STARTER
[Share a story with one other person]
Tell of a time, in your life, when you realised you were looking in the wrong place for what you needed, or looking for the wrong thing

WORSHIP

READ PASSAGE ALOUD

RE-READ PASSAGE AND COMMENTARY
(Personal reflection)

PERSONAL FOCUS
(Personal reflection on the passage / commentary & questions in silence 10 minutes)

COMMENTARY
Jesus has just fed the Israelites of his day with "bread from heaven", but they saw only the "bread". They followed him back across the lake to Capernaum. They were hoping for more free food. Jesus uses their question to try to teach them the deeper meaning of the "bread from heaven". He reproaches them for being so concerned about food. They have missed the meaning of the feeding. They do not see this as a "sign" pointing to a deeper reality. When they ask what they must do to perform works pleasing to God, Jesus says in effect, "nothing". They are simply to accept him as the one God has sent. This faith is a free gift of God. The mention of faith makes them impatient. They want action. The crowd is operating on the material level. They are hoping for an endless supply of food. Jesus startles them by saying he is the "bread which gives life".They must belive in him. He will satisfy them forever. (Baranowski)
John's gospel has no account of the Last Supper but this chapter can be seen as a commentary or sermon on the church's worship which finds its focus in the sharing of bread and wine at the Eucharist.

PERSONAL FOCUS QUESTIONS

1. Which verse in this reading speaks to you?
    What is God saying to you?

2. In a society that offers instant gratification and the pursuit of comfort
    and convenience, what can you do to keep your focus on Jesus?

3. Where have you seen Jesus in your life this past week?

4. Has your attitude to material things changed over the years?
    In what ways?

When you have reflected alone, share together in threes.

LIFE FOCUS

1. Most familes bring their daily story and problems to the dinner table.
    Does the worship in your church allow you to bring your problems
    and needs to the Lord's table?

2. What practical outcome is there from our reflection?
    Do we need to make any plans to make things happen?

3. How can we help the world find life in Jesus?

GROUP MEMORY TIME
(reveiew the actions you agreed to carry out at previous meetings)

REVIEW TIME
Has this meeting helped focus your attention on the things that can really satisfy you?

PRAYER TIME
Pray for those who hunger and thirst but find no satisfaction in the places they look. Pray for those who hunger and thirst for justice in the world.

NEXT MEETING
Fix date and venue of next meeting.