God Does Not Need You, He Wants You
Embracing God’s Desire for a Relationship
Scripture: John 6:16-40 (NASB)
Introduction:
Today, I want to share a message that I believe will touch your heart deeply and give you a new perspective on your relationship with God. The title of this sermon is “God Does Not Need You, He Wants You.” This statement might seem a little shocking at first, but as we dive into John 6:16-40, we’ll discover the profound truth behind it.
Let us pray.
- The Miracle in the Storm (John 6:16-21):
Let’s start by setting the scene. In John 6:16-21, the disciples are caught in a storm, struggling against the wind and the waves. Jesus, knowing their predicament, walks on water to reach them, calming their fears with the words, “It is I; do not be afraid” (v. 20).
Illustration: Imagine you are in the middle of a storm. The waves are crashing, the wind is howling, and your strength is failing. Suddenly, you see someone walking towards you on the water, coming directly to your aid. That’s what Jesus did. He didn’t need the disciples to save Him; He went out of His way to save them.
Application: This scene shows us that God is always moving toward us, not because He needs us, but because He wants to be with us. He enters into the storms of our lives—not because He is obligated, but because He desires a relationship with us. God wants to calm our fears and speak peace into our chaos.
Question: What storms are you experiencing right now, today? Are you allowing Jesus to enter your storm or will you just let Him walk on by?
- The Bread of Life Discourse (John 6:22-34):
After the storm, the crowd seeks Jesus, eager for more miracles. But Jesus redirects their focus from physical bread to spiritual nourishment, saying, “Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life” (v. 27). He emphasizes that He is the true Bread of Life.
Illustration: When we think of bread, we think of sustenance. Bread is a daily need; it’s essential for survival. Yet Jesus says, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst” (v. 35). He’s offering Himself as the ultimate satisfaction for our deepest needs.
Application: God does not need our works, our efforts, or even our approval to be God. He wants our hearts. He wants us to come to Him, not just for what He can give, but for who He is. The crowd wanted more miracles, more bread, more signs, but Jesus wanted them to see that He Himself was the gift they truly needed.
Question: Are you looking for God just to fix your problems or do you really view Jesus as a precious gift?
- God’s Invitation to Eternal Life (John 6:35-40):
Jesus makes a bold statement in verse 37: “All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out.” Here, we see the heart of God—a God who desires to embrace us, welcome us, and never let us go. He does not need us, but He deeply wants us.
Illustration: Think of a parent who longs to be close to their child, not out of necessity but out of pure love. They don’t need the child to complete them, but their desire to be with the child is overwhelming. God’s love for us is the same; He longs to have us near.
Application: This passage speaks to the security we have in Christ. He promises that He will never reject those who come to Him. It’s not about our performance or perfection; it’s about His unchanging love and desire for us. Even when we feel unworthy, even when we’ve failed, God still wants us. He’s not holding a list of requirements; He’s holding out His hands, inviting us to come to Him.
Question: Are you living in the freedom of knowing that God’s acceptance isn’t based on your performance, or are you still trying to earn His love even when He’s already holding out His hands, inviting you just as you are?
Conclusion:
Church, the beauty of the Gospel is not that God needs us to complete some cosmic puzzle. He’s self-sufficient, all-powerful, and lacks nothing. But He chooses to want us, to love us, and to invite us into a relationship with Him. Jesus desires you. Let that sink in—God wants you.
As we reflect on John 6:16-40, let us be reminded that our worth is not based on what we can offer God but on His incredible love for us. He comes to us in our storms, He offers us the Bread of Life, and He promises never to cast us out.
Challenge: This week, I challenge you to let go of the feeling that you have to earn God’s love. Instead, rest in the truth that He wants you, just as you are. He’s not waiting for you to be perfect; He’s simply waiting for you to come.
Let us pray.
May God bless you with the assurance that you are deeply wanted by Him, today and always. Amen.
