Discussion Questions: Luke 9:10-17

For the message, The Feast Jesus Provides given by Pastor John Ferguson
at New City Church of Calgary on April 4, 2014

These discussion questions are designed to help you reflect upon and apply the message from the Scriptures.
You can use these by yourself for reflection, or with your family or small group for discussion.

Introduction:

Do you generally find it difficult or easy to accept the testimony of the early biographers of Jesus when it
comes to the miracles that are attributed to him.

Read our text and context from Luke 9:1-17.

Questions:

1. What was Herod the tetrarchs reaction to all the buzz about the ministry of Jesus and his disciples? What
was the specific question he asked, and why do you think he wanted to see Jesus?

2. With the question of Herod ringing in our ears, Luke introduces us to part of his the answer by introducing
us to the miracle of the feeding of the 5,000 plus people in Bethsaida. Pastor John notes that this is the
only miracle other than the resurrection that is mentioned by all four gospel writers. Does that get your
attention? What can you conclude from that?

3. Jesus sought to give his disciples rest from their mission trip, but the crowds still swarmed them. What was
the reaction of Jesus to this? Compare the account of the gospel writer Mark, in Mark 6:34. What does this
tell you about how Jesus viewed the crowds?

4. Knowing full well that the disciples had no bread (Luke 9:3), why do you think Jesus told them, You give
them something to eat? Compare what John the Apostle said in John 6:6-9.

What was the reaction of the disciples? In other words, what were they seeing? What were they not
seeing?

5. What would you say in answer to an objection that no one can seriously believe this actually happened?

Think through why all four gospel writers would present this to their audience? Remember to include the
sheer numbers of people who saw this and where it took place.

6. According to the Apostle John, the crowds response to this incredible display of power was to make Jesus
king by force, but Jesus withdrew from them. The next day, the crowd found him. Read John 6:22-59.

What things stand out to you from reading this account?
What was the message Jesus wanted to communicate in this miracle?

Conclusion:

What is the one thing you want to take away from this study to remember or to make a change in your
life? How does this text help you understand your need for Jesus? How does this text challenge you to
follow him?

Renewing your mind:

John 6:35, Jesus said to them, I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever
believes in me shall never thirst.