Jesus had fed the 5,000 +, in John 6; next he walked on the water when his disciples were in the boat, a storm arose, and Jesus walked on water. This all comes from John 6:1-24. So, now to the next "meat" of John 6.
The people were looking for Jesus and then found him on the other side of the lake and asked Rabbi (teacher) when did you get here?
Jesus criticized the people who followed him only for the physical (food) and temporary benefits and not for the satisfying of their spiritual hunger. Many people used (and still use) religion to gain social status, prestige, or political positions. However, true believers follow Jesus simply because they know he is the truth, the way, and life to everlasting eternity.
These people whom are referred to as disciples are a large body of people, following Jesus and listening to what he has to say. The 12 are also with him. When Jesus makes the statement in verse 35 that he is "the bread of life, whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty." Then he goes on to say: "But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe."
Jesus continues to say He came down from heaven not to do His will, but to do the will of the one who sent Him (God) so that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day."
Hmmm! After saying this the Jews began to grumble about him because of what he said. Some of these Jews did not accept Jesus' claim of divinity. Why, he is only a carpenters son and is from Mary and Joseph; He is not special plus claiming to be the bread of life. Then in later verses 53-59 Jesus tells them unles the "eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you."
What? This crazy man is speaking of cannibalism. Also, the law forbides this in Leviticus 17:10-11. Jesus was not talking about literal blood He was saying his life had to become their own. They had to accept Him as the Son of Man. This was a concept that was foreign to them and, they expected their Messiah to come in a way of glory.
Jesus asks (verse 61) Does this offend you? What if you see the Son of Man ascend to where he was before! The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. Yet there are some of who who do not believe. this is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled him."
This next verse is interesting - John 6:66 From this time many of his isciples turned back and no longer followed him.
Then (verse 67) Jesus turned to the 12 chosen and asked, "You do not want to leave too, do you?
Simon Peter spoke saying "LORD, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God."
Jesus said, "Have I not chosen you the twelve? Yet, one of you is a devil!"
Many of the "disciples" deserted Jesus because he was not going to be the conquering Messiah-King they expected; He refused to give in to their self-centereed requests, He emphasized faith rather than deeds, His teachings were difficult to understand and offensive to some in that day.
As we grow in our faith we have 2 responses: 1--to give up and turn away from Jesus because we think it is too hard; OR 2- ask God to show you what the teaching mean and how you may apply them to your life. Go forth with the courage to act on God's truth.
Thank you for reading today. Rather lengthy, but a good lesson. Love you all.
In Christ's Love and Grace
Johnny
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