FamilyWorshipGuide–’Week’42’ Week 42.pdf · O For A Thousand Tongues To Sing Lyrics by Charles Wesley Additional Lyrics and Arrangement by David Crowder O for a thousand tongues
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o Read John 6:25-‐51 o Prior to this passage, Jesus performed a miracle (6:1-‐15) by feeding over five thousand people with five loaves of
bread and two fish. This miracle met an urgent physical need. However, the purpose of the miracle was to reveal Jesus Christ as God’s appointed Messiah. He did not merely seek to meet an urgent, yet temporary, need of physical hunger but the urgent, yet eternal, need of spiritual famine. He used the provision of physical food as an illustration of God’s provision of spiritual life. Ultimately, through performing and subsequently explaining the miracle, Jesus Christ reveals that He is more necessary for life than food.
o The next day, a large crowd of people pursued Jesus. They did so not because they wanted Jesus but because they wanted His gifts. They wanted the miracles, not the One to whom the miracles pointed. Throughout John’s Gospel, miracles are often referred to as “signs.” All signs point to something beyond themselves. A stop sign points to a busy, dangerous intersection. Anyone who has ever taken a trip to Disneyworld sees signs for Disneyworld hundreds of miles before actually reaching Disneyworld. Stopping at the sign would result in an utterly dissatisfying vacation.
o The people in this passage were so focused on the sign that they failed to see the One to whom the sign pointed (v. 26). They wanted full stomachs and not eternal life. Ironically, the people believed the Messiah’s ministry would be accompanied by signs from God (v. 30). But, again, they were more interested in seeing signs than seeing the Savior. They refer to Moses and the miraculous provision of food for the Israelites during their wilderness wanderings (c.r. Ex. 16). Jesus dismissed the people’s tendency to credit Moses for that miracle by identifying His Father as the one who provided for their needs (v. 32). Just as the Father sent the bread to care for the temporary needs of His people, He sent His Son, the Bread of Life, to care for the ultimate needs of the world. Bottom Line: Jesus Christ is more necessary for life than food. Questions: What is the purpose of a sign? What was the primary purpose for the miracle performed in John 6? Why is Jesus Christ more necessary for life than food? Do we want God’s provision more than His person? In what ways do we seek to satisfy our spiritual hunger and thirst (v. 35)? How might we more consistently seek life in Christ?
PRAY o Read Window on the World, pg. 158-‐159 Sri Lanka o Use Prayer Card
SING o Use lyric sheet and mp3 download of “O For A Thousand Tongues To Sing” o Charles Wesley wrote “O For A Thousand Tongues To Sing” in 1739, a year after a major spiritual revival in his life. It
was originally an eighteen-‐stanza poem that was later trimmed down and set to music. The purpose behind Wesley’s hymns was always to teach theology. With this song, he underscores the power of Jesus alone to break the chains of our sin, and at one time he even suggested it be sung each year by believers on the anniversary of their coming to faith in Christ. We chose this song because it points to the Giver and not His gifts. Its opening lines were inspired by Wesley’s friend, Peter Böhler, who once remarked, “Had I a thousand tongues I would praise Him with them all.” It is God, our “great Redeemer” and “gracious Master”, who has released us from eternal bondage. Therefore, it is not the freedom He has granted us to whom we sing praise, but to God Himself, for He is the One with the authority, power and grace to pardon us. For that we will proclaim His glory to the nations.
MEMORIZE o John 6:35 Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes
These suggestions were created by the age-‐group ministry leaders as a way to help parents better communicate the biblical truths discussed in the Family Worship Guide. These activities and questions can replace or serve as a supplement to the questions under the “Read” section on Page 1. Remember that these suggestions are intended to help parents facilitate God-‐centered discussions with their children. Parents should prayerfully use these suggestions, and any other means necessary, to help their children discover the truths of God’s word and worship Him together.
Preschool (Birth-‐Kindergarten) o Before you begin, gather several pieces of bread and place them in a basket. Talk to your child about the miracle
Jesus performed in John 6. Ask your child why Jesus did that. Explain that Jesus wanted the people to understand who He is. The people who ate the bread went to look for Jesus the next day. Was it because they loved Jesus or because of the bread? They loved the bread more than Jesus. Were they right? No. What is more important and precious, Jesus, or the good things He gives us?
o Is it sometimes hard to think about Jesus instead of thinking about the things He gives us? The food we eat now doesn’t last. We get hungry again. Jesus said that He is like bread but better. We need Him just like we need food to eat, but unlike food, Jesus stays with us forever. We need Him more than food. Our bodies need food to be healthy (like cereal, apples, and milk). Our hearts need Jesus to be healthy. When we follow Jesus and turn away from our bad choices, we will be different. Jesus will satisfy us and give us life forever in heaven with Him.
Children (Grades 1-‐5)
o Ask your children what the difference is between a want and a need. Make sure they understand that a need is something that you must have in order to live, whereas a want is merely something that is desirable or would make life more comfortable.
o Divide the room in half with an imaginary line. Tell your child that one side will represents “wants” and the other “needs”. Explain that you will say a word or words, and they will have to move to the side of the room that represents the correct answer. Call out items from the following list one at a time, and after each item, have your child move as quickly as possible to the correct side of the room. Then have them move back to the center of the room after each question. Feel free to insert your own examples: Nintendo Wii, trip to iJump, clean water, cell phone, DVDs, basic food, Yogurt Mountain, having your own room, basic clothing.
o Ask your child which items on the list were needs. (clean water, basic food, basic clothing) Ask what would happen if someone went for a very long time without food. They would feel hungry, have less energy, and if they went long enough they wouldn’t be able to live any longer. Explain that food is important because it is necessary to live. But as important as food is, Jesus taught that there is something even more important that physical food. Jesus said that there is living bread that comes down from heaven, and “If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever” (John 6:51a). Physical food will sustain our bodies during this life, but Jesus has made a way for us to live forever by giving Himself on the cross and rising from the dead for the sins of His people.
Students (Grades 6-‐12)
o The people in Jesus’ day wanted signs and proof that He was indeed the Messiah. What are some signs, or proof, that God exists which people today look for?
o Some of those who were following Jesus seemed to be following Him for what they could gain from Him. If a person is following Christ because of what they can gain from Him now (such as blessings, answered prayer, etc.), what is the likely outcome when their circumstances change?
o Why is bread considered a basic staple to most diets and meals? What does it mean when Christ calls Himself “The Bread of Life?” How is Jesus different from the temporary bread (manna) that God sent His people from heaven in the wilderness when He brought them out of Egypt?
o How should life be different when we learn to seek after and depend on Christ for who He is, rather than the gifts and signs He gives?