In John 6 we read one of the most profoundly striking chapters found in the book of John in the New Testament. With 71 verses, it records the events of Jesus feeding the five thousand, walking on water and with such profound words proclaiming he is the bread of life and that only through him can man live and be saved. This proclamation is recorded in verses 22-71. We will spend some time pondering over these verses and appreciating the word, while learning of his lessons.

“I am the Bread of Life”

The story begins in verse 22. After abiding with his disciples, just having walked on water and calming the storm, the disciples and Jesus were nowhere to be found (relative to the place of where he had just fed the five thousand). So, the citizens went out on their ships to find Jesus and found him on the other side of the sea in Capernaum asking when he had gotten there. Jesus, after some words, begins his proclamation.

The Single Source of Spirituality

The main principle: Jesus Christ is the single essential source of spiritual life and sustenance and only through him can man live and be saved.

It is only through Christ can we receive eternal salvation. It is only through participating in the fruits of his sacrifice, through believing in him, accepting him as our Lord, relying completely on him for our spiritual sustenance rather than the temporary empty things of this world, can we be strengthened and at the last day be lifted up once again to partake in his glory and live with him once again. Not by looking to ephemeral things, the pleasures of this wicked world, not by relying on our own arm, but by partaking in the flesh and blood of Christ that he has promised us he will reside within us and we reside in him. There is no other way, no other road, no other means in which we can receive this gift of eternal life, but through him who will lift us up and give us life. Though these things of this earth may sustain your flesh, it is only Christ who can sustain your spirit. For as Jesus spoke in verse 63, the spirit giveth life and the flesh is of no use.

Partaking in The Body of Christ

Jesus teaches us in verses 51-58 that “Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.” We may follow this symbolically as in partaking of sacrament or communion. In addition to this, partaking in the flesh of Christ is also a way of life. To partake of the body of Christ means to live a Christian Life. Live by Christ giving our all unto God and dedicating our lives to him. Serving others, studying scripture, prayer, discipleship, worship, loving him and those around us, obeying God’s commandments, relying completely on him, commending our lives and souls unto him. Trusting in him and seeking to build a relationship with him. Living in community, preaching the word, helping, serving and uplifting each other, looking to live as one union as a body of believers, all with an eye single to one sight looking toward God in the name of Jesus Christ. Ladies and gentlemen, brothers and sisters, let us all partake in the body of Jesus Christ with all love and gratitude, for the objective of being with our Heavenly Father once again. Let us build his kingdom here on earth, that we may bring all unto him, to love and serve each other in his name, as we all worship him and live for him.

Highlighted Verses

27: Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.

35: And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

37: All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

40: And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.

47: Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.

48: I am that bread of life.

50: This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die.

51: I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.

53: Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.

54: Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.

56: He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.

57: As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.

58: This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.

63: It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.