By The Rev. Ron Purkey
Guest Columnist

Read John 6:1-14, 22-59

“And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life” (John 6:35).

The Rev. Ron Purkey

First, Jesus Christ fed the people and then he taught the people. He told them that the bread of life is a person from heaven (verse 33), and he gives life, not just for the Jews (as Moses did) but for the whole world!

The way to receive this bread is to come and take it; and this bread will give life not only today, but also life in the future at the resurrection. Notice the reaction of the Jews (verses 41-42) who denied his deity. Jesus said that God was his father (verse 32), but they said Joseph was his father (verse 42).

Second, it’s interesting that he compared “manna” (bread) to Jesus Christ.

(1) It came from heaven at night; Christ came from heaven when men were in darkness.

(2) It fell on the dew; Christ came, born of the spirit of God.

(3) It was not defiled by the earth; Christ was sinless, separate from sinners.

(4) It was small, round, and white, suggesting his humility, eternality, and purity.

(5) It was sweet to the taste; Christ is sweet to those who trust him.

(6) It had to be taken and eaten; Christ must be received and appropriated by faith (John 1:12-13).

(7) It came as a free gift; Christ is the free gift of God to the world.

(8) It was sufficient for all; Christ is sufficient for all.

(9) If you did not pick it up, you walked on it; if you do not receive Christ, you reject him and walk on him (see Hebrews 10:26-31).

(10) Manna was wilderness food; Jesus Christ is our food in this pilgrim journey to heaven. Jesus reveals the process of salvation (verses 43-52).

Third, a lost sinner does not seek God (Romans 3:11), so salvation must begin with God. How does God draw people to Christ? He uses the word (verse 45). Read 2 Thessalonians. 2:13-14 carefully for a clear description of what Christ means by “drawing men.”

To eat earthly bread sustains life for a time, but the person will ultimately die. To receive the spiritual bread (i.e., Christ) gives one eternal life. Jesus Christ clearly states in verse 51 that he will give his flesh for the life of the world.

The Jews revolted at this (verse 52) because eating human flesh was contrary to Jewish law. Like Nicodemus, they confused the physical with the spiritual.

Fourth, Jesus Christ reveals the power of salvation (verses 53-65). What gives life? The flesh doesn’t give life; only the Holy Spirit gives life.

Jesus’s words are spiritual and life-giving. The Holy Spirit takes a person’s belief in Jesus’s words and activates Jesus’s life in that person to give him spiritual life. Salvation cannot be attained through human effort. Isn’t it wonderful that God loves us so much (see John 3:16).

Read Ron Purkey’s Bible study outlines free at rcpbibleoutlines.com. Purkey has been an ordained Baptist minister for 50 years.