Monday | Week 5

Our scripture reading for this week begins with a well-known story, for some: Jesus’ feeding of the 5,000. Fun fact, this is the only miracle recorded in all four of the Gospels! Anyway, back to the text...

As had become the norm by this time in His ministry, Jesus has a huge crowd of people coming to look for Him. He decides to feed them. It’s not just miraculous that He accomplishes this, but also HOW He does it. Jesus didn’t just create food out of thin air. He used the small meal of a young boy who offered what he had. Jesus took what was offered, thanked God for it, and distributed it. Everyone ate until they were full, and there were still leftovers! Immediately following this event, there is a quick mention of Jesus walking on water—once again showing His power over all things.

The story then takes us to a synagogue in Capernaum, where Jesus essentially gives a little sermon about Himself. His main point is this: “I am the bread of life” (John 6:35). He points out that some people are only present because He fed them the day before. He encourages them to spend their energy on that which is eternal. He talks briefly about the difference between the manna their Jewish ancestors ate in the wilderness, and the true bread of God that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world. Of course, they want that bread and tell Jesus to give it to them. His response is simply that He is it. 

This causes grumbling and questioning of His claims about Himself and His relationship with God. Even though He is aware of their grumbling, Jesus goes further. He says only those who eat His flesh and drink His blood can have eternal life. This claim further confuses and angers those listening. Ultimately, many of His followers turn away and decide to desert Him. 

Seeing this, He turns to the twelve disciples and asks if they, too, are going to leave. But Peter speaks for the group saying that because they know He is “…the Holy One of God” (v.69), they would not leave.

Discussion Questions

  1. What stands out in the text to you?

  2. Which verse(s) did you really connect with?

  3. Do you see any themes throughout this whole passage of scripture?

  4. Did you see anything new that you have never noticed before?