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John 6:60-71

Sermon Notes

Are You a Fan or a Follower?

MESSAGE NOTES
So That You May Believe and Have Life – The Gospel of John
Part 19 – “Are You a Fan or a Follower?”
John 6:60–71

Many people today struggle with Jesus and His teachings because they challenge our natural instincts, cultural norms, or self-interest.
What are some of the teachings of Jesus that turn people away from Him today?

PLACE FOR NOTES:

Just as people today wrestle with Jesus’ teachings, many in His day did as well.

Last week, Pastor Charlotte spoke about how the crowds were fans of Jesus—drawn by what He could do for them.

  • When they were hungry, He fed them: the miracle of feeding over 5,000 with two fish and five barley loaves.

  • When they were sick, He healed them.

But then Jesus challenged them by explaining why He came—not for physical provision or healing, but to offer spiritual life.
See: John 6:47–58

In that time, drinking blood was forbidden by Old Testament law, and the phrase “eat someone’s flesh” was an idiom for hostility.
Jesus was not suggesting religious cannibalism.

Instead, He used physical language to express a spiritual truth:
To “eat His flesh and drink His blood” means to accept His sacrificial death on the cross for our sin.

PLACE FOR NOTES:

John 6:60–66
Many of Jesus’ disciples turned away and deserted Him.
They showed that they were fans, not true followers.

PLACE FOR NOTES:

John 6:67–71
The response of Jesus’ true disciples highlights the difference between being a fan and being a follower.

PLACE FOR NOTES:

So how can we live as true followers of Jesus—
not just as fans—once we’ve put our trust in Him and experienced His forgiveness and promise of life?

There’s a clue in John 6:62–63, where Jesus speaks about:

  • His ascension back to heaven, and

  • The coming of the Holy Spirit, who facilitates belief and gives life.

The gift of the Holy Spirit was given at the Festival of Shavuot (Pentecost) nearly 2,000 years ago.
Until then, the temple was where God’s presence resided.

But on that Pentecost, God changed His dwelling place.
See: Ephesians 2:18–22

PLACE FOR NOTES:

We cannot live as Jesus’ followers by our own strength—
but through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are able to become more like Christ.

This happens as we Practice the Way of Jesus, a theme we explored last Fall.

See: Galatians 5:13–25

PLACE FOR NOTES:

Taking It Home

We encourage you to take a few minutes today and this week to reflect on this message.
These questions are great for personal reflection or discussion with family, friends, mentors, or your small group.

  1. What stands out to you in these passages from the Bible? From the message?

  2. What is difficult for you to understand or accept in these passages?

  3. What is God saying—through the passages and message—about Himself? About people? About you?

  4. What examples are there to follow, commands to obey, or promises to stand on?