MORE THAN A MIRACLE

Part 4: The Motive Test

February 15, 2026

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John 6:16-21 (NIV) When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough.

 

When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened. But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.

 

Job 9:8 (NIV) He alone stretches out the heavens and treads on the waves of the sea.

Following Jesus is .

 

1. You follow Jesus for , not for .

 

2. You approach scripture looking for , not for .

 

3. You are when Jesus doesn’t .

 

4. You reduce to how you .

 

5. You want a without .

 

John 6:5-6 (NIV) When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do.

Deuteronomy 8:2 (NIV) Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness… to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart.

 

• Some people follow Jesus .

 

John 6:26–27 (NIV) Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you.

• Jesus will what you’re

 

John 6:48 (NIV) I am the bread of life.

 

John 6:56 (NIV) Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them.

 

John 6:60 (NIV) On hearing it, many of his disciples said, “This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?”

• When your motive is , you will either or .

 

John 6:66-69 (NIV) From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.

 

 

“You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve. Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.”

 

1. Stop to what He can .

 

Psalm 73:25 (NIV) Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.

2. Examine why you’re .

 

2 Corinthians 13:5 (NIV) Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves.

3. Be still when it’s or you don’t .

 

James 1:2-4 (NIV) Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

4. Find your and in Jesus alone.

 

John 6:57-58 (NIV) Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me. This is the bread that came down from heaven…

 

Psalm 16:15 (AMP) The Lord is the portion of my inheritance, my cup. He is all I need.