A study of John 6:48-59 reveals the difference between physical and spiritual life, that the bread Jesus gives is his flesh, and those who consume his flesh and blood abide in him.
A study of John 6:48-59 reveals the difference between physical and spiritual life.
I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. (ESV, John 6:48-50)
After his miraculous feeding of 5000 people with two loaves of bread and one fish, Jesus uses bread as the topic for a spiritual discussion with a crowd of people. He begins this passage with a statement that continues the conversation he began in V.32-35.
The Greek word that is normally used to mean physical life is bios. But the word Jesus uses for “life” here is zōē. It has a richer, fuller meaning that refers to life in fellowship with God and almost always includes eternal life.
Jesus then compares the manna God provided in the wilderness to the bread he offers. The manna sustained physical life on earth. But the people that ate it eventually died. However, the bread Jesus provides is spiritual. And it offers a higher quality of life on earth along with life in heaven. In other words, Jesus is the giver and sustainer of eternal life.
However, his audience struggled to take their eyes off the things of this world and see God’s spiritual truth. And what was hard for people then is the same today. So it’s an appropriate question: What things of this world keep you from seeing and responding to the truth of God’s word?
A study of John 6:48-59 reveals that the bread Jesus gives is his flesh.
I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh. (ESV, John 6:51)
Jesus identifies himself again as the living bread from heaven. Whoever eats this bread gains eternal life. And that bread is his flesh. So what do we make of this?
Many suggest Jesus is referring to the symbolism of the last supper. The bread represents his body and the cup his blood. And the idea can’t be dismissed. But an important distinction is the Greek word Jesus used at the last supper was soma which is “body” and here he uses the Greek word sarx, which is “flesh.” It is the same word used in John 1:14. And the word became flesh and dwelt among us.
Therefore, we may also consider consider that Jesus is speaking of himself as the incarnate son. The divine God as a human. Who sacrificed himself on the cross for our sins. Unfortunately, the people hear only what they want to hear. And respond on a physical level.
A study of John 6:48-59 reveals that those who consume Jesus’ flesh and blood abide in him.
Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him. (ESV, John 6:56)
“The bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.” The people struggled to digest this statement by Jesus. (pun intended) And it causes a dispute among them. Is he literally suggesting cannibalism? Of course not! He’s speaking symbolically. In both V.35 and V.40, Jesus delivers his key message. Those who seek eternal life must believe in him.
Rather than explain his meaning, Jesus leans into the symbolic discussion and adds drinking his blood to eating his flesh. And he repeats it twice. First, in a negative voice: If you don’t eat his flesh and drink his blood you have no life. And second, in a positive voice. if you do eat his flesh and drink his blood you gain eternal life and he will raise you up on the last day.
Furthermore, if you eat his flesh and drink his blood, he will abide in you and you in him. The Greek word for “abide” is mĕnō, which means to stay in relation, continue, dwell, endure, be present, and remain. It affirms that belief Jesus goes beyond an intellectual acknowledgement. But involves a personal relationship with Jesus as Savior and Lord.
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.This blog is originally published here.
Looking for a small group Bible Study?
This four week study dives directly into God’s word. 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.
A study of John 6:35-47 reveals the call of God and security of believers, Jesus’ obedience to God’s will, and a consistent message of belief in Jesus for eternal life.
A study of John 6:35-47 reveals the call of God and security of believers
But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. (ESV, John 6:36-37)
A crowd of people had been following Jesus, mostly to watch him perform miracles. But he offered much more than that. And reminds them in V.35 that those who believe in him will have their spiritual hunger and thirst satisfied. Then he acknowledges in V.36 that many who saw his miraculous works, still didn’t believe in him. And it raises the question: why do some people believe in Jesus and others don’t? Especially, when everyone has the same opportunity to listen, observe, and respond to him. Jesus answers the question in V.37. People who believe are the ones the Father gives me. And he clarifies it further in V.44. No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him.
The Greek word for “draw” is helkysē, which means to drag, draw, and pull. It presents the idea of moving against resistance. God’s Spirit doesn’t just invite us to believe in Jesus. But moves us toward him.
When you hear God’s voice
This means the decision to follow Jesus is not solely on human volition. Where we intellectually consider the facts and decide on our own. It is a faith decision that extends beyond the physical realm to the spiritual realm. And involves spiritual intervention. God himself draws us to Jesus through the work of his Spirit. The Apostle Paul put it this way.
And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. (ESV, Romans 8:30)
Some people mistakenly think they can believe in Jesus at any time. Enjoy life on their own terms and decide to follow Jesus near the end of life so they can enter heaven. But scripture suggests otherwise. Therefore, if you sense the Spirit of God calling you to believe in Jesus, make an immediate decision. Don’t assume it’s an open invitation to accept at your convenience. However, when you turn to him, Jesus welcomes you with open arms.
And whoever comes to me I will never cast out. (ESV, John 6:37b)
A study of John 6:35-47 reveals Jesus’ obedience to God’s will
For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. (ESV, John 6:40)
Jesus explains the reason he came from heaven. Not to do his will, but the will of the father. And it is the father’s will that everyone who believes in Jesus receives eternal life and is resurrected on the last day.
Ironically, no one in the crowd argued against the divine source of power in Jesus’ miracles. But they suddenly questioned his claim of coming from heaven. Because they all knew he was the son of Joseph and Mary. And watched him grow up with all the other children in town. Perhaps, there were also lingering rumors and questions around the betrothed pregnancy of his mother. But conception of a virgin by the Holy Spirit was not one of them.
Did the unbelievers reject him because he didn’t offer enough miraculous proof? Maybe he was too human for them to believe he was God? Or was it simply an excuse? And what reasons do people give for rejecting Jesus today? Fortunately, God’s will does not change. He wills that we all believe in Jesus and receive eternal life. And when we follow him, Jesus secures us until the day of resurrection.
A study of John 6:35-47 reveals a consistent message of belief in Jesus for eternal life.
Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. (ESV, John 6:47)
Jesus ends the passage where he began. Telling the crowd to believe in him for eternal life. And his consistent message is proclaimed throughout the New Testament. The Greek word for “believes” is pisteuō, which means to believe, to entrust oneself, rely upon, and have faith in. It’s more than intellectual assent. But means personally trusting and relying on the one you believe in. And it is not one and done but ongoing belief.
However, the repetition didn’t drive home the message. Instead, it made the people grumble. Why? Because they didn’t believe he came down from heaven or they finally realized all his talk about bread was symbolic. It represented spiritual belief in him rather than actual bread. And meant they weren’t getting a lifelong food supply.
In V.45 Jesus’ words “And they will all be taught by God” refers to Isaiah 54:13. All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children. It supports and further elaborates on V.44. God draws people to believe in Jesus, not just through the voice of his Spirit. But also, the illuminated truth of God’s word.
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.This blog is originally published here.
Looking for a small group Bible Study?
This four week study dives directly into God’s word. 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.
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?
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.
A study of John 5:1-18 demonstrates receiving from, but not recognizing the savior, a focus on legalism rather than grace, a call for repentance, and a constantly working God.
A study of John 5:1-18 demonstrates receiving from, but not recognizing the Savior.
When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?” The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me.” (ESV, John 5:3-7)
Jesus visited Jerusalem during the time of a Jewish feast and passed the pool of Bethseda near the sheep gate. Its waters were periodically disturbed by what the people believed was an angel stirring the water. Although modern Bible scholars suggest it was underground springs feeding into it. But infirmed people gathered around the pool when a disturbance was anticipated because they believed the first sick person into the pool afterwards was healed.
Jesus arrives, surveys the crowd of sick people gathered around the pool and picks out one person. A man identified as an invalid for 38 years. Jesus asks if he wants to be healed. Which is like asking a starving wolf if he enjoys lamb. The man calls Jesus “sir” which is the Greek word Kyrie and indicates general respect.
So, there is no evidence of faith on his part. He doesn’t recognize Jesus or know he is the Son of God. Or that Jesus is contemplating a miracle. But replies he is too infirmed to ever reach the pool first after it is stirred. A New Testament example of victimhood. Perhaps, to evoke pity so Jesus might stick around and help him into the water. But Jesus did something much better.
He tells the man, “Get up, take up your bed, and walk.”
A study of John 5:1-18 demonstrates a focus on legalism rather than grace.
So the Jews said to the man who had been healed, “It is the Sabbath, and it is not lawful for you to take up your bed.” But he answered them, “The man who healed me, that man said to me, ‘Take up your bed, and walk.’” (ESV, John 5:10-11)
You’d think an invalid of 38 years might express a little gratitude for such a radical, life changing miracle. Maybe exchange names. But the man Just stands, rolls up the bedroll, and walks…away. But then, he meets Jews who rebuke him for breaking the Sabbath law by carrying the bedroll. Not the original sabbath commandment given by God, but an extra interpretation they added to it. Caught in the act, the man offers a quick excuse. The guy that healed him, told him to.
Wow! Don’t thank Jesus for healing you. Or even ask his name. But shift the blame on him to excuse your own actions. Not that any of us would do such a thing today. Praise God while everything is going well, but when things go wrong point accusing fingers at God with righteous indignation and ask, “why did you let this happen?”
So, the healed man blames Jesus to avoid trouble. The Jews can only focus on their legalistic view of the sabbath. Everyone is blind to grace. And no one considers the miracle a reason to glorify God.
A study of John 5:1-18 demonstrates a call for repentance.
Afterward Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, “See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse may happen to you.” (ESV, John 5:14)
Later Jesus encountered the man again in the temple. And now Jesus addresses his spiritual condition. Specifically, the need to address his sin. Why? So that something worse doesn’t happen to him.
Did Jesus speak from divine knowledge about past sinful behavior that caused the man’s illness? Perhaps. Scripture does speak about physical consequences to sin. But the eternal consequence to sin is worse. Because to reject Jeus is to miss salvation. Living with a physical disability on earth is difficult. But loss of salvation is forever.
Jesus was calling the man to repentance. And the same applies to us today. It doesn’t mean we won’t sin again. But to turn away from our sin and towards the righteousness of God. Because Jesus is interested in more than our well-being on earth. He seeks our presence in heaven.
A study of John 5:1-18 demonstrates Jesus is a constantly working God.
The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had healed him. (ESV, John 5:15)
The man had two opportunities to follow Jesus. And he walked away both times. Even worse. On the second time, he points Jesus out to the Jews who confront him about healing on the sabbath. The Greek term for “the Jews” is hoi Ioudaioi. Techically, it refers to a group of Jewish people. But the apostle John used it frequently to refer to the Jewish leaders that opposed Jesus. They were often members of the Sanhedrin who focused on enforcing rabbinic traditions over the meaning of scripture. And according to their interpretation, for Jesus to miraculously heal the man and for that man to carry his mat were both forms of work that violated the sabbath. And then, Jesus drops a bomb.
Jesus answered them, “My Father is working until now, and I am working.”
Wait. Does this contradict Genesis chapter two that says God rested on the seventh day? No, because Genesis 2:3 says God rested from his work of creation. Not that he rested from everything. God doesn’t take holidays or every sabbath off. Why? The apostle Paul tells us here:
And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. (ESV, Colossians 1:17)
The Greek word for “hold together” is συνίστημι, which means stand together, cohere, and sustained. And it indicates a present, ongoing action. In other words, the universe is not self-sufficent. God created it and actively holds it together. Furthermore, God is always present and operating in the lives of humanity. And orchestrating circumstances and events as he works towards his sovereign purpose.
But what really infuriated the Jews is that Jesus had the audacity to claim equality with God. It amounted to blasphemy in their minds. But a claim proved at the resurrection.
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.This blog is originally published here.
Looking for a small group Bible Study?
This four week study dives directly into God’s word. 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.
A study of John 4:43-54 reveals seeing is not always believing, desperate people turn to God, and belief in Jesus changes you and those around you.
A study of John 4:43-54 reveals seeing is not always believing.
So when he came to Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him, having seen all that he had done in Jerusalem at the feast. For they too had gone to the feast. (ESV, John 4:45)
After leaving Samaria, Jesus traveled to Galilee and stopped at Cana where he had turned the water into wine at a wedding reception. But verses 44 and 45 seem to contradict each other. In verse 44, Jesus says, “a prophet is without honor in his home town.” And verse 45 says “The Galileans welcomed him having seen all that he had done in Jerusalem.” What should we make of this?
To understand, let’s consider two of the Greek words used. In V.44, the Greek word for “honor” is timē, which means esteem, dignity, honor, and precious. And the Greek word in V.45 for “having seen” is heōrakotes, which means to see or perceive. In other words, the people witnessed the things Jesus did in Jerusalem. They were present to observe his cleansing of the temple and miracles. But there is no indication it meant anything to them. No respect or honor for him as the Messiah or even a prophet. Entertaining perhaps. Amazing for sure. But it didn’t move them to put their faith in him. Or cause them to believe he was the Son of God. They welcome him for another show. But not as the God they should worship.
We see this same attitude expressed today. No one denies Jesus’ miracles. The wisdom of his teaching. Or his exemplary moral life as a religious leader. But seeing is not believing. You can see him, but keep him at arms length. Stop short of confessing him as Lord. It is an intellectual acknowledgement, but not a commitment of genuine faith. That is the requirement of true discipleship.
A study of John 4:43-54 reveals that desperate people turn to God.
When this man heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went to him and asked him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. (ESV, John 4:47)
However, people will turn to God as a last resort. When they’ve tried everything else without success. And from the neighboring city of Capernum, an official comes and appeals to Jesus. The Greek word for “official” is basilikos and indicates someone who serves a king in an official capacity. He begs Jesus to go with him to his house and heal his son who is ill and on the brink of death.
There is no indication the man has any faith in Jesus. No declaration of Jesus as Lord. Or even an acknowledgement Jesus is a prophet from God. But he knew of Jesus’ miracles. And he was down to his last option and desperate for one. In response, Jesus expressed frustration. Why did the people demand miracles to believe in him? And treat him like he was a performer for their entertainment? When in fact, his miracles demonstrated his divinity as the Son of God. So that people would believe and put their faith in him.
And the same is true for today. We ask Jesus to solve our problems when he wants to save us from sin. And often express hopelessness for our circumstances with words like, “All we can do now is pray.” When prayer should be our first response. Because it’s not throwing your hands up in surrender. But reaching up to an almighty God. Although God does not quarantee a miracle, he does promise to never leave or forsake us. And despite the hard hearts of those gathered around him, Jesus tells the official. “Go. Your son will live.”
A study of John 4:43-54 reveals belief in Jesus changes your life and those around you.
The father knew that was the hour when Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live.” And he himself believed, and all his household. (ESV, John 4:53)
Give the official some credit. He did, at least, take Jesus at his word and leave. He met one of his servants on the way who shared good news. His son had returned to full health. And what did the official do? He asked at what time his son was healed.
There is a popular saying today: Trust but verify. It’s often used when an agreement is made with someone considered untrustworthy. And don’t keep their word. Go ahead and make the agreement. But verify they hold up their end of the deal.
That is unecessary with God because he always keeps his word. But when the servant verified his son was healed the exact moment Jesus said he would live, the official knew it was by the power of Jesus. And then he believed.
The Greek word for “believed” is pistĕuō, which means to have faith in, to trust, and entrust one’s spiritual well-being to Christ. It represents genuine belief in Jesus Christ as the Son of God. Most Christ-followers today believe in Jesus without the benefit of witnessing a miracle. But trust Jesus’ claim that he is the Son of God. And place their faith in him as the Savior of the world.
And like the Samaritan woman, the official did not keep his new faith to himself. But shared it with his family and led them to believe in Jesus too. He asked Jesus to heal his son and ended up with something much better. Spiritual healing and eternal life for his entire family. In other words, he made disciples of the ones with whom he carried the most influence. And so should we.
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.This blog is originally published here.
Looking for a small group Bible Study?
This four week study dives directly into God’s word. 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.
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