John 6 - ESV Gospel Transformation Study Bible

6:1–21 John 6 is the longest chapter in the New Testament. It provides a rich redemptive-historical perspective on Moses and the central saving act of God in Israel’s history—the exodus. John wants us to see Jesus as the greater Moses and the gospel as the greatest exodus of all. Just as Moses led the Israelites out of bondage in Egypt into the Land of Promise, so Jesus came to lead the pan-national family of God on the ultimate exodus—a journey out of sin and death into the quintessential Promised Land—the new heaven and new earth (Rev. 21:1–5).

Just as the first exodus involved a crisis at sea and the need for supernatural deliverance (Ex. 13:17–14:29), so Jesus responded to his fear-filled disciples, walking to them on the Sea of Galilee, securing their safe delivery to the other side.

The timing of the feeding of the 5,000 is not coincidental. It occurred just before Passover—the meal that inaugurated Israel’s journey through the wilderness. Indeed, Jesus didn’t come merely to provide elements for the Passover meal but to be the Passover meal himself. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). On him we feed and are nourished.

6:22–59 Neither manna on the journey to the Promised Land in Moses’ time (Ex. 16:13–18) nor barley loaves in the Promised Land in Jesus’ time could satisfy the core hunger he came to satisfy. Too readily, we seek satisfaction from the bread of this world. When huge crowds followed him to the other side of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus seized the moment to expose their self-centered motivation and to reveal more of his God-glorifying vocation.

Jesus provides a bread that leads to eternal life. But Jesus doesn’t just provide this bread; he is this bread—the Bread of Life. This is the first of several “I am” statements by Jesus throughout John’s Gospel—each of which are reminiscent of the God who revealed his name to Moses as “I AM” (Ex. 3:14).

How can we acquire this life-giving bread? The only “work” that guarantees the possession of this redemptive manna is to believe in Jesus (John 6:29). The gospel sabotages any notion of legalism or performance-based acceptability with God. The only thing we bring to Jesus is our need. All we offer is the admission that we have nothing to offer.

Tragically, just as God’s people grumbled over the provision of the first manna, so now, as he offered the eschatological bread from heaven, some in the crowd did the same (Num. 11:1–15; John 6:43). Oh, the patience and forbearance of our God!

6:60–71 That the crowds were offended by Jesus’ scandalous words is not surprising, and Jesus warned that there would be even greater grounds for offense in the coming days. Jesus didn’t come to win a popularity contest but to give his life as “a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). The cross, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus are foolishness, even offensive to the natural mind (1 Cor. 1:18; Gal. 5:11). For the gospel reveals the depth of our need and our total inability to save ourselves. When we trust in our own cleverness or obedience or resources or abilities, we abhor God’s grace. But when God kindly deconstructs our vaunted self-sufficiency, our hearts come alive again. The Father generously grants many to believe on Jesus (John 6:39–40), and the Spirit gives life to all who call on his name.