John 6
BSB1 After this, Jesus crossed to the other side of the Sea of Galilee (that is, the Sea of Tiberias). 2 A large crowd followed Him because they saw the signs He was performing on the sick. 3 Then Jesus went up on the mountain and sat down with His disciples. 4 Now the Jewish Feast of the Passover was near. 5 When Jesus looked up and saw a large crowd coming toward Him, He said to Philip, “Where can we buy bread for these people to eat?" 6 But He was asking this to test him, for He knew what He was about to do. 7 Philip answered, “Two hundred denarii would not buy enough bread for each of them to have a small piece." 8 One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to Him, 9 “Here is a boy with five barley loaves and two small fish. But what difference will these make among so many?" 10 “Have the people sit down,” Jesus said. Now there was plenty of grass in that place, so the men sat down, about five thousand of them. 11 Then Jesus took the loaves and the fish, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. 12 And when everyone was full, He said to His disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over, so that nothing will be wasted." 13 So they collected them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten. 14 When the people saw the sign that Jesus had performed, they began to say, “Truly this is the Prophet who is to come into the world." 15 Then Jesus, realizing that they were about to come and make Him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by Himself. 16 When evening came, His disciples went down to the sea, 17 got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was already dark, and Jesus had not yet gone out to them. 18 A strong wind was blowing, and the sea grew agitated. 19 When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the sea—and they were terrified. 20 But Jesus spoke up: “It is I; do not be afraid." 21 Then they were willing to take Him into the boat, and at once the boat reached the shore where they were heading. 22 The next day, the crowd that had remained on the other side of the sea realized that only one boat had been there, and that Jesus had not boarded it with His disciples, but they had gone away alone. 23 However, some boats from Tiberias landed near the place where the people had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. 24 So when the crowd saw that neither Jesus nor His disciples were there, they got into the boats and went to Capernaum to look for Him. 25 When they found Him on the other side of the sea, they asked Him, “Rabbi, when did You get here?" 26 Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, it is not because you saw these signs that you are looking for Me, but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. 27 Do not work for food that perishes, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on Him God the Father has placed His seal of approval." 28 Then they inquired, “What must we do to perform the works of God?" 29 Jesus replied, “The work of God is this: to believe in the One He has sent." 30 So they asked Him, “What sign then will You perform, so that we may see it and believe You? What will You do? 31 Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, as it is written: ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’ “ 32 Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is My Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world." 34 “Sir,” they said, “give us this bread at all times." 35 Jesus answered, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never hunger, and whoever believes in Me will never thirst. 36 But as I stated, you have seen Me and still you do not believe. 37 Everyone the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will never drive away. 38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but to do the will of Him who sent Me. 39 And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that I shall lose none of those He has given Me, but raise them up at the last day. 40 For it is My Father’s will that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day." 41 At this, the Jews began to grumble about Jesus because He had said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven." 42 They were asking, “Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How then can He say, ‘I have come down from heaven?’" 43 “Stop grumbling among yourselves,” Jesus replied. 44 “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day. 45 It is written in the Prophets: ‘And they will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who has heard the Father and learned from Him comes to Me— 46 not that anyone has seen the Father except the One who is from God; only He has seen the Father. 47 Truly, truly, I tell you, he who believes has eternal life. 48 I am the bread of life. 49 Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, yet they died. 50 This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that anyone may eat of it and not die. 51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And this bread, which I will give for the life of the world, is My flesh." 52 At this, the Jews began to argue among themselves, “How can this man give us His flesh to eat?" 53 So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I tell you, unless you eat the flesh and drink the blood of the Son of Man, you have no life in you. 54 Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. 55 For My flesh is real food, and My blood is real drink. 56 Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood remains in Me, and I in him. 57 Just as the living Father sent Me and I live because of the Father, so also the one who feeds on Me will live because of Me. 58 This is the bread that came down from heaven. Unlike your fathers, who ate the manna and died, the one who eats this bread will live forever." 59 Jesus said this while teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum. 60 On hearing it, many of His disciples said, “This is a difficult teaching. Who can accept it?" 61 Aware that His disciples were grumbling about this teaching, Jesus asked them, “Does this offend you? 62 Then what will happen if you see the Son of Man ascend to where He was before? 63 The Spirit gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. 64 However, there are some of you who do not believe.” (For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray Him.) 65 Then Jesus said, “This is why I told you that no one can come to Me unless the Father has granted it to him." 66 From that time on many of His disciples turned back and no longer walked with Him. 67 So Jesus asked the Twelve, “Do you want to leave too?" 68 Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 We believe and know that You are the Holy One of God. “ 70 Jesus answered them, “Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!" 71 He was speaking about Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. For although Judas was one of the Twelve, he was later to betray Jesus.
Study Notes — John 6
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from John 6
- Themes from John 6
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on John 6
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The chapter begins with Jesus feeding the 5,000 with five loaves of bread and two fish, demonstrating His power and care for the physical needs of the people. The crowd follows Jesus, seeking more physical provision, but Jesus teaches them about the true bread from heaven, which is Himself. He explains that He is the bread of life, and those who come to Him will never hunger or thirst. Many of His disciples are offended by this teaching and turn back, but Jesus asks the twelve if they will also leave. Peter confesses that Jesus has the words of eternal life, and they will follow Him. The chapter ends with Jesus teaching about the importance of eating His flesh and drinking His blood, which is a reference to believing in Him and receiving spiritual life through Him.
Context for the Chapter
John chapter 6 is part of the larger narrative of Jesus' ministry in the Gospel of John. It follows the story of Jesus walking on the water and precedes the story of Jesus teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum. The chapter is also connected to the larger biblical narrative, as it references the manna that God provided for the Israelites in the wilderness. This emphasizes Jesus' role as the ultimate source of spiritual nourishment and satisfaction, just as God provided physical nourishment for the Israelites.
Heart Application
This chapter teaches us that Jesus is the ultimate source of spiritual nourishment and satisfaction. We can apply this to our lives by coming to Him and believing in Him, just as the crowd came to Him seeking physical provision. We can also learn from the disciples' response, being committed to following Jesus even when we do not fully understand His teaching.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
John chapter 6 teaches that Jesus is the bread of life, the ultimate source of spiritual nourishment and satisfaction. He satisfies our spiritual hunger and thirst with His own flesh and blood, as seen in John 6:35. We can come to Him and believe in Him to receive eternal life and spiritual satisfaction.
Voices from the Church
“The bread of life is not something that we can earn or achieve, but it is a gift that God gives to us through Jesus Christ.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The true bread from heaven is Jesus Christ, who satisfies our spiritual hunger and thirst with His own flesh and blood.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Feeding the 5,000 (John 6:1-14) — Jesus feeds the 5,000 with five loaves of bread and two fish, demonstrating His power and care for the physical needs of the people.
- Jesus Walks on the Water (John 6:15-21) — Jesus walks on the water, demonstrating His divinity and power over nature.
- The Crowd Seeks Jesus (John 6:22-24) — The crowd follows Jesus, seeking more physical provision, but Jesus teaches them about the true bread from heaven.
- Jesus Teaches about the Bread of Life (John 6:25-59) — Jesus teaches the crowd about the true bread from heaven, which is Himself. He explains that He is the bread of life, and those who come to Him will never hunger or thirst.
- The Disciples' Response (John 6:60-71) — The disciples are offended by Jesus' teaching, but Peter confesses that Jesus has the words of eternal life.
Core Doctrines
- The Divinity of Christ
- This chapter teaches that Jesus is the bread of life, the ultimate source of spiritual nourishment and satisfaction. This emphasizes His divinity and role as the Savior.
- The Importance of Faith
- This chapter teaches that coming to Jesus and believing in Him will bring eternal life and spiritual satisfaction. This emphasizes the importance of faith in receiving spiritual life through Him.
- The Nature of Eternal Life
- This chapter teaches that eternal life is a spiritual life that comes through believing in Jesus. It is a life that is not limited by physical death, but is a life that will continue forever.
- The Role of the Holy Spirit
- This chapter teaches that the Holy Spirit is the One who gives us spiritual life and satisfaction through Jesus Christ. He is the One who helps us to understand and believe in Jesus' teaching.
Lessons from John 6
- The Importance of Spiritual Nourishment — This chapter teaches us that spiritual nourishment is more important than physical nourishment. We need to prioritize our spiritual growth and development.
- The Role of Faith in Receiving Spiritual Life — This chapter teaches us that faith is essential in receiving spiritual life through Jesus Christ. We need to trust and believe in Him to receive eternal life.
- The Divinity of Christ — This chapter teaches us that Jesus is the bread of life, the ultimate source of spiritual nourishment and satisfaction. This emphasizes His divinity and role as the Savior.
- The Importance of Discipleship — This chapter teaches us that discipleship is a process of following Jesus and learning from Him. We need to commit to Him and live a life that is pleasing to Him.
- The Nature of Eternal Life — This chapter teaches us that eternal life is a spiritual life that comes through believing in Jesus. It is a life that is not limited by physical death, but is a life that will continue forever.
Themes from John 6
- The Bread of Life — This chapter teaches us that Jesus is the bread of life, the ultimate source of spiritual nourishment and satisfaction.
- Faith and Spiritual Life — This chapter teaches us that faith is essential in receiving spiritual life through Jesus Christ. We need to trust and believe in Him to receive eternal life.
- The Divinity of Christ — This chapter teaches us that Jesus is the bread of life, the ultimate source of spiritual nourishment and satisfaction. This emphasizes His divinity and role as the Savior.
- The Importance of Discipleship — This chapter teaches us that discipleship is a process of following Jesus and learning from Him. We need to commit to Him and live a life that is pleasing to Him.
- The Nature of Eternal Life — This chapter teaches us that eternal life is a spiritual life that comes through believing in Jesus. It is a life that is not limited by physical death, but is a life that will continue forever.
Questions for Meditation
- What does it mean to come to Jesus and believe in Him?
- How does Jesus satisfy our spiritual hunger and thirst?
- What is the difference between physical and spiritual nourishment?
- How can we apply the teaching of this chapter to our lives?
- What does it mean to have eternal life, and how can we receive it?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Feeding the 5,000 (John 6:1-14)
| John 6:1 | The crowd follows Jesus, seeking more physical provision. |
| John 6:2 | Jesus feeds the 5,000 with five loaves of bread and two fish, demonstrating His power and care for the physical needs of the people. |
2. Jesus Walks on the Water (John 6:15-21)
| John 6:15 | The crowd tries to make Jesus king, but He withdraws to a mountain alone. |
| John 6:16 | The disciples get into a boat to cross the sea, but Jesus is not with them. |
3. The Crowd Seeks Jesus (John 6:22-24)
| John 6:22 | The crowd finds Jesus on the other side of the sea and asks Him how He got there. |
| John 6:23 | Jesus teaches the crowd about the true bread from heaven, which is Himself. |
4. Jesus Teaches about the Bread of Life (John 6:25-59)
| John 6:25 | Jesus teaches the crowd about the true bread from heaven, which is Himself. |
| John 6:26 | The crowd asks Jesus for a sign, like the manna that God provided for the Israelites in the wilderness. |
5. The Disciples' Response (John 6:60-71)
| John 6:60 | The disciples are offended by Jesus' teaching, but Peter confesses that Jesus has the words of eternal life. |
| John 6:61 | Jesus asks the twelve if they will also leave, but Peter says that they have nowhere else to go. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to eat Jesus' flesh and drink His blood?
This is a reference to believing in Jesus and receiving spiritual life through Him, as seen in John 6:35 and John 6:53-58. It is not a literal reference to physical flesh and blood, but a spiritual reference to receiving spiritual nourishment and satisfaction through Jesus.
Why did the disciples turn back after Jesus' teaching?
The disciples turned back because they were offended by Jesus' teaching, as seen in John 6:60-66. They did not understand the spiritual significance of His words and were looking for a more physical or earthly solution.
What is the significance of the manna in the wilderness?
The manna in the wilderness is a reference to the physical provision that God gave to the Israelites, as seen in Exodus 16:4-36. Jesus uses this reference to teach about the true bread from heaven, which is Himself, as seen in John 6:25-59.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | John 6:1 → Matthew 14:13-21 | This verse is connected to the story of Jesus feeding the 5,000 in Matthew 14:13-21. Both stories demonstrate Jesus' power and care for the physical needs of the people. |
| 2 | John 6:14 → Matthew 16:13-16 | This verse is connected to the story of Jesus being recognized as the Christ in Matthew 16:13-16. Both stories emphasize Jesus' divinity and role as the Savior. |
| 3 | John 6:25 → Exodus 16:4-36 | This verse is connected to the story of the manna in the wilderness in Exodus 16:4-36. Jesus uses this reference to teach about the true bread from heaven, which is Himself. |
| 4 | John 6:35 → John 10:10 | This verse is connected to the story of Jesus as the good Shepherd in John 10:10. Both stories emphasize Jesus' role as the source of spiritual nourishment and satisfaction. |
| 5 | John 6:40 → John 17:3 | This verse is connected to the story of Jesus' prayer for His disciples in John 17:3. Both stories emphasize the importance of believing in Jesus and receiving eternal life through Him. |
| 6 | John 6:44 → John 12:32 | This verse is connected to the story of Jesus being lifted up on the cross in John 12:32. Both stories emphasize Jesus' role as the source of spiritual life and salvation. |
| 7 | John 6:51 → Leviticus 17:11 | This verse is connected to the story of the blood of the covenant in Leviticus 17:11. Jesus uses this reference to teach about the true bread from heaven, which is Himself. |
| 8 | John 6:58 → Hebrews 13:20-21 | This verse is connected to the story of Jesus as the great Shepherd of the sheep in Hebrews 13:20-21. Both stories emphasize Jesus' role as the source of spiritual nourishment and satisfaction. |
| 9 | John 6:60 → Matthew 11:6 | This verse is connected to the story of Jesus' teaching about the kingdom of heaven in Matthew 11:6. Both stories emphasize the importance of believing in Jesus and receiving spiritual life through Him. |
| 10 | John 6:71 → Luke 22:3-6 | This verse is connected to the story of Judas' betrayal of Jesus in Luke 22:3-6. Both stories emphasize the importance of faith and loyalty to Jesus. |
Sermons on John 6
| Sermon | Description | |
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(1 Peter - Part 14): Be Ye Holy, for I Am Holy by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the awe-inspiring presence of God and the importance of holiness in the lives of believers. He emphasizes that God's children should strive |
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(John) 01 - the Past by Alan Redpath | The video is a sermon on the Gospel of John, specifically focusing on the prologue and the themes presented in the book. The speaker emphasizes that analyzing this gospel is almost |
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Grieving the Spirit by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of worldliness and its impact on society. He shares a personal experience of witnessing a young lady being shocked by a prayer du |
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The Power of His Resurrection by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of demonstrating the presence of God in every aspect of our lives. He uses the story of David and Goliath to illustrate the p |
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A Cry Without a Voice by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about his grandchildren and the importance of intercessory prayer in bringing our loved ones to Jesus. He emphasizes that there |
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Mounting Up With Eagles Wings - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the power and majesty of God as depicted in Isaiah 40, particularly focusing on the promise that those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength |
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(John) 09 - Bread From Heaven by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the universal spiritual hunger that exists in society. He emphasizes that Jesus is the bread of life and the water of life, and that He has c |
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(John) 10 - the Light Refused by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the content of chapter six of the Bible, focusing on the theme of Christ as the Bread of Life. The sermon covers the feeding of the five thous |
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(Basics) 13. Religiosity and Spirituality by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the difference between religious form and spiritual power. He refers to 2 Timothy 3:5, which warns about peo |
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The Meaning of Life - 6. I Will Do It Through You by Norman Grubb | In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing gratitude for the presence of God in their lives and the lives of others. They emphasize the importance of understanding and knowin |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on John 6
In this chapter, Jesus feeds the 5,000 and then teaches about Himself as the bread of life. This emphasizes His role as the ultimate source of spiritual nourishment and satisfaction. As Matthew Henry comments, 'The bread which Jesus gives is His own flesh, and the water which He gives is His own blood.' This chapter teaches us that coming to Jesus and believing in Him will bring eternal life and spiritual satisfaction. It also emphasizes the importance of faith and the role of the Holy Spirit in giving us spiritual life and satisfaction through Jesus Christ. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Crowd's Motivation
The crowd follows Jesus, seeking more physical provision, but Jesus teaches them about the true bread from heaven. This shows that the crowd is motivated by their physical needs, but Jesus is concerned with their spiritual needs.
Jesus' Teaching Style
Jesus teaches the crowd about the true bread from heaven, using a metaphor that they can understand. This shows that Jesus is a master teacher who can communicate complex spiritual truths in a way that is easy to understand.
The Disciples' Response
The disciples are offended by Jesus' teaching, but Peter confesses that Jesus has the words of eternal life. This shows that the disciples are struggling to understand Jesus' teaching, but they are committed to following Him.