A study of John 6:16-34 covers Jesus walking on the water, the bread that satisfies spiritual hunger, and the bread of God who gives eternal life.
A study of John 6:16-34 covers Jesus walking on the water.
They saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were frightened. (ESV, John 6:
You’re in a boat at night. In a raging storm. Wind howling. Flashes of lightning. Cracks of thunder. Massive waves tipping you side to side. And you’re rowing mightily, but going nowhere. Suddenly, a shadowy figure appears on the surface of the water. Looks human, but obscure. You’re shaking in fright. Expecting the worst and no idea what that is. Like the surrealistic scene from a sci-fi novel. Except it’s a real life event from the Bible. When Jesus appears walking on the water.
It’s also described in the gospels of Matthew and Mark. And in all three it occurs immediately after the feeding of the 5,000. But there are variations among the stories. Matthew and Mark explain that after feeding the 5,000, Jesus sends the disciples to cross over the Sea of Galilee without him while he dismissed the crowd. And then he goes alone into the hills to pray.
Mark and John say that Jesus saw the disciples struggling on the sea against the storm in the boat. Perhaps, because of a higher vantage point since the Sea of Galilee is 600 feet below sea level and Jesus was up in the hills. Matthew is the only one who tells of Peter getting out of the boat to walk on the water with Jesus. And John points out that when Jesus gets in the boat it immediately reaches land.
Three accounts with different details, but one truth. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, commands all creation.
A study of John 6:16-34 covers the bread that satisfies spiritual hunger.
Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. (ESV, John 6:26)
It frustrated Jesus. Curious people who followed him, but wouldn’t believe. Looking for another free meal. Attracted to the physical satisfactions he offered without making a comittment of faith. A god formed in their own image who conveniently fit their worldview and lifestyle. Eventually the crowd caught up with him. And in a similar manner that Jesus used a conversation around water with the Samaritan woman at the well, he now uses the recent miraculous meal to drive a spiritual discussion around bread.
Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. (ESV, John 6:27)
In other words, think beyond your physical needs to your spiritual needs. Like physical hunger, there is spiritual hunger that is only satisfied by spiritual bread. However, the people tried to divert the spiritual discussion.
What must we do, to be doing the works of God? (ESV, John 6:28)
“The works of God” is more clearly translated “works God requires.” It was then, as today, a works based belief about eternal life. If I can just do enough good things, God will deem me worthy, and I will earn my way into heaven. But it is an idea that scripture does not teach. And Jesus returned them to the spiritual truth.
Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” (ESV, John 6:29)
Good works will not save you. It is belief in Jesus that gains salvation. A commitment of faith and discipleship. And you strive for good works because you are now saved and follow Jesus. And seek to please him through righteous living,
A study of John 6:16-34 covers the bread of God who gives eternal life.
Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’ (ESV, John 6:31)
Forced back into a spiritual discussion, the people recall an event from their religious history. The story in Exodus 16:1-31 where God provided manna to eat during their wilderness journey as they were led by Moses. They expected the coming of another great prophet like Moses and if Jesus was the one, they wanted further proof.
Jesus responded with two reminders. First, it was not Moses that provided the manna from heaven, but God. And second, he is much more than Moses.
My father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world. (ESV, John 6:32b-33)
Jesus moved the topic from food to a person. The Son of God who comes from heaven in human flesh and gives life to the world.
The Greek word for “life” is zoe, which literally means life. But it means more than existence. It’s used in the New Testament to indicate the essence and quality of life. Specifically, the life that comes from God. And it’s available through Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Vibrant, abundant, and everlasting.
Finally, Jesus had their spiritual attention. Something they could really sink their teeth into. They asked Jesus to give them this bread “always.” The Greek word for “always” is pantote, which means always, at all times, and on every occasion. Finally, Jesus has their attention. Does he have ours?
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.
Time to Pause Right Now Media?
Right Now Media is a good tool for group Bible studies. But sometimes, your small group should dive directly into God’s word. That’s what this four-week study does. It includes an individual study with an exegetical approach that examines word meaning, provides background information, and thought provoking questions for reflection and journaling, And a weekly, group study guide that promotes a lively group discussion around other scripture references, personal stories, and life experiences that help apply scriptural truth to life.
Check out Philippians Bible Study For Individuals and Groups.
