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The Gospel of John III - Lesson 6
Attached Audio:
Quiz:
Jesus as the Bread of Life
John 6:1-71 [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.
See All...
- THE FEEDING OF THE FIVE THOUSAND (John 6:1-15 [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.
See All...) - The Compassion of Jesus for the Multitudes (John 6:1-5 [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?
See All...; Mark 6:32-34 [32] And they departed into a desert place by ship privately. [33] And the people saw them departing, and many knew him, and ran afoot thither out of all cities, and outwent them, and came together unto him. [34] And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.
See All...) - Their location (John 6:1After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias.
See All..., 3) - Over the sea of Galilee
- The sea of Tiberias
- The lake of Gennesaret (Luke 5:1And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret,
See All...) - A desert place (Matthew 14:13When Jesus heard of it, he departed thence by ship into a desert place apart: and when the people had heard thereof, they followed him on foot out of the cities.
See All...) - Up into a mountain (John 6:3And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his disciples.
See All...) - The multitude (John 6:2And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased.
See All...) - Five thousand men plus women and children (Matthew 14:21And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children.
See All...). - Seeking a miracle-worker (John 6:2And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased.
See All...) - Weary (Mark 6:32-33 [32] And they departed into a desert place by ship privately.
[33] And the people saw them departing, and many knew him, and ran afoot thither out of all cities, and outwent them, and came together unto him.
See All...) - Hungry (Matthew 14:15And when it was evening, his disciples came to him, saying, This is a desert place, and the time is now past; send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves victuals.
See All...) - Lost (Mark 6:34And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.
See All...) – “as sheep not having a shepherd” - The time – near the time of the Passover (John 6:4And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh.
See All...) - The compassion of Jesus and its power to move (John 6:5When 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?
See All...) - Moved to pray (Matthew 9:36-38 [36] But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.
[37] Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;
[38] Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.
See All...) - Moved to heal (Matthew 14:14And Jesus went forth, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.
See All...) - Moved to teach (Mark 6:34And Jesus, when he came out, saw much people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were as sheep not having a shepherd: and he began to teach them many things.
See All...) - Moved to feed (Mark 8:2I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now been with me three days, and have nothing to eat:
See All...) - Moved to raise the dead (Luke 7:12-15 [12] Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her.
[13] And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.
[14] And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.
[15] And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother.
See All...) - The Conference of Jesus with His Disciples (John 6:6-9 [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?
See All...) - He taught them their obligation to the multitude (John 6:5-6 [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.
See All...). - Their debt (Romans 1:14-16 [14] I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.
[15] So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.
[16] For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
See All...) - Their necessity (1 Corinthians 9:16For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!
See All...) - Their enemy (2 Corinthians 4:3-4 [3] But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
[4] In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
See All...) - Note: The proving of Philip by Christ is a common practice of God with His people (Exodus 16:4Then said the LORD unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no.
See All...; Deuteronomy 8:1-3 [1] All the commandments which I command thee this day shall ye observe to do, that ye may live, and multiply, and go in and possess the land which the LORD sware unto your fathers. [2] And thou shalt remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no. [3] And he humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live.
See All...; Deuteronomy 13:1-3 [1] If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, [2] And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; [3] Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul.
See All...; Hebrews 11:17By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,
See All...) - He taught them their true helplessness (John 6:7-9 [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?
See All...). - Their need (John 6:7Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little.
See All...) - More than 200 pennyworth of food
- The value of a penny (Matthew 20:1-2 [1] For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard.
[2] And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard.
See All...) - Their resources (John 6:8-9 [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?
See All...) - The lunch of a lad
- Five loaves and two fish
- Their incapability (John 6:9There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?
See All...; John 15:5I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
See All...) - His command (Luke 9:13But he said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they said, We have no more but five loaves and two fishes; except we should go and buy meat for all this people.
See All...) - Their complaint (Luke 9:13But he said unto them, Give ye them to eat. And they said, We have no more but five loaves and two fishes; except we should go and buy meat for all this people.
See All...) - He taught them the sufficiency of the Lord – “he himself knew what he would do” (John 6:6And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do.
See All...). - The source of our sufficiency (2 Corinthians 3:1-5 [1] Do we begin again to commend ourselves? or need we, as some others, epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you?
[2] Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:
[3] Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.
[4] And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward:
[5] Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;
See All...) - The splendor of our sufficiency (2 Corinthians 4:6-7 [6] For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
[7] But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
See All...) - The supply of our sufficiency (2 Corinthians 9:8And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
See All...) - The Completion of the Miracle of the Loaves and Fishes (John 6:10-13 [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.
See All...) - The work of the disciples (John 6:10And 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.
See All...) - To seat the men in the grass
- To organize the people into companies and ranks (Mark 6:39-40 [39] And he commanded them to make all sit down by companies upon the green grass.
[40] And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds, and by fifties.
See All...; 1 Corinthians 14:40Let all things be done decently and in order.
See All...); by hundreds and by fifties (see Exodus 18:21Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens:
See All...) - The work of the Lord (John 6:11And 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.
See All...) - He began with existing material (Exodus 4:2-4 [2] And the LORD said unto him, What is that in thine hand? And he said, A rod.
[3] And he said, Cast it on the ground. And he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from before it.
[4] And the LORD said unto Moses, Put forth thine hand, and take it by the tail. And he put forth his hand, and caught it, and it became a rod in his hand:
See All...). - He broke the bread (Luke 9:16Then he took the five loaves and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and brake, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude.
See All...). - He distributed to the disciples (1 Corinthians 15:3For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
See All...). - The miracle of multiplication
- Old Testament illustration (Exodus 16:4Then said the LORD unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no.
See All..., 14-15) - Old Testament prophecy (Psalm 132:13-15 [13] For the LORD hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation.
[14] This is my rest for ever: here will I dwell; for I have desired it.
[15] I will abundantly bless her provision: I will satisfy her poor with bread.
See All...) - The further work of the disciples (John 6:12-13 [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.
See All...) - To gather the fragments so that “nothing be lost”
- They filled twelve baskets – one for each of the disciples.
- The Confidence of the People in Christ (John 6:14-15 [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.
See All...) - They recognized Him as that Prophet (John 6:14Then 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.
See All...). - Old Testament teaching (Deuteronomy 18:15The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;
See All..., 18) - New Testament denial (John 1:21And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No.
See All...) - New Testament fulfillment (Acts 3:20-22 [20] And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:
[21] Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.
[22] For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you.
See All...) - They desired to make Him king (John 6:15When 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.
See All...). - Ready to take Him by force
- He departed to a mountain alone.
- THE CALMING OF THE STORM (John 6:16-21 [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.
See All...) - The Strategy of the Lord (John 6:16-17 [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.
See All...) - He sent the disciples across the sea (Matthew 14:22And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.
See All...). - He dismissed the multitudes (Matthew 14:23And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.
See All...). - He retired to a mountain (John 6:15When 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.
See All...). - Away from the multitudes (John 6:3And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his disciples.
See All...; Mark 6:31-32 [31] And he said unto them, Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat. [32] And they departed into a desert place by ship privately.
See All...) - To spend some time alone (Matthew 14:23And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.
See All...; Genesis 32:24And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day.
See All...) - For the purpose of prayer (Matthew 14:23And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.
See All...; Mark 1:35And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed.
See All...; Proverbs 18:1Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.
See All...) - The Struggles of the Disciples (John 6:16-18 [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.
See All...) - They had to go down (John 6:16And when even was now come, his disciples went down unto the sea,
See All...; Psalm 107:23-31 [23] They that go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters; [24] These see the works of the LORD, and his wonders in the deep. [25] For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof. [26] They mount up to the heaven, they go down again to the depths: their soul is melted because of trouble. [27] They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wit's end. [28] Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses. [29] He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. [30] Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven. [31] Oh that men would praise the LORD for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!
See All...). - They were in darkness (John 6:17And entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them.
See All...; Matthew 14:25And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.
See All...) – the fourth watch (3-6AM). - They were in a storm (John 6:18-19 [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.
See All...). - A great wind (John 6:18And the sea arose by reason of a great wind that blew.
See All...) - Tossed with waves (Matthew 14:24But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.
See All...) - Three or four miles out from land (John 6:19So 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.
See All...); one furlong is about one-eighth of a mile. - They toiled and struggled in vain (Mark 6:48And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them.
See All...). - Against the wind (Mark 6:48And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them.
See All...) - A type of the Spirit (John 3:8The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
See All...; Ezekiel 37:9Then said he unto me, Prophesy unto the wind, prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.
See All..., 14) - Cannot be seen
- Presence can be felt
- Cannot be controlled by man
- Sent by God
- Has tremendous power
- Supplies our breath
- Necessary for life
- The Stilling of the Storm (John 6:19-21 [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.
See All...) - The frightened disciples (John 6:19So 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.
See All...) - Troubled by the storm
- Troubled by the appearance of Christ (Matthew 14:25-26 [25] And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.
[26] And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.
See All...) - Walking on the water
- Supposed to be a spirit (compare Acts 12:13-15 [13] And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda.
[14] And when she knew Peter's voice, she opened not the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood before the gate.
[15] And they said unto her, Thou art mad. But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then said they, It is his angel.
See All...) - The assuring Saviour (John 6:20But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid.
See All...) - He calmed them by His words
- He assured them of His identity
- The received Christ (John 6:21Then they willingly received him into the ship: and immediately the ship was at the land whither they went.
See All...) - The wind ceased (Mark 6:51And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.
See All...) - The disciples responded.
- They wondered (Mark 6:51-52 [51] And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.
[52] For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened.
See All...) - They worshipped (Matthew 14:33Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.
See All...) - The ship landed (John 6:21Then they willingly received him into the ship: and immediately the ship was at the land whither they went.
See All...) - The Application of the Miracle
- Christ sends us on our journey of life
- Darkness and emptiness is all around us
- We sometimes travel through great storms
- We try to succeed by our own struggles
- Often we strive contrary to God’s Spirit
- Despite our efforts nothing is accomplished
- Yet Christ never takes His eyes off of us (Mark 6:47-48 [47] And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land.
[48] And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them.
See All...) - He is always there when we need Him
- When we take Christ on board the storm ceases
- With Christ we will arrive where He wants us to be
- SEEKING FOR THE SAVIOUR (John 6:22-32 [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.
See All...) - Their Discovery (John 6:22-25 [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?
See All...) - On the one side of the sea (John 6:22-23 [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:)
See All...) - No other boat except that of the disciples (John 6:22The 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;
See All...) - No Jesus on the boat of the disciples (John 6:22The 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;
See All...) - Only some boats from Tiberius (John 6:23(Howbeit there came other boats from Tiberias nigh unto the place where they did eat bread, after that the Lord had given thanks:)
See All...); this note is given to take care of the comments that would have been made by the critics. John 6:22The 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;
See All... states that there were no other boats save that taken by the disciples. John 6:24When the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither his disciples, they also took shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus.
See All... states that the Jews went shipping (by boats) to Capernaum looking for Jesus. Where did the boats come from? John 6:23(Howbeit there came other boats from Tiberias nigh unto the place where they did eat bread, after that the Lord had given thanks:)
See All... tells us that after the miracle of the feeding of the 5,000, boats had come from Tiberias. This provided the boats that took the people to Capernaum. This protects this passage from the false accusation of contradiction. It also demonstrates why we sometimes see contradictions where there are none. - On the other side of the sea (John 6:24-25 [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?
See All...) - No Jesus to be found on the original side of the sea (John 6:24When the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither his disciples, they also took shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus.
See All...) - Ships taken to Capernaum to seek Jesus (John 6:24When the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither his disciples, they also took shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus.
See All...) - Jesus discovered on this side of the sea (John 6:25And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither?
See All...) - Jesus questioned concerning His coming to the other side (John 6:25And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither?
See All...) - Their Desire (John 6:26-27 [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.
See All...) - Revealed as selfish (John 6:26Jesus 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.
See All...) - Not because they saw the miracle (John 5:36But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.
See All...; John 10:25Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me.
See All...; John 14:11Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me: or else believe me for the very works' sake.
See All...) - But because they were filled with bread (Isaiah 56:11-12 [11] Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter.
[12] Come ye, say they, I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and to morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant.
See All...; Romans 16:18For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
See All...; Philippians 3:18-19 [18] Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation. [19] The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.
See All...) - Revealed as worldly (John 6:27Labour 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.
See All...) - Laboring for the meat that perishes (Isaiah 55:2Wherefore 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.
See All...; compare John 4:13-15 [13] Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: [14] But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. [15] The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.
See All...) - Laboring not for the meat that endures
- Providing eternal life (John 6:58This 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.
See All...) - Given by the Son of man (John 10:28And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
See All...; Romans 6:23For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
See All...) - Assured by the sealing of the Father (John 3:33-34 [33] He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true.
[34] For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him.
See All...) - Their Deceit (John 6:28-29 [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.
See All...) - Their request (John 6:28Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?
See All...) - Offered to do a work
- Offered insincerely
- The requirement (John 6:29Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
See All...) - The work of God
- To believe on the Son (1 John 3:23And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.
See All...; Acts 16:30-31 [30] And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved? [31] And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
See All...) - Their Demand (John 6:30-32 [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.
See All...) - Their demand made (John 6:30-31 [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.
See All...) - Show us a sign (John 6:30They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work?
See All...; Matthew 12:38-40 [38] Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee. [39] But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas: [40] For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
See All...). - Give us bread to eat (John 6:31Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat.
See All...). - Their demand rejected (John 6:32Then 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.
See All...) - The bread of Moses was the type.
- The bread that stands before you is the real thing (John 6:47-51 [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.
See All...).
Proverbs 23:33
Thine eyes shall behold strange women, and thine heart shall utter perverse things.