InstaStudy

The True Bread from Heaven: Finding Life in Christ

This study explores John 6:22-40, examining the crowd's pursuit of physical sustenance versus Jesus' revelation of Himself as the spiritual bread of life. It delves into the nature of true belief and the promise of eternal life through the One sent from heaven.

1. The Misguided Search for Sustenance

1.1 Seeking for Physical Gain

Verses: John 6:22-24
  • The crowd followed Jesus for physical bread, not for His spiritual message.
  • Their motivation was earthly and temporal, focused on what He could provide physically.
  • They were concerned with the logistics of His arrival, not the depth of His words.

1.2 Laboring for the Wrong Food

Verses: John 6:25-27
  • Jesus discerned their true motive: they sought Him because they ate the loaves and were filled.
  • He warned against laboring for perishable food that does not last.
  • He directed them to the food that endures to eternal life, which He, the Son of Man, provides.

2. The Work of God: Believing in His Manifestation

2.1 The Inquiry about God's Work

Verses: John 6:28
  • The crowd asked what 'works of God' they should do, still thinking in terms of human effort.
  • They were looking for a list of external acts or commandments to fulfill.
  • Their understanding was limited to religious duties rather than spiritual transformation.

2.2 The Singular Work of God

Verses: John 6:29
  • Jesus revealed the one essential work: to believe in the One God has sent.
  • This belief is not merely intellectual assent but a complete trust and acceptance.
  • The 'One God has sent' is God Himself, manifested in human form.

2.3 The Seal of Divine Authority

Verses: John 6:27
  • The Son of Man is sealed by God, signifying divine approval and authority.
  • This seal confirms Jesus' identity as the visible manifestation of the invisible God.
  • His words and works are backed by the full authority of the Almighty.

3. Jesus: The True Bread from Heaven

3.1 Demanding a Sign

Verses: John 6:30-31
  • Despite witnessing miracles, they still demanded a sign like manna from Moses.
  • They compared Jesus' works to past acts of God, failing to see His unique identity.
  • Their hearts were hardened, seeking proof rather than embracing truth.

3.2 The Superiority of the True Bread

Verses: John 6:32-33
  • Jesus clarified that it was not Moses, but God, who gave the manna in the wilderness.
  • He declared that God now gives the true bread from heaven, which is superior.
  • This true bread is the One who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.

3.3 The Desire for this Bread

Verses: John 6:34-35
  • The crowd, still thinking physically, asked for this bread always.
  • Jesus declared, 'I am the bread of life,' identifying Himself as the source of spiritual nourishment.
  • He promised that whoever comes to Him will never hunger or thirst, emphasizing spiritual satisfaction.

4. The Father's Will and Eternal Life through the Son

4.1 Seeing and Not Believing

Verses: John 6:36
  • Jesus stated that they had seen Him, yet did not believe in His true identity.
  • Physical sight is not enough; true belief requires spiritual understanding and acceptance.
  • Many witness divine manifestations but fail to grasp their significance.

4.2 All Who Come to Him

Verses: John 6:37
  • All whom the Father gives to Jesus will come to Him, highlighting divine initiative.
  • Jesus will never cast out those who come, demonstrating God's welcoming nature.
  • This promise assures security and acceptance for all who seek Him.

4.3 The Purpose of His Coming

Verses: John 6:38-39
  • Jesus came not to do His own will, but the will of the One who sent Him.
  • The will of the Sender (God) is that none of those given to Him should be lost.
  • He will raise them up at the last day, signifying resurrection and eternal life.

4.4 The Promise of Eternal Life

Verses: John 6:40
  • It is the will of the Father that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him should have eternal life.
  • This belief leads to resurrection at the last day, a promise of future glory.
  • This verse encapsulates the core message of salvation through faith in Jesus, the visible manifestation of God.