John 6:26-40

The Desire for a Sign: the True Manna. After raising their expectations He had refused to go forward. In answer to their surprise at finding Him so soon across the lake He tells them why. Their hopes are confined to the material. They must seek the higher food, which leads to true life. They ask what they are to do. Believe in God's Messenger. But He has refused to act as God's Messiah. By what sign will He justify His claim to their faith? Will He give the new manna from heaven which Messiah was expected to give? (Cf. Apoc. Baruch, 298, The treasure of manna shall again descend from on high.) They quote Psalms 78:24. That points, Jesus replies, to God, not Moses, as the Giver. He is fulfilling His promise. The Son is the true manna, food of the higher life of man (Philo, He calleth the Divine word, eldest of things that are, Manna). But for their unbelief the gift would be theirs, John 6:37 though full of Johannine phrase and thought, is most easily understood in the light of the historical situation. It meets the complaint that He has refused those who would hail Him as Messiah. He replies that He does not reject arbitrarily, but acts according to the Father's will. All whom He gives, into whose hearts He puts the desire to be true disciples, will be received. These He will raise at the last day. The teaching here given does not set aside the popular Christian expectation of a final day (cf. John 5:28 f.).