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Nazarene Commentary 2000©

21^st Century Paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures© –
21^st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures© [NCMM]

THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

CHAPTER SIX:
DESCENDING BREAD, A DRAWING FATHER,
AND A RETURNING SON

[“Heavenly Nourishment”]
Key Word: Bread

John 6:1-9 – A Boy with Five Loaves

JN6:1 After these things Jesus left for the other side of the Sea of Galilee, or Tiberias. JN6:2 A large crowd 323 was following him because they saw the signs that he was performing on those who were sick.

323

Large crowd: The Greek is OCHLOS POLYS and literally means crowd + many [much] and here is a group of over 5,000 men. The words may describe a considerably smaller group. [Matthew 26:47; Luke 5:29] Compare this with the OCHLOS POLYS at Revelation 7:9 where such may be as small as 7,000. [Revelation 11:12, 13]

JN6:3 But, Jesus went up into the mountain, and there he was sitting with his disciples. JN6:4 Now the Passover festival 324 of the Jews was near.

324	Passover festival: Some believe this to be the third Passover of Jesus’ ministry.

JN6:5 So, Jesus looked up and viewed the large crowd coming toward him, 325 saying to Philip: “Where might we buy loaves so that these may eat?” 326

325	Viewed the large crowd coming toward him: We can see the throng of thousands working their way up the hill to the meadow where Jesus waits.

326

Where might we buy loaves so that these may eat: Jesus has his reasons for asking the question. Money is not always the answer to a need. This also shows the Nazarene’s instant response to this approaching crowd: first, he is confident they will remain for a while; and, second he shows an immediate concern in advance of the needs of these people. The first attribute of love is interest, followed by empathic concern, and then compassionate positive action. We see these elements in this story.

JN6:6 But, Jesus said this to test him, 327 for he knew what he was about to do.

327	Jesus said this to test him: Probably Jesus had his reasons. John realizes that Philip is rare in the other Gospels and so in his Gospel some of these apostles are mentioned much more often.

JN6:7 Philip answered him: “Two hundred denarii 328 [worth of] loaves would not be enough to feed them so that each person might receive a small piece!”

328	Two hundred denarii: About two-thirds of a laborers yearly wages. In the account only the males are counted, so there were many more than 5,000. This also demonstrates that the Nazarene was not a moneyed man as some claiming to represent him are in modern times.

JN6:8 One of Jesus’ disciples – Andrew the brother of Simon Peter – said to Jesus: JN6:9 “Here is a little boy 329 who has five barley loves and two small fish! But what is this among so many?”

329	Here is a little boy: It is sometimes amazing the instrument God uses!

John 6:10-13 – 5000 Fed

JN6:10 Jesus said: “All of you [disciples], have the people recline.” Now there was plenty of grass in this place. So, all five thousand males reclined. JN6:11 Then Jesus took the loaves, and after giving thanks, 330 distributed them to those lying around. Likewise, also, [he distributed] the small fish, 331 as much as [the people] wanted.

330	After giving thanks: Perhaps the key to the miracle?

331	The small fish: Possibly the silvery little fingerlings eaten throughout the Mediterranean. One may speculate and suggest these were the dried fish and together with bread is a tasty meal. We can suspect water was present with so much plentiful grass on the mountain.

JN6:12 Now, when they were all filled, [Jesus] told his disciples: “All of you [disciples], gather up the leftover pieces, so that nothing is wasted.” 332

332	So that nothing is wasted: An object lesson for all in waste. Millions of people could be fed from the leftovers of tables in the Western world.

JN6:13 So, they gathered up [the leftovers], and it filled twelve baskets of leftovers from the five barley loaves that had been taken to feed them.

John 6:14-15 – A King Withdraws

JN6:14 So, when these people beheld [the] signs [Jesus] performed they began asking, “Is this in fact the Prophet 333 [Deuteronomy 18:15] – the One coming 334 into the world of humankind?” [Malachi 3:1]

333	The Prophet: The Jews were familiar with one famous text of Moses. [Deuteronomy 18:15, 18]

334	The One coming: It is possible these Jews echo Malachi 3:1.

JN6:15 Jesus, therefore, realizing they were about to come and grab him 335 so that they might make him a king, 336 withdrew again into the mountain all alone. 337

335	Grab him: Or, snatch. The Greek is HARPAZEIN and is the word used at 1 Thessalonians 4:16.

336

Make him a king: The Jewish crowds will yet announce him as King as he enters Jerusalem. However, his hour is not yet and Jesus knows that such a nomination will only bring him into conflict with both the Jewish hierarchy and the Romans. This event also shows Jesus’ lack of interest in political involvement. [John 18:36]

337	He withdrew again into the mountain all alone: Jesus was a private person who often sought isolation in the mountains. How he moved away from such an enthusiastic crowd without being pursued we can only speculate. [Matthew 14:23]

John 6:16-21 – Jesus Walks on Water

JN6:16 Now, when evening came his disciples went down to the sea, JN6:17 and once aboard the boat they left for the other side of the sea toward Capernaum. It was already dark and Jesus had not yet arrived to approach them. JN6:18 Now there was a strong wind blowing on a rough sea. JN6:19 And having rowed for over three or four miles 338 they saw Jesus walking toward them upon the sea 339 and close to arriving near the boat. They all became very frightened.

338	Rowed for over three or four miles: Any one who has rowed a small boat in rough winds and waves knows how difficult this is.

339	They saw Jesus walking toward them upon the sea: Compare the reactions described at Matthew 14:26 and Mark 6:49. With our imagination we see Jesus amidst the wind and waves walking on the turbulent water approaching our tossing boat.

JN6:20 Then, Jesus called to them, “I am [he], 340 so do not be afraid!”

340	I am: Or, it is I. The Greek is EGO EIMI and is used often in John’s Gospel, including those other than Jesus. See notes on John 5:58.

JN6:21 So, they were willing to take him aboard the boat. Immediately they reached their destination at the shore. 341

341	Immediately they reached their destination at the shore: Whether this is another miracle, or it merely means after a time, is left to the reader. It is sure the disciples rowed with greater gusto.

John 6:22-24 – Crowds Look for Jesus

JN6:22 The following day the crowd from the other side of the sea saw there was only a little boat, and that Jesus had not boarded with his disciples, and only these had departed. JN6:23 Only boats from Tiberias 342 were near the place where they had eaten the bread after the Master had given thanks.

342	Tiberias: The town built about 21 AD is still there. It is 15 miles from Nazareth on the western shore of Galilee.

JN6:24 And so, when the crowd 343 saw that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they boarded the little boats and left for Capernaum seeking Jesus.

343	The crowd: It is not likely John means the whole crowd of 5,000 men. Later some Jewish leaders are in the crowd, so it may have included a number of them.

John 6:25-27 – “Work for Everlasting Food”

JN6:25 Now, having found Jesus on the other side of the sea, they asked him, “Rabbi, when did you come to be here?” JN6:26 Jesus answered them, saying: “I tell you this truth: All of you seek me, not because you saw signs, but rather because you ate from the loaves and were filled. 344

344	Because you ate from the loaves and were filled: The motive of the crowd is purely physical or materialistic. The miracle itself had no affect on their faith. They wanted a leader who would supply them with food.

JN6:27 All of you continue to work, not for the food that perishes, 345 but rather for the Food that remains unto endless Life 346 – which the Son of Humankind will give you – for the Father, The God, has sealed this person.” 347

345	Work, not for the food that perishes: See notes on Matthew chapter 6 in Nazarene Commentary 2000©. In some parts of the world today a person’s work just for food requires over 80% of their time. Food should not be the single motivation in a disciple’s life.

346	The Food that remains unto endless Life: Or, endures to eternal life, last forever. See notes on John 4:14.

347

The God, has sealed this person: Or, NEB: seal of authority; BER: certified him; NWT: seal of approval. Compare Matthew 3:17 and 2 Peter 1:17. If “The God” has sealed the Son it means that prior to this the Son was not so sealed. This is not he final seal, for Christ must yet suffer and die on a tree in complete integrity and loyalty.

John 6:28-34 – Father Gives Heavenly Food

JN6:28 Then, facing toward Jesus, they asked: “What must we do so that we may work the works of The God?” 348

348	What must we do so that we may work the works of The God: Or, WMS: what must we do to perform the works that God demands.

JN6:29 Jesus answered them: “This is the work of The God, so that you might believe in the One [The God] sent forth.” 349

349	Believe in the One [The God] sent forth: Jesus does not mean mere belief is sufficient as his teachings on works elsewhere show. Research the word work in the Gospels. He means a deep faith characterized by positive actions motivated by love.

JN6:30 Therefore, they asked: “So what sign do you perform so that we might see and believe you? 350 What are you working?

350	So what sign do you perform so that we might see and believe you: Compare John 2:18. [Matthew 12:38; Mark 8:12; 1 Corinthians 1:22]

JN6:31 Our forefathers ate the manna in the desert, just as it has been written, ‘Bread from heaven He gave them to eat.’” 351 [Exodus 16:4]

351	Bread from heaven He gave them to eat: They quote, or paraphrase, Exodus 16:4.

JN6:32 So then Jesus said to them: “I tell you this truth: Moses did not give you [Israelites] the Bread from the Heaven, but my Father is giving all of you the True Bread from the Celestialum. 352

352	True Bread from the Heaven: Judging from the context when Jesus says this he refers to his pre-existence and his descending from heaven into the womb of his mother.

JN6:33 For the Bread of The God is the person [who] descended from the Celestialum 353 and [he] is giving Life to the world of humankind.”

353	The person [who] descended from the Heaven: Or, KJV: he which cometh down from heaven. The one who came Jesus of Nazareth at his birth existed in Heaven previously. Compare notes on John 17:5.

JN6:34 So then they said facing toward him: “Master, always give us this Bread!”

John 6:35-40 – “I Came Down from Heaven”

JN6:35 Jesus said to them: “I am the Bread of the Life. The person approaching me will never go hungry, and the person believing in me will never thirst again. JN6:36 However, I have already told all of you that though you have seen me you do not believe. JN6:37 Everything the Father is giving me will come to me, and the person approaching toward me I will never cast out. 354

354	The person approaching toward me I will never cast out: Or, turn away, drive away. Compare Matthew 11:28 and notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000©. He means those who come to him to become one of his disciples. Whether such become wheat or weeds, sheep or goats, is left to them. [Matthew 25:31-46]

JN6:38 Because I have not descended from the Celestialum 355 to do my own will, but rather the will of the One who sent me.

355	Descended from the Heaven: Or, came down. See notes on John 17:5. Jesus will mention his pre-existence several times in this portion.

JN6:39 Now, this is the Will of the One who sent me so that all that He has given to me I should not destroy, 356 but rather I should resurrect them at the Last Day. 357

356	I should not destroy: Or, lose nothing. The Greek is APOLESO.

357

I should resurrect them at the Last Day: Or, KJV: raise it up again at the last day; WMS: raise them to life on the last day. John is the only one to use this phrase. [John 6:40, 44, 54; 11:24; 12:48] The Greek is ESCHATE HEMERA. It is possible the idea came from Daniel 12:13 [LXX], SYNTELEIAN HEMERON. Likely, it is similar to Paul’s TO TELOS at 1 Corinthians 15:24 but with a wider meaning. It would include both resurrections: a] the Church at the Return of Christ [1 Corinthians 15:23]; and, b] thereafter, humankind in general after “the end” of the Thousand Years. [Revelation 20:5, 12-14]

JN6:40 For this is the will of my Father, so that everyone who beholds the Son, and continues to believe in him, 358 may have endless Life, and I shall resurrect them on the Last Day.”

358	Beholds the Son and continues to believe in him: Or, sees; has faith in. [John 10:28]

John 6:41-47 – Unseen Father Draws People

JN6:41 Now because of this, the Jews began murmuring 359 about Jesus because he said, “I am the Bread that descended from the Celestialum.” 360

359	Jews began murmuring: Or, MON: began to find fault. See murmur or whisper elsewhere.

360	Descended from the Celestialum: Or, came down. The Jews understood what Jesus said as one who had come down from heaven and therefore had a spirit pre-existence. See notes on John 17:5.

JN6:42 Then they said: “Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph, 361 whom we knew, as well as his mother? How is it he now says, ‘I have descended from the Celestialum’?”

361	Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph: The Jews understand that Jesus was born in human birth as apparently the son of Joseph. It is clear they understand Jesus as claiming he had a spirit pre-existence.

JN6:43 So Jesus answered them, saying: “Do not be murmuring with one another! JN6:44 No person can approach me unless the Father who sent me draws that person, 362 and [then] I shall resurrect that person during the Last Day.

362	Unless the Father who sent me draws that person: Or, KNX: without being attracted to me by the Father. [John 6:65; 2 Thessalonians 2:13] The Father has sent out an invitation to all the House of Israel. [Matthew 25:1-14]

JN6:45 It has been written in the Prophets, ‘And they all will be God’s taught ones.’ 363 [Isaiah 54:13 LXX] Everyone who listens to the Father and has learned approaches me.

363

And they all will be God’s taught ones: Jesus quotes Isaiah 54:13. The Hebrew Text has YHWH, “And all thy children shall be the instructed of Yahweh.” But, the LXX uses “God’s.” Jesus believes the “God” – or, YHWH – of Isaiah 54:13 is his Father. The Father has sent the Son to teach the Israelites exactly what God wanted them to hear.

JN6:46 Not that anyone has seen the Father, 364 except the One who is from The God. That person has seen the Father. 365

364	Not that anyone has seen the Father: Jesus clarifies that though the Jews have heard His teaching by means of His Son, they have never seen God. Compare notes on John 5:37.

365	That person has seen the Father: It seems clear Jesus alludes to his pre-existence in which he lived in the Father’s Presence. [John 17:5] How else could Jesus have already seen the Father?

JN6:47 I tell you this truth: The person who continues to believe possesses endless Life.”

John 6:48-51 – “I Am the Bread of Life”

JN6:48 “I am the Bread of the Life. JN6:49 Your forefathers ate the manna in the desert and they died. [Exodus 16:31] JN6:50 This One is the Bread who descended from the Celestialum 366 so that anyone should eat from [this Bread] and not die.

366	This One is the Bread who descended from the Heaven: Again Jesus refers to his pre-existence.

JN6:51 I am the Living Bread, the One who descended from the Celestialum. If ever anyone should eat from this Bread, such will live in the New Age. 367 But the Bread that I will give is my flesh 368 in behalf of the life of the world of humankind.”

367	Such will live in the [New] Age: Or, live forever. The Greek is ZESEI EIS TON AIONA.

368

Bread that I will give is my flesh: Jesus will sacrifice his “flesh” – that is his fleshly body as a sin-offering for the world, or humanity. [1 John 2:2] Compare Hebrews 10:10. [1 John 4:2] Thus, he cannot be resurrected in his former fleshly body. [1 Peter 3:18] For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on 1 Corinthians 15:40ff.

John 6:52-59 – Feeding on Eternal Bread

JN6:52 Therefore the Jews began fighting facing one another, saying, “How is this person able to give to us his flesh to eat?” JN6:53 So, Jesus said to them: “I tell you this truth: If you [Jews] refuse to eat the flesh of the Son of Humankind, and [refuse] to drink his blood, you possess no Life within yourselves. JN6:54 The person feeding on my flesh and drinking my blood 369 possesses endless Life, and I will resurrect that person at the Last Day. 370

369	Feeding on my flesh and drinking my blood: Or, eats. The Jews viewed cannibalism as repugnant, and it violated God’s law to drink blood. [Genesis 9:4; Leviticus 3:17; 7:26; 17:13; Deuteronomy 12:16, 23; Acts 15:20, 29]

370	I will resurrect that person at the Last Day: As the Father has given the Son to have life within, so the Son will be the instrument by which God resurrections humanity. [Acts 17:31]

JN6:55 For my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. 371

371

My flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink: Or, real. Jesus speaks in a spiritual analogy: the person who would gain everlasting life must have deep conviction in the sacrificial value of Christ’s body and blood. These two elements of Jesus’ existence are used in the Master’s Supper. [1 Corinthians 11:24-26]

JN6:56 The person feeding on my flesh and drinking my blood remains in harmony with me 372 and I with such a person.

372	Remains in harmony with me: Or, KJV: dwelleth in me; ABU: abides in me; NEB: dwells continually in me; GDS: remains united to me. [John 15:4; 1 John 3:24]

JN6:57 Just as the Living Father sent me forth – and I continue to live by means of the Father 373 – also the person feeding on me, that person will also live by means of me. 374

373

I continue to live by means of the Father: Or, KJV: and I live by the Father; ALF: and I live by reason of; BAS: I have life because of. The Son does not possess life as a natural being. He had to be given life in order to exist, thus he had an origin, or creation as Proverbs 8:22, Colossians 1:15, and Revelation 3:14. The Son cannot continue to exist without the Father, thus he is dependent on the Father.

374	That person will also live by means of me: Just as the Son may cause others to live, just so the Father brought the Son into existence.

JN6:58 This is the Bread, the Person who descended from heaven, 375 not as the forefathers ate [the manna] and yet died. The person feeding on this Bread will live in the New Age.”

375	The Person who descended from heaven: Or, came down. On the pre-existence of Jesus see the notes on John 17:5. Note John 6:62.

JN6:59 Jesus said these things [while] teaching in the synagogue 376 in Capernaum.

376	Teaching in the synagogue: Now when we re-read this portion we can imagine the scene in the Jewish meeting place.

John 6:60-65 – “The Son Returning to Heaven”

JN6:60 Therefore, many of his disciples who heard this, said: “This word is hard! 377 Who can listen to it?” 378

377	This word is hard: Or, WEY: hard to accept; GDS: a harsh teaching; MOF: hard to take; NEB: more than we can stomach.

378	Who can listen to it: Or, WEY: who can listen to such teaching; NEB: why listen to such words. There are two factors in Jesus’ teaching which made it hard to listen to by the Jews: a] the drinking of blood; and, b] the pre-existence of the Son.

JN6:61 Realizing this murmuring among his disciples about these matters, Jesus said to them: “This stumbles you 379 [disciples]?

379	This stumbles you: Or, offend, scandalizes, shock.

JN6:62 Then, what if you [disciples] might see the Son of Humankind ascending [Daniel 7:13] to where he was formerly? 380

380

See the ‘Son of Humankind ascending’ to where he was formerly: Or, KJV: ascend up where he was before; RIE: where he came from. There can be little question Jesus speaks of his pre-existence. He paraphrases from Daniel 7:13 which foretells the ascension of Messiah to heaven, his former residence. The Nazarene tells his disciples they will see this event. [Acts 1:9-11] See notes on John 17:5.

JN6:63 The Pneuma is the thing that makes alive, 381 the flesh is of no profit. 382 The Sayings that I have spoken to you [disciples] are Pneuma and is Life. 383

381	The Pneuma is the thing that makes alive: Or, Spirit. [Psalm 36:9; 104:30] The phrase does not say, “who make alive.” The Pneuma is something not someone.

382	The flesh is of no profit: Or, no benefit, no value, no avail.

383	The Sayings that I have spoken to you [disciples] are Pneuma and is Life: Or, words, messages. Compare notes on Hebrews 4:12 in Nazarene Commentary 2000©. [1 Corinthians 2:13; 2 Timothy 3:16]

JN6:64 However, some from among you [disciples] continue not to believe.” 384 For, from the beginning Jesus had known which ones were those who did not continue to believe, 385 and also the person who would turn him in. 386

384	Some from among you [disciples] continue not to believe: It is surprising that a disciple of the Nazarene may still not believe or be fully convinced. The seed of doubt is an enemy in our relationship with God and among the Devil’s most effective tools.

385	Jesus had known which ones were those who did not continue to believe: Who these were we are not told, nor how Jesus suspected this. However, the following verses show that a large number of disciples abandoned Jesus and returned to the things behind.

386	The person was who would turn him in: Or, betray, hand him over. Judas would manifest himself during Christ’s final Passover.

JN6:65 And so he told them: “It is for this reason that I said to you, ‘No person can approach me unless the Father has granted it to such one.’”

John 6:66-71 – “Master, Whom Shall We Go to?”

JN6:66 As a result of this many from among Jesus’ disciples returned to the things behind 387 and would no longer continue to walk about with him. 388

387	Many from among Jesus’ disciples returned to the things behind: Or, went back, withdrew, to their old life. [Luke 9:62; 2 Timothy 4:10; 2 Peter 2:20-22]

388

No longer continue to walk about with him: A teacher may get any number to follow him if he teaches what they want to hear. However, when a teacher speaks the truth, and his listeners find the message too “hard” they will leave him for another teacher more to their liking. It is amazing that Jesus himself, because of his doctrine, lost many of his disciples. He refused to compromise his message, or his manner of teaching.

JN6:67 Therefore, Jesus said to the Twelve: “Do you also wish to leave?” 389

389	Do you also wish to leave: Jesus is giving them their opportunity to leave if they so wish.

JN6:68 Simon Peter answered him: “Master, toward whom shall we leave? 390 You possess Sayings of endless Life! 391

390	Master, toward whom shall we leave: It is not a question of “where” but whom.

391	You possess Sayings of endless Life: Or, words, teachings. Peter is not just attracted to the person of Jesus Christ, but also to his teachings. Peter is convinced that what Jesus taught can be found nowhere else.

JN6:69 And we have believed! We realize that you are the Saint of The God!” 392

392	The Saint of The God: Or, Holy One. Compare Mark 1:24.

JN6:70 Jesus answered them: “Did I not chose you twelve? And yet from among you [twelve] one is a devil.” 393

393	Yet from among you [twelve] one is a devil: Or, slanderer, enemy, adversary.

JN6:71 He was speaking about Judas [the son] of Simon Iscariot. For this was the person about to turn Jesus in – one of the twelve!

Review Questions on Chapter Six