John 6 Studies

For those who may wish to ‘study’ this chapter, the following simple resources are provided for you. Each chapter is divided into a number of studies and each study or passage has a simple four-Part, verse-by-verse approach, to help you take in and think further about what you have read.

Passage: John 6:1-15: Feeding the Five Thousand

A. Find Out:    

1. Where did Jesus go and who followed? v.1,2
   • Some time after this, Jesus crossed to the far shore of the Sea of Galilee (that is, the Sea of Tiberias), 2 and a great crowd of people followed him because they saw the signs he had performed by healing those who were ill.
2. Why did Jesus question Philip? v.5,6
   • When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming towards him, he said to Philip, ‘Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?’ 6 He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do.
3. What did Philip indicate? v.7
   • Philip answered him, ‘It would take more than half a year’s wages to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!’
4. What apparently “useless” bit of information did Andrew come up with? v.8,9
   • Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, 9 ‘Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?’
5. How many people were there? v.10
   • Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there).
6. What was the extent of Jesus’ provision? v.11
   • Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.
7. How plentiful was his provision obviously? v.12,13
   • When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, ‘Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.’ 13 So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.
8. What was the effect of this miracle? v.14,15
   • After the people saw the sign Jesus performed, they began to say, ‘Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.’ 15 Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself.

B. Think:

1. How did Philip focus on the size of the problem?
2. How did Andrew focus on the smallness of the resources?
3. How did Jesus show he is able to provide?

C. Comment:

This is not merely a wonderful miracle; it is a sign which teaches us many things.

First let’s observe the risk Jesus was taking performing this sign. Already the crowds were with him because he had provided healing and after it they are even more strongly with him because they see that he can provide food as well. There is every likelihood that Jesus will have a revolution on his hands, and that is something he doesn’t want, yet he still does it because of his care for people and, it is an opportunity to teach his disciples.

Second, let’s note the different approaches to the problem. Philip focuses on the magnitude of the need and Andrew focuses in the smallness of the resources. Jesus on the other hand is quite clear about what he wants to do. He knows his capabilities while he is working in his Father’s purposes.

Finally let’s note the extent of Jesus’ provision. First it was as much as any of them wanted, and second there was plenty left over. There is no question of a limited provision. Here we have the Son of God who can provide all we ever need and much more as well!

D. Application?

1. When we face an “impossible” situation do we let the magnitude of the problem, or the smallness of the resources squash any faith in us?
2. Faith says, “Jesus CAN provide!”

Passage: John 6:16-21: Jesus walks on water

A. Find Out:

1. Who went with the disciples in the boat when? v.16,17
   • When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, 17 where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them.
2. What were the conditions on the lake? v.18
   • A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough.
3. How far were they when Jesus came? v.19a
   • When they had rowed about three or four miles,
4. What was their response when they saw him? v.19b
   • they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water; and they were frightened.
5. How were their fears allayed? v.20
   • But he said to them, ‘It is I; don’t be afraid.’
6. What happened when he got in? v.21
   • Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.

B. Think:

1. Why do you think Jesus sent the disciples (Matthew 14:22) ahead  without him?
2. What must the disciples have thought when they first saw Jesus? (see Matthew 14:26)
3. What was it that put them at rest?

C. Comment:

When you think about it, this is a strange incident. Why did Jesus do it? Why did John include it? Let’s try looking at it the way John tells it, not including any of the extra facts that the other Gospel writers have included. What is John telling us?

He pictures the disciples without Jesus. The environment is hostile and difficult. They are working hard at mastering it and are not doing very well. Suddenly Jesus appears in the same environment, and he is in total control of it. Indeed, as soon as he steps right into their situation (the boat) the trial comes to an end (they are at shore).

Coming immediately after the feeding of the five thousand it is as if John is saying to us again and again, this Jesus is never out of his depth in the circumstances of the world. Whatever crisis occurs, Jesus is master of it. Jesus made this world (John 1:3) and he is totally at home in it and can cope with whatever comes up! In this passage therefore, we have Jesus very quietly (?!!) communicating these things to his disciples. When they think about it, they will come to see that this is the Lord of the earth.

D. Application?

1. Whatever the circumstances, Jesus is complete control and is never out of his depth.
2. With Jesus in control, we may rest in his love and be secure in Him.

Passage: John 6:22-29: Talk about bread 

A. Find Out:

1. What did the crowd do? v.22-25
   • The next day the crowd that had stayed on the opposite shore of the lake realised that only one boat had been there, and that Jesus had not entered it with his disciples, but that they had gone away alone. 23 Then some boats from Tiberias landed near the place where the people had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. 24 Once the crowd realised that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into the boats and went to Capernaum in search of Jesus. 25 When they found him on the other side of the lake, they asked him, ‘Rabbi, when did you get here?’
2. Why, did Jesus say, they were looking for him? v.26
   • Jesus answered, ‘Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill.
3. What did he say they should work for? v.27a
   • Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures
4. What 2 things does he say about himself? v.27b
   • eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.’
5. What was their response to this? v.28
   • Then they asked him, ‘What must we do to do the works God requires?
6. What was Jesus’ reply? v.29
   • Jesus answered, ‘The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.’

B. Think:

1. How would you summarise what was taking place in verses 22-25?
2. What fault is Jesus finding with the crowd?
3. How can that same fault be very prevalent today in western societies?

C. Comment:

The day after the miraculous feeding of the five thousand the crowd wake up to the fact that Jesus is no longer there. The impression is given of confusion. When Jesus was there, there was disciplined order, and now he is gone they mill around aware they want something but not knowing where to find him.

When they do eventually find Jesus, he ignores their question because it is pointless. We often ask questions that can bear no fruit. Instead, Jesus immediately challenges the very reason for them being there. They were not there to satisfy spiritual hunger but to satisfy physical cravings.

Look, says Jesus, there is a food that is more satisfying than physical food, work for that. With that, they pick up on the word work and ask what work they should therefore be doing to obtain this sort of food. That’s easy, says Jesus, just believe in the one who has come from God and was sent from God. Work implies activity and Jesus says work equals believing.

    To believe means we have to be active is putting away things that cause unbelief and fill our hearts and minds with the truth, that helps believing.

D. Application?

1. Have we got our priorities sorted out? Do we put most effort into    ensuring we receive the food that produces eternal life?
2. Seek Jesus for eternal food.

Passage: John 6:30-40: Jesus, the bread of life

A. Find Out:

1. What did the Jews ask for & what example from the past did they give? v.30,31
   • So they asked him, ‘What sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do? 31 Our ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness; as it is written: “He gave them bread from heaven to eat.”’
2. How did Jesus correct them? v.32
   • Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly I tell you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven.
3. Who is the true bread? v.33,35
   •  For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.’ 35 Then Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life.
4. What effect does he have? v.35
   • Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.
5. Why has he come? v.38
   • For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.
6. How is that done? v.39,40
   •  And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. 40 For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.’

B. Think:

1. How did the Jews show that they felt the miracle insufficient?
2. What does bread do?
3. How does Jesus describe his own purpose in coming?

C. Comment:

The Jews reasoning is basically this: you want us to believe you? Well, you have got to be better than Moses then. Yes, you took bread and spread it around, but Moses got bread directly from heaven. Jesus’ reply to this is to remind them that it was God who had actually provided the manna, and in the same way the bread they wanted had to come directly from God – as it was NOW being provided.

Jesus now, perhaps more clearly than at any time before proclaims himself. He is the bread of life and anyone who believes him will be completely and utterly satisfied, in every way. What a tremendous claim!

He then declared he is there to do His Father’s will, which very clearly is for him to be the basis for belief of many people who will come to God. Twice Jesus says here that this is only the beginning, for such people who come to God through him will receive eternal life and will be raised from the dead.

In these verses, therefore, comes tremendous comfort: Jesus promises that he will not lose any who come to him. Here is assurance for the believer, that once they come to Jesus, there they will remain!

D. Application?

1. Jesus is the source of very life itself. He, and he alone, can satisfy.
2. Coming to Jesus means receiving eternal life and the security that goes with it. Thank Him.

Passage: John 6:41-47

41 At this the Jews there began to grumble about him because he said, ‘I am the bread that came down from heaven.’ 42 They said, ‘Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How can he now say, “I came down from heaven”?’ 43 ‘Stop grumbling among yourselves,’ Jesus answered. 44 ‘No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day. 45 It is written in the Prophets: “They will all be taught by God.”  Everyone who has heard the Father and learned from him comes to me. 46 No one has seen the Father except the one who is from God; only he has seen the Father. 47 Very truly I tell you, the one who believes has eternal life.

A. Find Out:

1. What did the Jews begin to do? v.41
2. Why? v.42
3. What was the key to them coming to Jesus? v.44
4. How did the prophet Isaiah confirm this? v.45a
5. So how does it work in practise? v.45b
6. Who HAS seen God? v.46

B. Think:

1. Why was Jesus apparently not bothered by the Jews’ difficulties in believing?
2. What activity of God and of men is shown to be necessary here?
3. What does this all show about salvation then?

C. Comment:

In these few verses a clear and very important spiritual truth is revealed. It comes because Jesus has said something that was not easy to understand with the natural mind. He had said he came from heaven but the Jews knew he came from two human parents, and so they found these two things difficult to reconcile. Their attitude is seen to be hostile and negative and so Jesus simply says, don’t bother to get upset if you don’t understand, it is only those who seek God and listen to God who will understand what I say and will come to me, so if you want to understand, seek God first.

The principle that Jesus reveals is that it is God Himself who draws people, and He does it by speaking to those with open hearts. When people turn to Christ it is because they have heard God speaking to them and, with their hearts being open to Him, they respond to the good news about Jesus and receive and accept Jesus as their Saviour and their Lord. Christians are therefore, first and foremost, people who have heard God, sought God, heard God some more and responded to Him. Jesus is the focus of their faith, but the Father is the speaker to their hearts.

D. Application?

1. People whose hearts are open, seek and listen, find and respond.
2. Will we seek and listen that much more?

Passage: John 6:48-56

48 I am the bread of life. 49 Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, yet they died. 50 But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, which anyone may eat and not die. 51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live for ever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.’

52 Then the Jews began to argue sharply among themselves, ‘How can this man give us his flesh to eat?’ 53 Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you. 54 Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. 55 For my flesh is real food and my blood is real drink. 56 Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in them.

A. Find Out:

1. What does Jesus declare himself to be? v.48
2. What happened to those who ate manna? v.49
3. What is the difference with this bread? 50,51
4. What was this bread? v.51c
5. What was the Jews’ objection? v.52
6. What did Jesus insist? v.53

B. Think:

1. Why do we make bread?
2. Why did God the Father make this “bread”
3. What do you thinking “eating and drinking Jesus means?

C. Comment:

In considering these matters we need first to remember that Jesus is speaking, at this point, to a group of grumbling, unbelieving Jews. He has said already “I am the bread of life” (v.35) and they have NOT responded, “Yes! Give us more of yourself!”. The one who had met Jesus and found his heart knit to Jesus would have responded like that, but these Jews did not. Second note, we find Jesus NOT explaining what he meant. Again and again Jesus only gave explanations for those who sought him out, who were seeking honestly after God. Those who were just grumblers, he left to wonder.

Next, we need to consider just what he did mean. He compares himself with that other divinely supernatural provision of God from the past, the manna. Manna didn’t keep people alive for ever, it just kept them from day to day. Jesus says he himself gives people life without end. How do we receive that? By taking Jesus into the very innermost part of our life. Reference to blood ought to have reminded the Jews that blood referred to life (see Leviticus 17:11) so Jesus was saying you must accept my death and crucifixion and my very life into your lives. Only then will you live.

D. Application?

1. Have we said, “Lord I receive your death and resurrection, your very    life into my very innermost being”?
2. Jesus alone is the source of life

Passage: John 6:57-65

57 Just as the living Father sent me and I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on me will live because of me. 58 This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your ancestors ate manna and died, but whoever feeds on this bread will live for ever.’ 59 He said this while teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum.

60 On hearing it, many of his disciples said, ‘This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?’

61 Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, ‘Does this offend you? 62 Then what if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before! 63 The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you – they are full of the Spirit and life. 64 Yet there are some of you who do not believe.’ For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him. 65 He went on to say, ‘This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled them.’

A. Find Out:

1. On must they feed, says Jesus? v.57,58
2. How did some of the disciples respond? v.60
3. What does Jesus say they might see? v.62
4. From where comes life? v.63
5. What did he say about them and why? v.64
6. How does he conclude what he was saying? v.65

B. Think:

1. Why is it clear that Jesus is speaking figuratively here?
2. Why was it difficult for some to hear and understand?
3. What does all this say about apparent disciples?

C. Comment:

Jesus has been speaking about being the bread that came down from heaven (v.58 and before) and has spoken about the need for his followers to ‘eat’ his flesh and ‘drink’ his blood (v.53,54). This will result in a complete unity with him (v.56) and life (v.57), eternal life (v.58). Now we are reminded that this is actually in the synagogue in Capernaum (v.59) and clearly some of the listeners are apparently disciples of his, who now struggle with these words (v.60).

Jesus, aware of this (v.61a), faces them up with this. If this is hard, how will you cope if you see me ascend to the Father? (v.62 – fulfilled in Acts 1) i.e. the things you witness are harder than the words you hear.

He then explains: the Spirit is all important because He gives life (v.63a) and indeed the words Jesus speaks come from the Spirit and they bring life (v.63b), but the fact is that some of them who have heard those words have not believed (v.64a). John, the writer, comments that Jesus knew this and knew who would believe and follow and who would reject and betray Jesus (v.64b)

To conclude his teaching Jesus then comments that of course it is only possible to come (and understand) and follow Jesus if the Father enables them to understand by the Spirit (v.65)

D. Application?

1.  We need the help of the Holy Spirit to understand the meaning behind Jesus’ words sometimes. Pray & persevere to get understanding.
2. Don’t doubt when you don’t understand. Pray for revelation instead.

Passage: John 6:66-71

66 From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.

67 ‘You do not want to leave too, do you?’ Jesus asked the Twelve.

68 Simon Peter answered him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.’

70 Then Jesus replied, ‘Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!’ 71 (He meant Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, who, though one of the Twelve, was later to betray him.)

A. Find Out:  

1. What happened as a result of Jesus’ words? v.66
2. What did Jesus ask the Twelve? v.67
3. How did Simon Peter respond? v.68
4. What did he conclude? v.69
5. What comment did Jesus make about them? v.70a
6. Yet what did he know? v.70b, 71

B. Think:

1. What had the Twelve come to realise?
2. How were they different from other ‘followers’?
3. Why were they as they were?

C. Comment:

The words from Jesus about eating his flesh and drinking his blood had upset some of the apparent disciples there in the synagogue (v.60). Then we he had spoken of his ascension and of understanding in the Spirit, this had unnerved them even more and they left (v.66) it was clear that they were there for the excitement, but their hearts had not been won over by Jesus.

The Twelve are left there with Jesus and so he turns to them and (I wonder with a smile?) asks if they wanted to go as well (v.67). Peter speaks up for them, as he so often did, and basically says, “So to who else could we go, because you’re the only one who speaks words that bring eternal life and we know this because we’ve come to realise you are the Holy One of (or from) God.” (v.68,69)

Jesus’ response is one of pleasure – haven’t I chosen you, wasn’t I right in choosing you twelve (v.70a) but then sadness (or anger) creeps in as he declares that one of them is of then enemy (v.70b). Just in case we, the readers, weren’t clear about this, John adds with hindsight that of course Jesus meant Judas who went on to betray Jesus, even though he was one of Jesus’ chosen twelve.   

D. Application?

1.  Are my heart and intellect surrendered to Jesus so that there is no question of me abandoning him, even when I don’t always understand what he says?
2. Jesus is God and he alone has words to bring me life.