October 12, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – John Chapter 6
1 After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias.
2 And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased.
3 And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his disciples.
4 And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh.
5 When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?
6 And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do.
7 Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little.
8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, saith unto him,
9 There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?
10 And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand.
11 And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.
12 When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.
13 Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.
14 Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world.
15 When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.
16 And when even was now come, his disciples went down unto the sea,
17 And entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them.
18 And the sea arose by reason of a great wind that blew.
19 So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid.
20 But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid.
21 Then they willingly received him into the ship: and immediately the ship was at the land whither they went.
22 The day following, when the people which stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was none other boat there, save that one whereinto his disciples were entered, and that Jesus went not with his disciples into the boat, but that his disciples were gone away alone;
23 (Howbeit there came other boats from Tiberias nigh unto the place where they did eat bread, after that the Lord had given thanks:)
24 When the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither his disciples, they also took shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus.
25 And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither?
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.
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.
60 Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it?
61 When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you?
62 What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before?
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.
64 But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.
65 And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.
66 From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.
67 Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?
68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.
69 And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.
70 Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?
71 He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.
King James Version. Public Domain
Commentary
Introduction
John chapter 6 addresses some of the most well-known and central events in the life of Jesus, including the Feeding of the Five Thousand and Jesus’ teaching about the “Bread of Life.” These two events highlight Jesus’ ability to nourish both physically and spiritually. While Jesus’ miracles impress the crowd and lead them to follow Him, His profound spiritual teachings cause confusion and division among the disciples. Finally, the chapter emphasizes that Jesus is the source of eternal life, but only those who trust in Him by faith will experience it.
Commentary
The Feeding of the Five Thousand (John 6:1-15)
The Feeding of the Five Thousand is one of Jesus’ most significant miracles, recorded in all four Gospels. Jesus sees the large crowd following Him because they have witnessed the miracles performed on the sick. To test His disciples, He asks Philip where they could buy enough bread to feed the multitude. Philip realistically responds that two hundred denarii (a large sum of money) would not be sufficient to feed everyone (verse 7). Andrew notices a boy with five barley loaves and two fish, which are clearly inadequate for the crowd.
However, Jesus takes this small offering and multiplies it so that everyone is satisfied, and even twelve baskets of leftovers remain. This miracle demonstrates Jesus’ divine care and power. The people recognize Him as the promised prophet (verse 14), but when they attempt to make Him king, Jesus withdraws. This suggests that His kingdom is not of this world and that He did not come to fulfill political expectations but to bring spiritual salvation.
Jesus Walks on the Sea (John 6:16-21)
In the evening, the disciples cross the Sea of Galilee without Jesus, who has withdrawn. A strong wind arises, and the disciples struggle against the waves until they see Jesus walking on the water. They are frightened, but Jesus reassures them by saying, “It is I; do not be afraid!” (verse 20). This event not only demonstrates Jesus’ power over nature but also His role as the one who brings peace to believers amidst difficulties.
Jesus, the Bread of Life (John 6:22-59)
The next day, the people seek Jesus and find Him on the other side of the lake. Jesus takes the opportunity to teach about the “Bread of Life.” He tells them that they did not come to Him just because of the signs, but because they ate the bread and were satisfied (verse 26). Jesus emphasizes that they should seek the spiritual food that leads to eternal life. He reveals that He Himself is the bread that has come down from heaven and that those who believe in Him will never hunger or thirst again (verse 35).
This teaching confuses many, especially when Jesus explains that His flesh is the bread they must eat to have eternal life (verse 51). This metaphorical language leads to misunderstanding and rejection, particularly as the Jews question how He can give them His flesh to eat (verse 52). Jesus’ statement that they must eat His flesh and drink His blood is an allusion to the future Eucharist (the Lord’s Supper) and refers to His sacrificial giving of life on the cross.
The Division Among the Disciples and Peter’s Confession (John 6:60-71)
Jesus’ radical statements cause many of His disciples to abandon Him, as they find His words “hard” (verse 60). However, when Jesus asks the Twelve if they also want to leave, Peter responds with his famous confession: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (verse 68). This confession underscores that true disciples do not depend on external circumstances or difficulties in understanding but hold firmly to faith in Jesus as the Son of God.
At the end, Jesus alludes to the impending betrayal by Judas, one of the Twelve, who will later hand Him over (verses 70-71).
Summary
John chapter 6 encompasses central miracles and teachings of Jesus that highlight His divine power and role as the source of eternal life. The Feeding of the Five Thousand demonstrates Jesus’ mastery over creation and His ability to meet people’s needs. However, in His teaching about the “Bread of Life,” Jesus goes beyond the physical to speak of Himself as the spiritual nourishment that brings eternal life. This radical message leads to a division among His disciples, but Peter reaffirms his faith by declaring that Jesus has the words of eternal life.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 68—In the Outer Court
This chapter is based on John 12:20-42.
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction
Chapter 68 is based on John 12:20-43 and deals with a pivotal event in Jesus’ life, when Greeks expressed the desire to see him. This chapter highlights the transition from Jesus’ earthly ministry to his impending sacrificial death on the cross, which would hold significance not only for the Jews but for all humanity. The desire of the Greeks to see Jesus symbolizes the universal appeal of his sacrifice and the expansion of the Gospel beyond the Jewish people.
Commentary
The chapter begins with the Greeks’ request to see Jesus, which Jesus interprets as a sign of his imminent glorification through his death on the cross. This encounter is reminiscent of the Magi who came at Jesus’ birth, signaling that Jesus’ mission is now extending beyond the borders of Israel. Jesus seizes the moment to compare his death to a grain of wheat that must die to bear fruit, emphasizing the necessity of his sacrifice for the salvation of the world.
The chapter underscores the importance of self-sacrifice, both in Jesus’ life and in the lives of his followers. Jesus speaks of his coming exaltation on the cross as the moment when he will draw all people to himself. Despite these revelations, many remain in disbelief, and even some of the leaders are afraid to publicly confess their faith.
Summary
Chapter 68 describes the final moments of Jesus before his crucifixion, interpreting the Greeks’ desire to see him as a sign of the expansion of his mission. Jesus explains that his death, like the death of a grain of wheat, is necessary to bring forth new life. The chapter emphasizes the universal significance of Jesus’ sacrifice and the spread of the Gospel beyond Israel. It calls for self-sacrifice, both for Christ and his followers, while reflecting the deep sorrow over the continued disbelief of many.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 69—On the Mount of Olives
This chapter is based on Matthew 24; Mark 13; Luke 21:5-38.
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction
Chapter 69 is based on the writings of Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21:5-38. It addresses Jesus’ prophetic announcements regarding the destruction of Jerusalem and His second coming. This discourse, delivered on the Mount of Olives, provides the disciples and future generations with guidance and warnings about upcoming trials and God’s ultimate triumph. Jesus instructs His disciples on the signs of the times and calls for vigilance and faithfulness in light of the forthcoming events.
Commentary
In this chapter, Jesus warns His disciples about the impending destruction of Jerusalem while simultaneously alluding to His second coming. He intertwines these two events in His prophetic announcements, emphasizing the necessity of vigilance. The signs that indicate the destruction of Jerusalem also serve as harbingers of the end times. Jesus speaks of false prophets, wars, famines, and persecutions that will precede the final judgment. He reminds His disciples not to be deceived and to maintain their faithfulness to God, even in the face of persecution. Finally, He points to the inevitable coming of the Son of Man in power and glory and encourages believers to remain steadfast in prayer and in anticipation of His return.
Summary
Chapter 69 describes Jesus’ significant sermon on the Mount of Olives, in which He prophesies the destruction of Jerusalem and His second coming. He provides the disciples with signs of the impending events and calls for constant vigilance. By linking the fall of Jerusalem with the end times, Jesus urges believers to examine their hearts, avoid deception, and faithfully await His return. The chapter underscores that both the destruction of Jerusalem and the second coming of Christ are part of the divine plan and that God will ultimately save His believers.
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