After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias.
And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased.
And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his disciples.
And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh.
When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?
And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do.
Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little.
One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, saith unto him,
There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?
And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand.
And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.
When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.
Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.
Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world.
When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.
And when even was now come, his disciples went down unto the sea,
And entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them.
And the sea arose by reason of a great wind that blew.
So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid.
But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid.
Then they willingly received him into the ship: and immediately the ship was at the land whither they went.
The day following, when the people which stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was none other boat there, save that one whereinto his disciples were entered, and that Jesus went not with his disciples into the boat, but that his disciples were gone away alone;
(Howbeit there came other boats from Tiberias nigh unto the place where they did eat bread, after that the Lord had given thanks:)
When the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither his disciples, they also took shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus.
And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither?
Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.
Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.
Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?
Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work?
Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat.
Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven.
For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.
Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread.
And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not.
All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.
And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.
And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came down from heaven.
And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? how is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven?
Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves.
No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.
Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.
I am that bread of life.
Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead.
This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die.
I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.
The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat?
Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.
Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.
For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.
He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.
As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.
This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.
These things said he in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum.
Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it?
When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you?
What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before?
It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.
But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.
And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.
From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.
Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?
Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.
And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.
Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?
He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.
Context
John 6 follows the events of John 5 by several months, bringing us to about one year before Jesus' crucifixion. Unlike the other Gospels, John focuses on Jesus' divine nature rather than simply repeating familiar stories. This chapter is packed with significant events, marking a high point in Jesus' earthly popularity. It includes the fourth and fifth of John's seven miraculous signs, the third of John's seven witnesses to Jesus' divinity, and the first of Jesus' seven "I am" statements. John skips much material covered in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), assuming the reader is already familiar with them. The phrase "after this" (John 6:1) places us roughly five to six months after the events of chapter 5, and about a year before Jesus' trial and crucifixion.
Feeding the Five Thousand (John 6:1-15)
The chapter opens with Jesus ministering in Galilee, attracting a huge crowd drawn by the miraculous signs He performed (John 6:2). With the Passover approaching (John 6:4), many were journeying towards Jerusalem. Seeing the multitude, Jesus tested Philip by asking where they could buy bread for everyone (John 6:5). Jesus already knew what He intended to do (John 6:6).
This miracle of feeding the five thousand is unique, being the only one recorded in all four Gospels. The disciples react differently to the crowd's hunger. Some, like Philip, focus on the cost, calculating that two hundred denarii (over six months' wages) wouldn't suffice (John 6:7). Others, like Andrew, point to a potential source: a boy with five barley loaves and two fish (John 6:8-9). But even Andrew questions, "What are they for so many?" (John 6:9).
Jesus directs the people to sit down. The number of men alone was five thousand (John 6:10), suggesting a total crowd size possibly exceeding fifteen thousand when including women and children (see Matthew 14:21). Taking the loaves and fish, Jesus gives thanks to God for what seemed utterly inadequate (John 6:11). He then distributes the food, and miraculously, everyone eats as much as they want. Jesus transforms insufficiency into abundance, demonstrating that our limitations should not restrict what God can accomplish. Even in the face of scarcity, we should offer prayers of thanksgiving.
After everyone had their fill, Jesus instructed the disciples to collect the leftovers, filling twelve baskets (John 6:12-13). This serves as a tangible reminder of God's supernatural provision for each disciple. The people, witnessing this sign, recognize Jesus as "the Prophet who is to come into the world" (John 6:14; see Deuteronomy 18:15-18), acknowledging that His miracles point to His identity. However, Jesus, aware that they intended to take Him by force to make Him king, withdrew to the mountain alone (John 6:15). Their desire was for the physical benefits He offered, wanting the blessings without truly seeking the Blesser.
Walking on Water (John 6:16-21)
While Jesus remained on the mountain, the disciples embarked on their boat, crossing the sea without Him (John 6:16-17). A strong wind arose, and the waves grew turbulent (John 6:18). Adding to their distress, they saw Jesus walking on the sea, which terrified them (John 6:19). They feared He was a ghost.
Jesus calmed their fears, assuring them, "It is I; do not be afraid" (John 6:20). As soon as they were willing to take Him into the boat, it immediately reached the shore where they were heading (John 6:21). This often-overlooked detail reveals a hidden miracle. One moment they were struggling in a storm, the next they had miraculously arrived at their destination! When believers acknowledge and welcome Jesus' presence amidst their trials, they invite the supernatural into their circumstances, finding deliverance where they need to go.
The Bread of Life Discourse (John 6:22-59)
The next day, the crowd, puzzled by Jesus' disappearance, searched for Him (John 6:22-24). They eventually found Him in Capernaum, on the other side of the sea (John 6:24-25). They questioned Him, "Rabbi, when did you get here?" (John 6:25), suspecting a supernatural arrival.
Despite their pursuit, Jesus discerned their true motives: "You are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves" (John 6:26). They sought Him not for who He was, but for what He could give them. They desired His blessings, but not Him. God isn't opposed to blessing people, but He resists those who merely use Him for His blessings, seeking only what He can provide. He desires those who want Him more than His gifts.
Jesus urged them to prioritize the spiritual over the physical: "Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you" (John 6:27). They were focused on miraculous physical food, while the Son offered the free gift of spiritual food – eternal life.
They inquired about the works God required of them (John 6:28). Jesus clarified: "This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent" (John 6:29). The sole requirement for receiving eternal life is belief in Jesus Christ, God's Son.
Unsatisfied, they demanded a sign to justify their belief (John 6:30). They referenced the Old Testament miracle of manna, bread from heaven, provided by Moses in the wilderness (John 6:31). But Jesus corrected them, stating that God, not Moses, was the source of the bread (John 6:32). God was offering something greater than mere bread: the true bread, the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world (John 6:32-33).
The crowd, still focused on physical nourishment, pleaded, "Give us this bread always" (John 6:34), essentially crying, "We're hungry!" Jesus then declared, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst" (John 6:35). This is Jesus' way of describing the gift of eternal life.
We must recognize Jesus as our source of life. If we "feed" on Him (i.e., "believe in" Him, John 6:29) as the bread of God (John 6:33), we will never hunger again (i.e., we "will never die," John 11:26). This eternal life is permanent, secure, and irrevocable.
Despite witnessing Jesus' works, they refused to believe (John 6:36), prioritizing physical blessings over spiritual ones. Jesus assured them, "Everyone whom the Father gives me will come to me, and anyone who comes to me I will never cast out" (John 6:37). All who believe in the Son are a gift from the Father to the Son. God's will is that the Son lose none of those given to Him (John 6:39). This assures believers of eternal security. If you come to Him for salvation, you cannot be lost again. The Son promises not only to keep you safe, but also to grant you eternal life and raise you up on the last day (John 6:40).
Instead of believing, the Jews complained, questioning how Jesus could claim to be bread that came down from heaven (John 6:41). They argued, "Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How does he now say, 'I have come down from heaven'?" (John 6:42).
Jesus rebuked their complaints (John 6:43) and spoke of God's drawing of people to Himself: "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him" (John 6:44). Jesus is "the true light that gives light to everyone" (John 1:9). A person's response to that light determines whether or not they will come to Jesus, the only one who has seen the Father (John 6:46). This drawing is universal (see John 12:32; John 16:7-11) and can be rejected (see Acts 7:51).
The beautiful promise of the gospel is that anyone who believes in Jesus has eternal life (John 6:47). When Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life" (John 6:48), it marked the first of His seven "I am" statements in John's Gospel (see also John 8:12; John 10:7, 11; John 11:25; John 14:6; John 15:1). He would also use "I am" in an absolute sense to emphasize His divine identity (see John 8:58).
The Jews desired physical bread like the manna in the wilderness (John 6:30-31, 34), but Jesus reminded them that physical bread sustains life only temporarily (John 6:49). Those who come to Him, the bread that comes down from heaven, as their spiritual sustenance will not die (John 6:50). Just as we eat physical bread to sustain our physical lives, we must eat the living bread (believe in Jesus) to live forever (John 6:51).
"And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh" (John 6:51). Jesus spoke of the sacrifice of His body (His life) on the cross for the sins of the world (see John 1:29; John 19:18). Through this sacrifice, those who trust in Jesus as the atoning sacrifice for their sins will receive eternal life.
The people, unable to grasp the spiritual meaning, considered Jesus' words nonsensical (John 6:52). Nevertheless, Jesus insisted on the necessity of eating His flesh and drinking His blood to have eternal life (John 6:53-56). He wasn't advocating cannibalism, but using a powerful metaphor to emphasize the absolute necessity of believing in Him. Just as physical food is essential for physical survival, so too is Jesus essential for spiritual life. You must eat Him – receive Him, trust Him, believe in Him, have faith in Him, partake of Him. The one who feeds on Him will live because of Him (John 6:53, 57).
Furthermore, the believer's ongoing act of faith through spiritually partaking of the body and blood of Christ in Communion allows increasing access to the benefits, power, and blessings of the new covenant (see 1 Corinthians 10:16, 17; 1 Corinthians 11:23-20).
The Reaction of the Disciples (John 6:60-71)
Many of His disciples, confused, couldn't comprehend His teaching (John 6:60). Jesus asked them, "Does this offend you?" (John 6:61), inquiring if His teaching was causing them to stumble. He questioned what they would think if they saw Him ascending to heaven (John 6:62).
"It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life" (John 6:63). The Holy Spirit empowers belief in Jesus' words, activating Jesus' life within a person to grant spiritual life. Salvation cannot be achieved through human effort.
Knowing, as God, those who did not believe and the one who would betray Him, Judas (John 6:64), Jesus stated, "No one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father" (John 6:65). God grants access to Jesus only to those willing to respond to Him. The Father cooperates with a person's decision to believe in His Son.
Following this, many who had been following Jesus deserted Him (John 6:66). When Jesus asked the Twelve if they also intended to leave, Peter, speaking for the group, declared his faith: "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God" (John 6:68-69). Peter recognized what the others missed: Jesus' words "are spirit and life" (John 6:63). Only those who remain with Christ in discipleship will gain further understanding from Him; those who abandon Him will not.
Jesus had chosen these twelve to travel and minister with Him, yet He knew that one of them was "a devil" – an unbeliever who would betray Him for money (John 6:70). John reveals that Jesus was referring to Judas, Simon Iscariot's son (John 6:71; see John 13:21-30; John 18:1-5). This betrayal would not catch Jesus by surprise, and God's plan would be fulfilled even through the actions of Satan and his followers.
After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias.
And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased.
And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his disciples.
And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh.
When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?
And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do.
Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little.
One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, saith unto him,
There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?
And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand.
And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.
When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.
Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.
Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world.
When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.
And when even was now come, his disciples went down unto the sea,
And entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them.
And the sea arose by reason of a great wind that blew.
So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid.
But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid.
Then they willingly received him into the ship: and immediately the ship was at the land whither they went.
The day following, when the people which stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was none other boat there, save that one whereinto his disciples were entered, and that Jesus went not with his disciples into the boat, but that his disciples were gone away alone;
(Howbeit there came other boats from Tiberias nigh unto the place where they did eat bread, after that the Lord had given thanks:)
When the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither his disciples, they also took shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus.
And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither?
Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.
Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.
Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?
Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work?
Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat.
Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven.
For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.
Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread.
And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not.
All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.
And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.
And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came down from heaven.
And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? how is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven?
Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves.
No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.
Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.
I am that bread of life.
Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead.
This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die.
I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.
The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat?
Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.
Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.
For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.
He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.
As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.
This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.
These things said he in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum.
Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it?
When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you?
What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before?
It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.
But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.
And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.
From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.
Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?
Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.
And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.
Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?
He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.
Context
John 6 follows the events of John 5 by several months, bringing us to about one year before Jesus' crucifixion. Unlike the other Gospels, John focuses on Jesus' divine nature rather than simply repeating familiar stories. This chapter is packed with significant events, marking a high point in Jesus' earthly popularity. It includes the fourth and fifth of John's seven miraculous signs, the third of John's seven witnesses to Jesus' divinity, and the first of Jesus' seven "I am" statements. John skips much material covered in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), assuming the reader is already familiar with them. The phrase "after this" (John 6:1) places us roughly five to six months after the events of chapter 5, and about a year before Jesus' trial and crucifixion.
Feeding the Five Thousand (John 6:1-15)
The chapter opens with Jesus ministering in Galilee, attracting a huge crowd drawn by the miraculous signs He performed (John 6:2). With the Passover approaching (John 6:4), many were journeying towards Jerusalem. Seeing the multitude, Jesus tested Philip by asking where they could buy bread for everyone (John 6:5). Jesus already knew what He intended to do (John 6:6).
This miracle of feeding the five thousand is unique, being the only one recorded in all four Gospels. The disciples react differently to the crowd's hunger. Some, like Philip, focus on the cost, calculating that two hundred denarii (over six months' wages) wouldn't suffice (John 6:7). Others, like Andrew, point to a potential source: a boy with five barley loaves and two fish (John 6:8-9). But even Andrew questions, "What are they for so many?" (John 6:9).
Jesus directs the people to sit down. The number of men alone was five thousand (John 6:10), suggesting a total crowd size possibly exceeding fifteen thousand when including women and children (see Matthew 14:21). Taking the loaves and fish, Jesus gives thanks to God for what seemed utterly inadequate (John 6:11). He then distributes the food, and miraculously, everyone eats as much as they want. Jesus transforms insufficiency into abundance, demonstrating that our limitations should not restrict what God can accomplish. Even in the face of scarcity, we should offer prayers of thanksgiving.
After everyone had their fill, Jesus instructed the disciples to collect the leftovers, filling twelve baskets (John 6:12-13). This serves as a tangible reminder of God's supernatural provision for each disciple. The people, witnessing this sign, recognize Jesus as "the Prophet who is to come into the world" (John 6:14; see Deuteronomy 18:15-18), acknowledging that His miracles point to His identity. However, Jesus, aware that they intended to take Him by force to make Him king, withdrew to the mountain alone (John 6:15). Their desire was for the physical benefits He offered, wanting the blessings without truly seeking the Blesser.
Walking on Water (John 6:16-21)
While Jesus remained on the mountain, the disciples embarked on their boat, crossing the sea without Him (John 6:16-17). A strong wind arose, and the waves grew turbulent (John 6:18). Adding to their distress, they saw Jesus walking on the sea, which terrified them (John 6:19). They feared He was a ghost.
Jesus calmed their fears, assuring them, "It is I; do not be afraid" (John 6:20). As soon as they were willing to take Him into the boat, it immediately reached the shore where they were heading (John 6:21). This often-overlooked detail reveals a hidden miracle. One moment they were struggling in a storm, the next they had miraculously arrived at their destination! When believers acknowledge and welcome Jesus' presence amidst their trials, they invite the supernatural into their circumstances, finding deliverance where they need to go.
The Bread of Life Discourse (John 6:22-59)
The next day, the crowd, puzzled by Jesus' disappearance, searched for Him (John 6:22-24). They eventually found Him in Capernaum, on the other side of the sea (John 6:24-25). They questioned Him, "Rabbi, when did you get here?" (John 6:25), suspecting a supernatural arrival.
Despite their pursuit, Jesus discerned their true motives: "You are looking for me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves" (John 6:26). They sought Him not for who He was, but for what He could give them. They desired His blessings, but not Him. God isn't opposed to blessing people, but He resists those who merely use Him for His blessings, seeking only what He can provide. He desires those who want Him more than His gifts.
Jesus urged them to prioritize the spiritual over the physical: "Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you" (John 6:27). They were focused on miraculous physical food, while the Son offered the free gift of spiritual food – eternal life.
They inquired about the works God required of them (John 6:28). Jesus clarified: "This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent" (John 6:29). The sole requirement for receiving eternal life is belief in Jesus Christ, God's Son.
Unsatisfied, they demanded a sign to justify their belief (John 6:30). They referenced the Old Testament miracle of manna, bread from heaven, provided by Moses in the wilderness (John 6:31). But Jesus corrected them, stating that God, not Moses, was the source of the bread (John 6:32). God was offering something greater than mere bread: the true bread, the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world (John 6:32-33).
The crowd, still focused on physical nourishment, pleaded, "Give us this bread always" (John 6:34), essentially crying, "We're hungry!" Jesus then declared, "I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst" (John 6:35). This is Jesus' way of describing the gift of eternal life.
We must recognize Jesus as our source of life. If we "feed" on Him (i.e., "believe in" Him, John 6:29) as the bread of God (John 6:33), we will never hunger again (i.e., we "will never die," John 11:26). This eternal life is permanent, secure, and irrevocable.
Despite witnessing Jesus' works, they refused to believe (John 6:36), prioritizing physical blessings over spiritual ones. Jesus assured them, "Everyone whom the Father gives me will come to me, and anyone who comes to me I will never cast out" (John 6:37). All who believe in the Son are a gift from the Father to the Son. God's will is that the Son lose none of those given to Him (John 6:39). This assures believers of eternal security. If you come to Him for salvation, you cannot be lost again. The Son promises not only to keep you safe, but also to grant you eternal life and raise you up on the last day (John 6:40).
Instead of believing, the Jews complained, questioning how Jesus could claim to be bread that came down from heaven (John 6:41). They argued, "Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How does he now say, 'I have come down from heaven'?" (John 6:42).
Jesus rebuked their complaints (John 6:43) and spoke of God's drawing of people to Himself: "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him" (John 6:44). Jesus is "the true light that gives light to everyone" (John 1:9). A person's response to that light determines whether or not they will come to Jesus, the only one who has seen the Father (John 6:46). This drawing is universal (see John 12:32; John 16:7-11) and can be rejected (see Acts 7:51).
The beautiful promise of the gospel is that anyone who believes in Jesus has eternal life (John 6:47). When Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life" (John 6:48), it marked the first of His seven "I am" statements in John's Gospel (see also John 8:12; John 10:7, 11; John 11:25; John 14:6; John 15:1). He would also use "I am" in an absolute sense to emphasize His divine identity (see John 8:58).
The Jews desired physical bread like the manna in the wilderness (John 6:30-31, 34), but Jesus reminded them that physical bread sustains life only temporarily (John 6:49). Those who come to Him, the bread that comes down from heaven, as their spiritual sustenance will not die (John 6:50). Just as we eat physical bread to sustain our physical lives, we must eat the living bread (believe in Jesus) to live forever (John 6:51).
"And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh" (John 6:51). Jesus spoke of the sacrifice of His body (His life) on the cross for the sins of the world (see John 1:29; John 19:18). Through this sacrifice, those who trust in Jesus as the atoning sacrifice for their sins will receive eternal life.
The people, unable to grasp the spiritual meaning, considered Jesus' words nonsensical (John 6:52). Nevertheless, Jesus insisted on the necessity of eating His flesh and drinking His blood to have eternal life (John 6:53-56). He wasn't advocating cannibalism, but using a powerful metaphor to emphasize the absolute necessity of believing in Him. Just as physical food is essential for physical survival, so too is Jesus essential for spiritual life. You must eat Him – receive Him, trust Him, believe in Him, have faith in Him, partake of Him. The one who feeds on Him will live because of Him (John 6:53, 57).
Furthermore, the believer's ongoing act of faith through spiritually partaking of the body and blood of Christ in Communion allows increasing access to the benefits, power, and blessings of the new covenant (see 1 Corinthians 10:16, 17; 1 Corinthians 11:23-20).
The Reaction of the Disciples (John 6:60-71)
Many of His disciples, confused, couldn't comprehend His teaching (John 6:60). Jesus asked them, "Does this offend you?" (John 6:61), inquiring if His teaching was causing them to stumble. He questioned what they would think if they saw Him ascending to heaven (John 6:62).
"It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life" (John 6:63). The Holy Spirit empowers belief in Jesus' words, activating Jesus' life within a person to grant spiritual life. Salvation cannot be achieved through human effort.
Knowing, as God, those who did not believe and the one who would betray Him, Judas (John 6:64), Jesus stated, "No one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father" (John 6:65). God grants access to Jesus only to those willing to respond to Him. The Father cooperates with a person's decision to believe in His Son.
Following this, many who had been following Jesus deserted Him (John 6:66). When Jesus asked the Twelve if they also intended to leave, Peter, speaking for the group, declared his faith: "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God" (John 6:68-69). Peter recognized what the others missed: Jesus' words "are spirit and life" (John 6:63). Only those who remain with Christ in discipleship will gain further understanding from Him; those who abandon Him will not.
Jesus had chosen these twelve to travel and minister with Him, yet He knew that one of them was "a devil" – an unbeliever who would betray Him for money (John 6:70). John reveals that Jesus was referring to Judas, Simon Iscariot's son (John 6:71; see John 13:21-30; John 18:1-5). This betrayal would not catch Jesus by surprise, and God's plan would be fulfilled even through the actions of Satan and his followers.