January 21st Lesson Plan: The Book of John 6:1-21

Jesus Is Enough
John 6:1–21 (take a moment to read the passage)

In the first part of Chapter 6, we are invited into two scenes that feel almost cinematic: a hillside filled with hungry people and a dark lake stirred by wind and fear. At first glance, these moments seem different—one about provision, the other about protection—but together they reveal a deeper truth: Jesus is sufficient in every circumstance, whether our need is visible or hidden, physical or spiritual.

The chapter opens with a great crowd following Jesus. They are hungry, and the disciples quickly realize the problem is beyond their means. Five loaves and two fish are laughably small against thousands of empty stomachs. Yet Jesus does not dismiss the need, nor does He shame the disciples for their lack of trust, as scripture notes they were being tested. Instead, He asks them to bring what they have. What feels inadequate in human hands becomes abundant in the hands of Christ. Everyone eats, and there is more left over than what they started with!

This miracle teaches us something essential about faith: Jesus does not ask us to produce what we do not have; He asks us to surrender what we do have. Too often, we wait until we feel “ready” or “enough” before trusting God. John reminds us that obedience comes before abundance. The miracle did not happen while the bread was hidden—it happened when it was placed in Jesus’ hands. 

The scene then shifts to the Sea of Galilee. Night falls. The disciples are alone in the boat, rowing hard against the wind. Jesus is not visible. Fear grows as the waves rise. Then they see Him—walking on the water. Their first response is terror, but Jesus speaks words that steady the soul: “It is I; do not be afraid.” In Greek, His words echo God’s own self-revelation: I AM. The same Jesus who fed the crowd is sovereign over the storm. Notice that disciples are not rebuked for being afraid; they are comforted by His presence. The moment they receive Him into the boat, they arrive safely at their destination. John does not say the storm immediately stopped—only that Jesus was with them, and that was enough.

This passage invites us to reflect on where we are tempted to rely on our own strength. Are we staring at empty baskets, convinced what we have cannot possibly meet the need? Are we rowing in exhaustion, wondering why Jesus seems distant? John 6 reminds us that Christ is neither absent nor unaware. He is present on the mountain of provision and on the waves of uncertainty. Today, bring Him your loaves. Trust Him in the storm. Whether He multiplies your resources or simply says, “Do not be afraid,” His presence is the miracle—and it is always enough.

Reflections:

1)        Are we being tested currently to trust Christ when the solution is beyond our capacity? 

2)        Has there been a time that God has “overdelivered” and wowed us with his provision?

3)       What are we fearful of that the Holy Spirit could walk beside us in?