jesus Calls Us to His Mission, Not Our Own
Key Text: John 6:26–35
The crowd pursued Jesus because they wanted more bread, more miracles, and a king who would serve their interests. Jesus redirected them to something far greater:
"Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life" (v. 27).
Jesus did not come merely to improve our earthly lives. He came to give us eternal life by giving us himself.
Key Truth
It is possible to seek Jesus for the wrong reasons. We can begin treating Jesus as a means to accomplish our goals instead of recognizing that Jesus himself is the goal.
Reflection Questions
Why do I seek Jesus?
If Jesus did not answer my biggest earthly prayers the way I wanted, would I still treasure him?
Am I pursuing Jesus—or merely the blessings I hope he will give me?
Point 2: Jesus Will Not Change His Message to Keep Us Comfortable
Key Text: John 6:52–66
Jesus presses the truth about who he is, using the startling imagery of eating his flesh and drinking his blood. Jesus is not teaching literal cannibalism. Rather, he is teaching that eternal life is found only through complete trust in him and in the sacrifice he would make for the life of the world (v. 51). Many people found these claims too difficult to accept and said:
"This is a hard saying" (v. 60).
Rather than changing his message, Jesus continues speaking the truth. Jesus' words are life-giving, but they also confront our desires and demand that we receive him on his terms rather than our own.
Key Truth
The question is not whether Jesus will adjust his truth to fit our lives. The question is whether we will adjust our lives to fit his truth.
Reflection Questions
Which teachings of Jesus are hardest for me to embrace?
Where am I tempted to make exceptions to Jesus' commands?
Is there an area of my life where I know what Jesus says but have resisted obeying him?
Point 3: Jesus Is Worth Following
Key Text: John 6:67–69
When many disciples leave, Jesus turns to the Twelve and asks:
"Do you want to go away as well?" (v. 67)
Peter's answer is remarkable:
"Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life" (v. 68)
Peter doesn't say "This is easy" or "I understand everything." Instead, Peter says: "There is nowhere else to go."
Key Truth
Following Jesus is not based on understanding everything.
Following Jesus is based on trusting the One who alone gives eternal life.
Reflection Questions
What keeps me following Jesus when life becomes difficult?
Is my confidence rooted in circumstances or in Christ?
Do I believe Jesus is truly better than every alternative?
Living It Out
This week...
Spend time reading John 6 slowly.
Ask God to expose any wrong motives in your heart.
Surrender one difficult area of obedience to Christ.
Share with someone why Jesus is worth following.
Thank Jesus every day for being the Bread of Life.
Family Practice
Read Together
John 6:1–15
John 6:35
John 6:67–69
Family Discussion
Why did the crowd like Jesus after he fed them?
Why did many people stop following him later?
What does Jesus mean when he says he is the Bread of Life?
Why did Peter stay with Jesus?
What does it mean to follow Jesus even when his commands are difficult?
Family Prayer
Father, thank you for sending Jesus, the Bread of Life. Forgive us when we love your gifts more than we love you. Help us trust Jesus even when his words are difficult. Teach us to treasure him above everything else because he alone has the words of eternal life. In his name we pray, amen.
