WAKING AWAY FROM THE FEAST WITH THE GREAT “I AM.”
JOHN 6:31-71
Introduction:
Many people would give almost anything to have a meal with some renowned writer or perhaps a great military man of years gone by. Many would consider that the high point of their life.
In these verses the Lord of Glory invites men to “Come and dine” (John 21:12) with him, but many have doubts about the “Bread.” Other remember the “manna” that Moses gave to Israel saying that he gave them “bread from Heaven,” v. 31. Let us consider these things as the Lord…
I. OFFERED AN OPPORTUNITY TO DINE.
A. Who was Jesus in comparison to Moses? The crowd that asked for a sign from Jesus must have felt that the feeding of the 5,000 did not compare with Moses’ gift of bread from heaven.
B. They thought Jesus’ feeding of the five thousand was less significant because manna fed the whole nation for 40 years, but they missed two things.
1. Many of the Israelites who were fed 40 years in the wilderness did not believe.
2. God’s signs authenticated both Moses and Jesus; therefore both should be listened to and believed.
II. OFFERED THEM A BETTER CHOICE THEN THEIR FATHERS HAD.
A. Our fathers did eat “bread from Heaven,” v. 31.
1. That bread was only for the physical life.
2. Jesus offers the true bread from heaven.
B. Jesus said, “My Father giveth you the true bread from heaven,” v. 32.
1. The great “I Am” offers this bread.
2. The “true” bread gives life, John 1:12, “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:”
III. OFFENDED AT THE CHOICE.
A. Jesus is too literal for their taste, vs. 48-51.
1. “I am that bread of life,” v. 48.
a. Jesus is saying that He is the true bread from Heaven.
b. He is saying that you have to partake of that bread.
2. “Except ye eat my flesh,” v. 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.”
B. “This is a hard saying,” v. 60.
1. This is the bread that comes down from heaven, v. 58.
2. Jesus promised, “he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.” v. 58.
C. Jesus asked, “Doth this offend you?” vs. 61-64.
1. “It is the Spirit that quickeneth,” v. 63. Ephesians 2:1, “And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;”
2. Jesus knew those who did not believe, v. 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.”
CONCLUSION:
Jesus knows our hearts. He knew before this conversation with these Jews that many would not believe in Him. He knows right now whether you will trust His as your Savior. He still offers to save your soul even when He knows whether you will believe or not.