John 6 - Introduction

Jesus Is The Bread Of Life John Six

John six allows us to look at both the power and the wisdom of the Lord Jesus. Jesus put Philip to the test to show where he stood in the faith. "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." (John 6:5-6) Jesus wanted Philip and us to understand the greatness of His power. Jesus' ministry now became much more public. However, He would not allow Himself to be crowned as an earthly king. "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." (John 6:15) This showed Christ's concern for a spiritual kingdom, the church instead of a literal kingdom on earth.

The feeding of the five thousand is the only miracle that is recounted in all four gospels. (Matthew 14:13-23; Mark 6:30-46; Luke 9:10-17; John 6:1-15) Jesus gave the people bread made from barley and fish. He would soon offer them "the Bread of Life." In John six we observe as Jesus amazed His disciples as He walked to them on the sea. (John 6:16-21) John does not mention Peter walking on the water. When Jesus was walking on water toward the boat He said, "It is I, be not afraid." These miracles show Jesus' power over nature. In John six Jesus described Himself as the Bread of Life. "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." (John 6:35) Jesus came to this earth to do the will of God. (John 6:38) He said we must eat his flesh and drink His blood. This means we must assimilate or digest Him into our lives. After hearing this teaching many of the disciples went back to walk no more with Him. (John 6:66) The disciples would not leave Jesus. Jesus said to 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." (John 6:67-69)