Pastor’s Notes John 6:35

In the first part of John chapter six, John relays the events surrounding the feeding of the five thousand following. John tells how the multitude was fed as Jesus divided up two small fishes and five barley loves. After this miracle the people flocked after Jesus wanting to make Him the King. (v14-15).

 It seems clear that many Jews of that day saw the messiah as a political leader rather than a spiritual Saviour. Jesus asks them if they seek Him because of the bread they had to eat, He then turns the subject from food that perishes to that which He provides which leads to everlasting life. They ask, what work shall they do to gain this life and Jesus replies: “This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.” (John 6:29). The people ask for a sign, and mention that God provided manna in the desert for their forefathers. Jesus said: “I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.”  

 Both bread and water sustain life, but notice that the bread of life is only available as people come to Christ, as they believe on Him and depend on Him. But there may be more here for us to see. The word ‘believeth’ is present tense indicating ongoing faith. As a believer learns to live by faith, trusting in Jesus day by day, they find they will never hunger or thirst. Sadly, Jesus also said: “That ye also have seen me, and believed not.” Believing that Jesus, the Son of God, is that spiritual food you need for spiritual health each day is a decision that is made at a personal level.