Matt. 6:9-13 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
For the benefit of the people of God. What do the people of God really need of all that God can provide? The people of God need to be able to enter into the kingdom of God. As we continue this study note that none of the things that are asked for the benefit of the people of God are for the flesh. The flesh is a temporary inconvenience that will be changed, to fit the needs of the spiritual/heavenly/ new man/ new creation.
Give us this day our daily bread, forgive us as we forgive, lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil; all of these are not for the benefit of the flesh, they might exist because of the flesh, but they address the Spiritual needs of the people of God.
What is it that mankind really needs from God? Food on our table today gives us another day living in this world, in the flesh, but spiritual food will sustain spiritual life and help us to grow as the people of God. Forgiveness is for the benefit of the spirit and not the flesh as is avoidance of temptation and deliverance from evil. So much more could be said of this, and more will be said in the pages that follow.
- Give us this day our daily bread.
- The worldly application of the bread.
- To much bread can actually be a bad thing. For the people of God.
- Remember one who was satisfied with the bread that only feeds the life of the flesh?
- Jesus said that mankind shall not live by bread alone.
- The Spiritual application of bread.
- Why do we seek after Jesus? Bread or bread?
Matt. 6:11 Give us this day our daily bread.
There are two ways to approach daily bread. First, daily bread is that which is needed to sustain life in the flesh from day to day; not given in excess lest we forget to trust in God. This is a reasonable presentation from the scriptures. Second, the bread that is needed for Spiritual life, to sustain the spirit that it may grow in the heavenly/spiritual things that Jesus wanted to teach Nicodemus about (John 3:12); not given in excess lest we forget the source of the blessing. This is also a reasonable presentation from the scriptures. Is it possible that both views could be correct?
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So two lives are under consideration.
For the benefit of mankind. What does mankind really need of all that God can provide?
Gen. 25:29-34 And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came from the field, and he was faint: 30 And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom. 31 And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright. 32 And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me? 33 And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob. 34 Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright.
Esau came in from the field and he was exhausted, and in the mind of Esau he was ‘at the point to die’, therefore he believed that the right of the firstborn (birthright) would be of no use to him if he died. It seems that Esau, like many of God’s people throughout history, do not understand the promises of God, and as such, only know God in a limited sense.
A great comparison between two points of view. Esau needs some bread to sustain the life of his flesh body, but what Esau does not know is that he also needs the spiritual bread. Esau needs to learn to trust in God, to seek God’s will in his life, to learn that God can and will provide for the daily needs of his flesh. But, Esau sold his inheritance for a bowl of lentil soup, most likely made from a red lentil (bean), which happened to cause the soup to be red in color.
How could Esau, the eldest child of Isaac and Rebecca not know Jehovah and the blessings that come from Jehovah? Was something taken for granted, or just not believed, you know, crazy parents?
How can the people of God come to the point of understanding that the spiritual life is more important than physical life?
Gen. 3:13-20 And the LORD God said unto the woman, What is this that thou hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me, and I did eat. 14 And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life: 15 And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel. 16 Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children; and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and he shall rule over thee. 17 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; 18 Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field; 19 In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return. 20 And Adam called his wife's name Eve; because she was the mother of all living.
There is that bread that easily comes to mind. The bread that is associated with life, although it is just the life of the flesh. The bread that keeps mankind alive one more day to labor the next. One more day to toil, one more day to see much of the fruit of labor given to others, one more day to gather bread; and the days repeat until life is ended.
Sadly, this is the bread that so many desire, the bread that occupies the mind and lives of those who are not focused on Christ. The people of the world seek this bread in abundance and can never seem to have enough of it.
Strange how the word bread could be exchanged with word money, without changing what the Spirit is teaching.
So is, ‘give us this day our daily bread’, speaking of the bread as it pertains to the needs of the flesh? Yes, this is a reasonable presentation from the scriptures as the people of God should always be trusting in God to provide our daily needs.
Deut. 8:7-18 For the LORD thy God bringeth thee into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and depths that spring out of valleys and hills; 8 A land of wheat, and barley, and vines, and fig trees, and pomegranates; a land of oil olive, and honey; 9 A land wherein thou shalt eat bread without scarceness, thou shalt not lack any thing in it; a land whose stones are iron, and out of whose hills thou mayest dig brass. 10 When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the LORD thy God for the good land which he hath given thee. 11 Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day: 12 Lest when thou hast eaten and art full, and hast built goodly houses, and dwelt therein; 13 And when thy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied; 14 Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the LORD thy God, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage; 15 Who led thee through that great and terrible wilderness, wherein were fiery serpents, and scorpions, and drought, where there was no water; who brought thee forth water out of the rock of flint; 16 Who fed thee in the wilderness with manna, which thy fathers knew not, that he might humble thee, and that he might prove thee, to do thee good at thy latter end; 17 And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth. 18 But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.
Note the underlined parts; Beware that thou forget not the Lord thy God, Lest when thou hast eaten and art full, thine heart be lifted up and thou forget the Lord thy God. And then have the nerve to think that it was your power and hand that did it.
Verse 12: ‘full’ = 07646 saba` {saw-bah'} or sabea` {saw-bay'-ah} Meaning: 1) to be satisfied, be sated, be fulfilled, be surfeited 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be sated (with food) 1a2) to be sated, be satisfied with, be fulfilled, be filled, have one's fill of (have desire satisfied“ ... hast eaten and art full, and hast built goodly houses, and dwelt therein; and thy herds and flocks multiply, and thy silver and gold ...”.
The author sees the word ‘full’ 07646 as meaning more than the belly; note the things that follow in the passage of scripture. It seems that the people of God can reach a point where they are quite satisfied with the life they are living in the flesh and long for it to continue as it is. At this time God can be of little to no concern for them. Strange that thoughts of eternity can become so distant in a world where one sure thing happens to all, death (Hebrews 9:27).
Verse 14: “... thy heart be lifted up ...” Nope, this cannot happen to the people of God today! Right? Not a chance. It is interesting to realize that the only information we have about the people of God, their actions over time, is what is written in the Old Testament, and there are many generations of the people of God to learn from in the Old Testament. What have we learned? Makes one wonder if the Old Testament should be read as a self-help book, always with an eye to our own lives. c.f. Deuteronomy 32:12-21.
Romans 15:1-4 We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. 3 For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me. 4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
A premise for all of the authors studies. The New Testament people of God are to learn from the Old Testament people of God. That means the gentiles are to learn from the Jews. It is also important to realize that it is hard to learn anything if no application is made to our daily lives.
Proverbs 30:1-9 The words of Agur the son of Jakeh, even the prophecy: the man spake unto Ithiel, even unto Ithiel and Ucal, 2 Surely I am more brutish than any man, and have not the understanding of a man. 3 I neither learned wisdom, nor have the knowledge of the holy. 4 Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is his son's name, if thou canst tell? 5 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. 6 Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar. 7 Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die: 8 Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: 9 Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.
These are the verses that were on the mind of the author. Agur says, two things I ask of thee, speaking with regard to God; then we read, feed me my allotted portion of food, lest I be full (07646, satisfied, sated, be fulfilled) and deny, saying who is the Lord?
Have the people of God become satisfied with this world and with this life? Do they have such an abundance that they no longer think of God? Have they grown enamored with the work of their hands?
Caution: Too much bread can be a contributing factor in the people of God turning away from the God, and the blessings/things of God.
Lk. 12:15-23 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. 16 And he spake a parable unto them, saying, The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully: 17 And he thought within himself, saying, What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? 18 And he said, This will I do: I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry. 20 But God said unto him, Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? 21 So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God. 22 And he said unto his disciples, Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat; neither for the body, what ye shall put on. 23 The life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment.
Another incredible comparison between the two lives that are under consideration. Very important and wonderfully simple truths that all of the people of God need to understand.
Verse 15: A man’s eternal life (2222) exists (2076, 3rd person of to be) not in the abundance of the things he possesses.
In other words, all of the goods of this world have no relationship with eternal life (the life of the age).
Verse 16: Jesus illustrates the teaching with a parable.
Verse 16-19: Satisfied, or fulfilled, as we found in Proverbs 30:7-9, implied in the text. The certain rich man was now satisfied, he had fruits and goods in abundance, his life (soul=5590, conscious life) had everything he ever wanted and enough for years to come.
Verse 20: Unfortunately he was focused on the wrong life, and this night God would end his life on earth and then what would he have? The end of this life is the end of life for the people of the world, because they do not know Jesus as their Savior, therefore they do not know the heavenly/spiritual life.
This is another reason that a daily relationship with our God and Savior is a good thing; storing up heavenly things that pertain to eternal life instead of earthly thing that ... well, you understand.
Verse 21: Do not be like the ‘certain rich man’, be rich toward God.
Verse 22-23: Jesus continues to build on the fading value of this life, that is sustained by bread, and the body that is clothed with raiment; do not be anxious (3309) about this life (5590), there is more to this life than bread and clothing.
Continue the reading in Luke when you have the opportunity, and see Jesus address the flesh and the value of it, remembering that this discussion began referring to eternal life.
Life is Christ, this should be the priorities of the people of God. Which then would mean that the end of this life is an improvement, as it brings us closer to Christ Jesus.
Phil. 1:20-25 According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. 23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: 24 Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. 25 And having this confidence, I know that I shall abide and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith;
The flesh is at its best in service to God. The people of God are to walk in the Spirit, and not in the flesh; while living in the flesh. For this process to work there is a need for the flesh to have its daily bread.
Matthew 4:1-4 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. 2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. 3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. 4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
c.f. Deuteronomy 8:3
The life of the flesh is being addressed, which is fascinating to consider. There is more to the life of the flesh than the needs of the flesh. This verse also shows that life in the flesh, in the world, is manifestly better, has greater meaning; when it is lived in service to God.
Such blessed simple truths to consider. All of the evil of this world, its violence, self-centeredness, anxiety; name the depravity or flaw, and consider if these things would be noticeably better if people were walking after the teachings of the Bible instead of ignoring and mocking them.
Without doubt, there is a need for the people of God to grow in the Spirit of the Lord, in the heavenly things that Jesus wanted to speak to Nicodemus about.
Jn. 3:12 If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?
This might be the bias of the author coming through, but after the Nicodemus study, along with others; it is amazing to see that the Father and the Son are trying to teach mankind about heavenly, or Spiritual things. The people of God are encouraged to be a Spiritual people that walk after the Spirit and not after the flesh. These heavenly, or spiritual things are directly related to the kingdom of God mentioned earlier. Therefore the sustenance of the Spiritual being is vital for the growth of the people of God.
Isaiah 55:1-9 Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. 2 Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. 3 Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David. 4 Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people. 5 Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the LORD thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee. 6 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: 7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. 8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Love this passage, it speaks of another life that has different needs than the one we normally think about. But the passage uses the language that we are familiar with. Are you thirsty, why spend ye money for that which is not bread, etc.
NET Isaiah 55:1-2 "Hey, all who are thirsty, come to the water! You who have no money, come! Buy and eat! Come! Buy wine and milk without money and without cost! 2 Why pay money for something that will not nourish you? Why spend your hard-earned money on something that will not satisfy? Listen carefully to me and eat what is nourishing! Enjoy fine food! 3 Pay attention and come to me! Listen, so you can live! Then I will make an unconditional (everlasting) covenantal promise to you, just like the reliable covenantal promises I made to David.
Do all of us all desire the heavenly things? Jesus is patiently waiting to give us that bread that satisfies.
This other life can be lived to the full, starting now if that is what a person will/desires. Look at these blessed people, see the ones who will come, see the blessings that are theirs to claim.
The heavenly things should be placed before the things of the earth. Such a simple thought for a people as blessed as the people of God. By putting the heavenly things first, God the Father and Christ Jesus the Son of God are first in our thoughts, hearts, and lives. Now, how is this put into practice in our daily lives? Practical application.
Jn. 6:26-59 Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. 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. 28 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? 29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. 30 They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work? 31 Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat. 32 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. 34 Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread. 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. 36 But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not. 37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. 38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. 39 And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. 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. 41 The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came down from heaven. 42 And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? how is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven? 43 Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves. 44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. 45 It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me. 46 Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father. 47 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. 48 I am that bread of life. 49 Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. 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. 52 The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat? 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. 55 For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. 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. 59 These things said he in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum.
The meaning hopefully is obvious, or is it?
Verse 26: Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.
How crazy is this? The multitude of the people of God are not inspired by the miraculous sign that has been done. Instead, they focus on the food, the ease, the picnic, and the satisfaction of it all (filled). A picnic between the mountains and the seashore, with the teachings of Jesus as entertainment.
What is mankind seeking after, security of life? Having food provided eliminates one of the primary needs of life. Unfortunately, it is the wrong life that is being considered. Which life should be the priority for the people of God?
Who is the multitude? In this case it is the chosen people of God (John 1:10-12) that are seeking something, there are two possibilities for the something that is being sought.
A comparison between two lives, the earthly verses the heavenly, the spirit verses the flesh, the new man verses the old man.
Verse 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
Two types of meat are mentioned in this verse, one that perishes and one that will remain unto life everlasting. One of them is desired by our flesh, seen with our eyes, can be touched with our hands and can have a pleasant taste and smell. The other bread is the opposite of the first, and mankind has no deep, from the bottom of the heart, desire for it. This might be why mankind is not aware of, and does not pursue after, the things that be of God.
Verse 28: Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?
Ask yourselves what do these people think the works of God are? What do the people of God think the works of God are today (free food, instant prosperity)? In verse 26 Jesus said the only reason that they followed Him was because they ate of the loaves and were full. In verse 27 Jesus tells them not to labor for the meat that perishes, what do these people think that the works of God are?
Verse 29: Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
The twenty-nineth verse could be a great summation for the teachings of Jesus; believe on the one whom God has sent, if we understand what biblical faith is. What’s more, is that this is the work of God; believing on (into) Jesus, it is all that every servant of God can and should do.
Can you imagine a place where everyone there believes into Jesus? And, these are real believers that actually put faith into action? What a place that will be. That place has a name, it is the kingdom of God, a place that will be nothing like this world, a place of justice, equity, and righteousness.
Verse 30-31: They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work? 31 Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat.
Remember verse 26, they did not follow Jesus because of the miracle (sign, token), remember verse 28 where they asked what they might do to work the works of God; plus Jesus has already told them the work of God in verse 29 and they have skipped right over it.
Now they have the nerve to ask for a work that they may believe in Jesus. If they do not know a sign (miracle), from God when they witness it, what exactly are they asking Jesus for?
Sadly, the people of God are blind and ignorant concerning the things of God, standing in the presence of the Son of God, who is working miracles, and they do not have a clue.
Their words tell us what is in their hearts. It is unfortunate that the people of God equate bread for the flesh with the works of God. In this case they consider the life of the flesh to be of greater value than eternal salvation, the life of the age, and the coming kingdom of God.
Verse 32: Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven.
Jesus knows what lay in the hearts of mankind. The multitude is still seeking after the picnic, the idyllic setting, sitting in repose while food is provided.
What Jesus says seems in direct contradiction to the events recorded in the Old Testament. The bread (manna) fell from heaven and fed Israel for approximately forty years. There must have been some wondering what Jesus was talking about.
But, what if the manna is type of something else? And the Father will give the true bread from heaven. In this case the type addresses that which sustains life, that feeds people what they truly have need of while they journey to the land (kingdom) promised by God? The type is speaking of something that is Spiritual, and Holy.
Verse 33: For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.
This is a clear answer, no parable. Jesus plainly states what the bread of God is. Jesus also tells the purpose of His death. Sadly, nobody understands that Jesus is speaking of Himself as the bread of God which comes down from heaven. So, the meaning is lost to ignorance and a lack of curiosity. Jesus continues to teach on this, John 10:11.
It is interesting to realize that this verse could be used as a summary for, ‘give us our daily bread’.
Verse 34: Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread.
Praise the Lord, are these people going to accept Jesus as the Son of God, accept Jesus as their savior? Are these people now seeking after the life that comes from God?
Verse 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.
The moment of truth. Jesus adds to the statement of the 33rd verse, tying together His teachings. Tying verse 33, the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, with, I am the bread of life; he that cometh to me shall never hunger and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
Note how Jesus is teaching, it is a manner that confuses those that do not listen to all that is said. So far, no single phrase tells the whole story.
Also note that Jesus Himself is the fulfillment of all that we have been reading about, never hunger and never thirst, in Isaiah 55; and meat that does not perish but endures to life everlasting in Luke 12.
Verse 36: But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not.
A chance to accept Jesus as their savior is passing by. A chance to see beyond the physical to the Spiritual, beyond the earthly to the heavenly. A chance to see Jesus as the Son of God, instead of as the son of man. If only they were interested in the miracles of Jesus instead of the bread. The miracles are the evidence of the heavenly, the bread is the need of the earthy. They need to open their eyes.
But they will not believe; the people of God (John 1:10-12) are without faith. Believe is the verb form of the word translated as faith, the language plainly states, faithing not. Again, the people of God (Israel) do not believe (practical application-applying faith into the daily life), in the things of God.
Verse 37: All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
Several possible ways to consider this verse. The simplest is pleasantly straight forward. We learned from the “thy will be done on earth as it is heaven” section that those who have a ‘will’ for Jesus will come to Jesus, these are the ones that the Father has given to Jesus, and the ones coming to Jesus He will not cast out.
Verse 38-40: For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. 39 And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. 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.
The will of God is the most important thing on the earth, the word ‘will’ is used five times in these three verses; three times it is referring to the will of the Father, one time Jesus said that He did not come down from heaven to do His own will. The last use of will, Jesus says, I will raise him up at the last day.
The ones that have everlasting life will be raised up at the last day. What is our will? Is our will to do the will of the Father?
Do we see Jesus? This is a question of spiritual comprehension, spiritual understanding. Do we really see Jesus? Jesus has been under observation by this multitude for considerable time, but they have not seen Him yet. They see bread through the eyes of the flesh. They see the needs of their flesh being satisfied, but they do not see Jesus (a heavenly being of whom the world is not worthy).
Do we see Jesus? Do we see Jesus putting the will of the Father before His own will?
Verse 41-42: The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came down from heaven. 42 And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? how is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven?
Jesus said in verse 36 that they believed not. Now their words show that Jesus spoke the truth. They do not believe in Jesus as the bread of life that comes down from heaven, that gives His life unto the world (27, 33, 35).
Every person that has ever heard of Jesus has to answer this question, who is Jesus of Nazareth? The multitude that witnessed, and partook in, the miracle of the feeding of the five thousand know from experience that this is no ordinary man. With this knowledge they are at a crossroad; Jesus performed miracles, who is He?
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Nicodemus said, ...
John 3:1-2 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: 2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
Nicodemus came to Jesus with a basic knowledge of Jesus, he was at a point to begin to see Jesus. This seems to be the place that the multitude is at, or close to it.
Up to this point it is as if there are two different conversations taking place., flesh verse spirit. But now the people begin to see the picture that Jesus has been painting, now they see the outlines of Jesus as He is. Can they accept this picture?
Notice in the 42 verse they only see Jesus after the flesh, they speak of His family on earth. Too bad they do not see Jesus!
Verses 43-47: Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves. 44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. 45 It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me. 46 Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father.
Sad, really sad. Jesus says, … why complain, if you knew the Father you would come to me because you would be compelled to come to me (verse 44 draw). If you had paid attention to the teachings of the scriptures you would know the Father (45) ... and if you know the Father then you would know me.
Turns out that the people of God can learn from the things that are written in the word of God, even the Old Testament. They can learn to see the Father, and by that learn to see the things that come from the Father. Read your bible, all of it; it is how God prepares us to know Him, and the things that come from Him.
This ignorance of the Father means that all people, Jew and Gentile, do not have the foundation needed to see Jesus, and to know Jesus (be saved). This does not mean that it cannot be done (salvation), it is just a more difficult task.
Verse 47-51: Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. 48 I am that bread of life. 49 Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. 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.
Verse 47: Jesus returns to the main point, is still painting the picture (verses 33, 35, 40), the one that is believing on Jesus has everlasting life. As Jesus says, I am the way, the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father but by me (John 14:6). The picture is very clear at this point, but the point is reiterated to teach, all must have Jesus.
This is the Faith = Righteousness Study, this is the teachings of the scriptures; as discussed in that study, definitions become very important. What is Righteousness and what is Faith?
Verse 48: I am that bread of life.
Jesus continues to teach through repetition (35), I am the bread of life. Jesus is not worried about their murmuring, or otherwise delicate feelings. This is the day that many people will be offended, and some of the disciples will even leave from following after Jesus (John 6:60-71), they will withdraw.
Verse 49: Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead.
Your fathers ate manna in the wilderness and are dead. Another hard blow to those that are already on edge. The highly regarded manna only met the needs of the flesh, and as such had no eternal value; Jesus is offering bread that provides for the needs of the spiritual/heavenly, eternal, life. Interesting to consider, as amazing as the manna was its efficacy was temporary, and limited to the immediate needs of the flesh.
A comparison is found between the manna and the bread that Jesus offers, His flesh, which is given for the life of the world. See the next verse.
Verse 50: This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die.
This is the bread that comes down from heaven, Jesus is referring to Himself, I am the bread of life (verse 35, 48). Jesus is teaching the multitude of His true origins, being from heaven and in heaven (John 3:13).
YLT John 3:13 and no one hath gone up to the heaven, except he who out of the heaven came down -- the Son of Man who is in the heaven.
If a person eats of this bread, they will not die, they will live forever, the bread that a person needs to eat is the flesh of Jesus which He has given for the life of the world.
Verse 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.
The picture being painted by Jesus just became clearer. For the first time Jesus uses the word flesh in this discussion; specifically, His flesh as the bread that has come down from heaven. Interestingly the last time that Jesus uses the word flesh in the book of John is when He is speaking to Nicodemus.
Reading this verse that is presenting Jesus to those that are willing to learn of Him, an understanding of manna is also presented. Of all that God could have done to feed Israel in the wilderness manna was the vessel of God’s choosing. Why? Manna descended out of heaven from God, manna is found on the earth but is not of the earth, manna is collected six days of the week by those that will put forth the minimal effort required to gather it – eaten seven days of the week, and manna is required to sustain life.
Manna was the physical manifestation of things that are Spiritual, Spiritual things associated with Spiritual life, therefore a type of what would come. Jesus is also the physical manifestation of things that are Spiritual; that has descended out of heaven from God. Jesus was on the earth, but not of the earth (son of man Son of God). Jesus, the bread from heaven, is to be eaten every day; give us this day our daily bread, for the needs of the heavenly or Spiritual life. Without Jesus there is no heavenly or Spiritual life.
Another interesting thing to consider about the manna; the people of God had to, daily, go out of the camp and touch the manna (gathering it). This is the relationship that the saved should have with their Savior Jesus; the people of Jesus should be seeking Him out and handling Him every day. A simple task that the people of God complained about.
Verse 52: The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat?
Interesting question, a good question, and the second time that flesh is mentioned. After all the things said by Jesus that the multitude misunderstood or outright missed; they hear the reference to His flesh. But have they understood the application? The true application is spiritual in nature and teaches the people of God about heavenly things.
Jesus has painted the picture where He is the bread of life that comes down from heaven and gives life to all that believe in Him. Now those that will have this life need to eat His flesh. In a literal application this makes no sense?
The comparison that Jesus is making is between the manna and Himself. As stated in verse 51, I am the living bread which came down from heaven … as such Israel had a forty-year relationship with manna, and with Jesus; seeing, touching, and partaking of it every day.
Verses 53-59: 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. 55 For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. 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. 59 These things said he in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum.
Is this any clearer?
Does the multitude of Israelites see Jesus now, they are/were the people of God? Do we see Jesus now, the people of God? Jesus is the manna that comes down from heaven that must be eaten to have eternal, spiritual life, and must be eaten daily, that is, again and again.
This passage teaches that, eating His flesh and drinking His blood is not a one-time occurrence (verses 54, 56, 57, 58); remember that the manna is gathered every day. Give us this day our daily bread can be compared to coming to Jesus every day, and partaking of Jesus; it is an ongoing/daily relationship with God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. Magical thinking, or magical words spoken one time are the same as the relationship being described here.
Final thoughts for Daily bread: Give us this day our daily bread. The son of man is asking for the Father to give us the Son of God.
Daily bread has application to both the physical and to the Spiritual. Both aspects are important for the people of God to do the will of God.
Embrace Jesus saying, eat my flesh and drink my blood. These are true statements that are beautiful in the context of the bible. The people of God are to be partakers of the sacrifices, the Levites were. Jesus is the Passover lamb that gave His body, and spilt His blood, for the sins of the world. We must have a daily part with/of Him.
The people of God must find the spiritual meaning; how do we become partakers of Jesus Christ daily. Then take that Spiritual meaning and make the practical application, how does this affect our daily lives? There is more to life than the flesh body, much more; search to find the more.
Late night thoughts: At this point go back to the feeding of the five-thousand (John 6:1-14); what is the lesson that Jesus was teaching? Let us consider some things that happened.
Verse 5: Saw a great multitude coming to Him, asks Phillip how they could feed them.
Verse 9: Andrew says this lad here has five barley loaves and two small fishes.
Verse 10: Jesus commands that the people sit down.
Verse 11: After receiving the food, first, Jesus gives thanks and the food is distributed.
Verses 12-13: After the people eat their full, Jesus asks the disciples to gather the fragments of the meal and they had more than they started with.
This is the story that started the story. What does it mean, besides the obvious meaning? Is there more to this story than that Jesus can perform miracles? Consider these points.
- Jesus is life, and the feeding of the five thousand illustrates this. Jesus can sustain life, And we learn later Jesus can give life; also Jesus can provide what is needed for life. Abide with Jesus and you shall have all that is necessary for life.
- Jesus feeds those that come to Him. Consider verses 35 & 37, coming to me I will in no wise cast out. The application of daily bread.
- Why did Jesus have the people sit down? Oddly, sitting on the ground shows faith in the faith of the people standing and walking around them; that these people will not hurt them. Because sitting on the ground can show submission.
- Who did Jesus give thanks too? The author assumes that Jesus gives thanks to the Father. Because it is always about the Father.
- Teaches what God can do with a little, even if it is somebody else’s little, all can be blessed. In the hands of the Father a little becomes great.
- The people that followed Jesus to the other side of the sea did not understand the teaching of the miracle, they came for the free food. Remember the picnic? It is a problem of a lack Spiritual understanding.
