V1-2
A great multitude followed Jesus. this was the peak of His popularity, as
many followed Him; but many followed not out of faith and devotion, but to see
some miracle performed. Some of them had already witnessed miracles.
This chapter brings a challenge to the people, whether they really wanted
to follow; a theme introduced also in Mark 8.22-26, and Luke 9. Here there is a
test of motive, see v29,41,60,66, sifting the people into followers and
‘fans.’
V3
Jesus went up a mountain with His disciples, an indication of His
intention to only have with Him those who really wanted to follow.
V4
The second of John’s three Passovers, see 2.13; 13.1.
V5-6
Jesus’ words have shades of meaning; His showed compassion towards the
multitude, and brought a test for the Twelve. His power was such that the need
of so many people was never beyond Him.
Such compassion was
not just for His friends, see Luke 13.12-14; He gave to many who did not respond
in faith.
By asking Philip the
question, the enormity of the task is revealed.
V7
200 denarii, 8 months’ wages; in 12.5, 300 denarii is 12 months’
wages. This was given in full to Jesus, although of course He is worthy of so
much more.
V8-9
The available resources, very little; an impossible task, Luke 18.27.
The Lord takes the very little, and uses it for His purposes. In fact, He
did not need the food at all, any
more than He needed a few rocks to make the world. He shows grace by using the
food, to the disciples, and to the boy whose food it was. Jesus delights to use
the small, the despised, that no flesh should glory in His presence.
V10-11
The Lord in control, calm and ordered; the people were seated, there
being no panic, no emotional excess. He showed gratitude to God, and set an
example to His followers, by giving thanks for the food.
V12
Everyone had enough; Jesus saves and satisfies, Prov 11.24; Is 55.11.
Fragments are pieces, not crumbs. Here is abundant generosity without waste.
V13
Twelve baskets, presumably for the Twelve. In Mark 8.19-20, we read a
difference between the 12 baskets, and the 7 large baskets, left over after
feeding the 4000.
In Mark 6.49-50, we read that the people sat down in groups. As in the
church, each individual is part of the smaller local group, as well as the
larger, universal church.
V14
The people, quite rightly, honoured Jesus. the sign did demonstrate His
power, and the people recognised Him as someone special.
V15
Jesus’ reaction to popularity; having seen the miracle, and eaten the
food, the people wanted to make Him king “by force!” They wanted to
‘follow’ Him, but had misunderstood why He came.
Perhaps in response to such an attitude, the rest of the chapter contains
“hard sayings,” to challenge the people to accept Jesus Christ on His terms.
This proves uncomfortable for many.
V16-18
After the blessing of the miraculous meal, the disciples had their own
test. They struggled through the storm in the dark. See Mark 6.45-52, where we
read that the Lord did not immediately come to them. He made them endure the
test, 1 Cor 10.11. Again, this may be seen as a sign to Israel, that they would
have to endure much before He returns for them.
V19-21
Fearful disciples, but encouraged by Jesus’ arrival. There is no
reference here to the storm being calmed; His presence is enough in difficult
times.
The scripture reads that He walked on the water, not over it; thus He
experienced the same trial. We are comforted to know that He experienced what we
experience.
V22-25
Many of the people crossed the sea to Capernaum, trying to work out what
he happened since the feeding of the 5000. ‘If Jesus was not on the boat, how
did He get across?’
V26-27
Jesus saw the people’s attitude; they sought a sign (v33, see 1 Cor
1.22), even though they had eaten the bread and fish, they wanted more proof.
The Lord carefully explains that there is a better way. They had eaten physical
bread, and been fulfilled and satisfied. Now was the time to set their hearts on
the food which endures to everlasting life, even Christ Himself. The Father had
given His approval, and we are wise to respect that approval.
V28-29
A further question from the people; the question was to do with works,
the Lord’s response was to do with faith. His words, commanding that they
believe in Him, sets Christ above all earthly teachers.
For us, Christ has completed the works, His life of perfect
righteousness. Our part is to fully trust in Him.
V30
The demand for a further sign, another indication that they had not
understood His words and intention.
Some preaching in some situations generates a high initial response, with
the risk of insincerity. Here, Jesus begins to sift His hearers; He is looking
for a few disciples, not a multitude of uncommitted ‘fans.’
V31
It was Jesus’ hearers who introduced the reference to the manna in the
wilderness, quoting Ps 78.24. This was perhaps in response to Jesus’
miraculous provision of food for them the previous day.
V32-33
The manna is but a picture of Christ, the true bread from heaven. He is
the food that endures (v27), having come down from Heaven (3.12), giving life to
the world (1.4,9).
V34
Compare 4.15; here is a real, personal need of Christ. The Lord’s
offer, with all His authority, is attractive. Yet He must say more, to test the
genuineness of their response.
V35
The bold statement, compare Ex 16.11-26. No natural supply, let alone
sufficient supply. The implication is clear, Jesus Christ is all we need; we
must simply trust in Him.
The invitation to the people is repeated, just believe.
V36
The problem remains; unbelief. John constantly encourages His readers to
believe in Christ; the material he selects for his gospel reflects that
emphasis.
V37
The divine promise to receive and keep; the guarantee of security in
Christ.
V38
The Father sent the Son (v29); there is full agreement in the Godhead.
V39
The Son always does the Father’s will; and His will is that all who
trust in Christ will be kept safe. It is impossible that He should lose any.
V40
The eternal hope, referring to resurrection. The Lord’s claims here are
bold. He commands the people to believe in Him, and promises them eternal life.
V41-42
The Jews begin questioning and doubting. Jesus had insisted that He will
keep all who come to Him, and that no one can come unless the Father draws him.
The Jews balked at such claims; these words are explicit claims to personal
deity.
V43-45
Jesus’ firm response. It is God’s initiative to save;
“draw,” lit. to drag, 12.32; 21.3; James 2.6; indicating that a
person’s coming to Christ is not a human work, but God’s work;
“taught by God,” the call of God, which cannot be resisted; the
reference in Is 54.13 teaches that each one who has come to God has been called
by Him;
Coming to the Father is the same as coming to the Son; we are required to
give proper honour, and have real faith.
V46
Christ, having seen the Father, is in the unique position to speak of
Him, and be our mediator (1 Tim 2.5).
V47-49
The sure, eternal promises of God, see v35; 4.14; the Lord constantly
offers eternal salvation to those who will believe in Him. The Jews who ate the
manna all died; v31-32; Jesus’ promise is that those who eat of Him, the bread
of life, will not die.
V50-51
Eat and not die, life forever; a very clear offer;
-
the ground of salvation, believe in Christ;
-
the promise of salvation, live forever.
V52
More questioning; but there is no real desire to follow Christ, Is 6.10.
V53
These verses describe the single act of believing in Christ, rather than
feeding on Him. Blood points us to a life given up; there is a clear indication
here that we put our faith in one who died for us.
V54-58
The guarantee of security; since we truly believe, we will remain (abide)
in Him; and He will raise us up at the resurrection. Jesus is the true bread
from Heaven , see v32-33.
V59
At some point during chapter 6, Jesus had moved into the synagogue at
Capernaum.
V60
Those who heard and grumbled were disciples, but evidently half-hearted
disciples. They did not try to find out what Christ meant, they simply refused
to accept His “hard teaching.” The conclusion (v64) is that they did not
really believe.
V61-62
We must accept Jesus on His terms; He is the exalted Son of Man. His
words here infer that He has much more to reveal (3.12; 16.12). We must take the
first step in believing in Him, and we begin a journey of discovery.
V63
The reality is spiritual; God’s Spirit brings life, and Christ’s
words also bring life. Spirit and Word work in concert.
V64-65
The lord is sifting His hearers; only those who truly believed accepted
these teachings.
V66
Many of Jesus’ followers left Him; they are not “really my
disciples” (8.31).
V67
The impression is given that there were only a few left with the Twelve.
V68-69
The inestimable benefit of belonging to Christ; there is no one like Him.
Those who left would not find another.