John 6 - Introduction

PART III. (B.)
II. JESUS MANIFESTS HIMSELF AS THE SUSTAINER OF LIFE, BUT IS REJECTED OF THE JEWS, OF NOMINAL DISCIPLES

1. In Galilee.—

(1) By feeding the five thousand He shows Himself to be the source and upholder of all things (John 6:1);

(2) the meaning of this sign is misunderstood (John 6:14);

(3) He shows again His power in the realm of nature by His control over wind and wave, and also in walking on the sea that He can use natural laws according to His will (John 6:16).

2. (1) In His teaching He offers Himself as the true bread of life, the bread of God, the bread which is from heaven, of which the manna was but a type;

(2) as the Son of man who will give His flesh for the life of the world (John 6:22).

3. (1) The Jews murmur, and strive among themselves, on hearing this doctrine (John 6:52);

(2) many of His nominal disciples are offended at His saying, and “went back” (John 6:60);

(3) the disciples are led into firmer faith, which will lead ever more surely to conflict with the power of darkness, which manifests itself even in the ranks of the twelve.

Second Year of our Lord’s Ministry

Chap. 6.—Synoptic parallels: Matthew 14:13; Mark 6:30; Luke 9:10.

Time.—Nisan (March–April), A.U.C. 782, A.D. 29.