John 6

Because of John’s repeated mention of the Passover, we understand that Jesus’ ministry lasted a few years rather than a few months (6:4). John also emphasizes Jesus’ foreknowledge and understanding (6:6). When Jesus asks a question there is a specific reason, and much of the time it is actually a test.

We have a verification here of what was mentioned yesterday. People really are looking for a prophet like Moses, as was foretold in the Old Testament (6:14).

What is neat here is that Jesus literally says, “I am. Do not be afraid.” This is a reference to His deity, because the expression is used by God to describe Himself:

Exodus 3:14 (WEB) “God said to Moses, ’I AM who I AM.”’

When we are at our worst; when we are the most fearful; when we are facing difficult circumstances; we need to remember that God is watching over us and we don’t need to be afraid anymore (6:20). He brings us safely to shore (6:21).

We see the people continuing to “stalk” Jesus (22-24)! This reminds us of why He doesn’t always want His ministry broadcast. Sometimes He needs rest. Sometimes He has to be somewhere else. Sometimes He is avoiding the Jewish leadership. He always has a reason and a plan for what He does, even when we don’t always understand.

Jesus accuses the crowd of coming to find Him simply because they were fed! It brings up an interesting point. We understand that He did a miracle with the loaves and the fish, but how many outside of the circle of disciples would know? Jesus encourages them to not just look for literal food, but spiritual food: the food that only He can provide. They want Him to be the prophet like Moses, and to perform a miraculous sign like the manna. Were they looking for daily feeding, or for something more spectacular than loaves and fish? Either way, Jesus cautions them that it was God who actually did the miracle, and He was currently doing another one in their midst. They just need to believe that Jesus is the bread of life!

This is the first of the official “I am” metaphors in the book of John. Not only is Jesus claiming deity here, but He is sharing with them that He is the giver of eternal life. They need to believe in Him (eat of His flesh), because He is going to give His body on the cross for the sake of mankind. If they believe it’s because the Father brings them through the Spirit, and Jesus will accept them because that is the Fathers will. Once they are accepted they will be His for eternity and will participate in the bodily resurrection at the end of the age!

Some of the crowd find this hard to understand. They take his metaphor literally, and don’t understand that He is foreshadowing His death on the cross. They quit following Him at this point, but the disciples understand that Jesus has “the words of eternal life.” However, there is one among the 12 who does not believe. John makes sure to record Jesus comments about Judas here to again emphasize that Jesus knows and understands all things, and that what was foretold in the OT must take place.

Thought for the day: There are four statements here that remind us that once we know Jesus, we’re His forever!

John 6:37 (WEB) “He who comes to me I will in no way throw out.”

John 6:39 (WEB) “all he has given to me I should lose nothing”

John 6:47 (WEB) “Most certainly, I tell you, he who believes in me has eternal life.”

John 6:58 (WEB) “He who eats this bread will live forever.”