John 6:35

Commentary on John 6:35

John 6:35 (NKJV): “And Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.'”

The context within John 6: John 6 is a chapter that encompasses several significant events and teachings of Jesus, including the feeding of the 5,000 and Jesus walking on water. Following these miraculous signs, Jesus engages in a discourse on the Bread of Life. This discourse highlights the spiritual significance of Jesus as the sustainer of life, contrasting the temporary satisfaction of physical bread with the eternal satisfaction He offers.

Teaching from John 6:35

Jesus as the Bread of Life: In this verse, Jesus declares, “I am the bread of life.” This statement is one of the seven “I am” declarations found in the Gospel of John, each revealing a unique aspect of Jesus’ identity and mission. This title underscores Jesus as the essential sustenance for spiritual life. Just as bread is vital for physical nourishment, Jesus is indispensable for spiritual sustenance and eternal life (John 6:48–51).

Spiritual Satisfaction: Jesus promises that “he who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.” This signifies the complete and enduring satisfaction found in a relationship with Christ. True fulfilment and contentment cannot be found in earthly things but only in Christ. This aligns with the doctrine of sola Christus (Christ alone), where Jesus is the sole source of salvation and spiritual nourishment (Psalm 34:10).

The Invitation to Believe: The verse highlights an invitation to come to Jesus and believe in Him. This invitation reflects the universal call of the Gospel and the necessity of faith for salvation. It emphasises that coming to Jesus is an act of faith and trust, leading to eternal life. This act of believing is enabled by God’s grace, underscoring the doctrines of sola fide (faith alone) and sola gratia (grace alone) (Ephesians 2:8–9).

Application to Modern Christian Living

Finding Fulfilment in Christ: Believers are encouraged to seek their ultimate fulfilment and satisfaction in Christ rather than in temporal things. This involves prioritising a relationship with Jesus through regular prayer, study of Scripture, and participation in worship. It calls for a heart that yearns for spiritual nourishment from Christ rather than seeking satisfaction in material possessions or worldly achievements (Matthew 5:6).

Living a Life of Dependence: The teaching that Jesus is the bread of life encourages Christians to live lives of dependence on Him. This means recognising their need for Christ in all aspects of life and relying on His provision and guidance. It involves daily surrender and trust in His sustaining power, recognising that apart from Him, they can do nothing (John 15:5).

Sharing the Bread of Life: Believers are called to share the message of Jesus, the bread of life, with others. This involves evangelism and discipleship, helping others to understand and experience the spiritual nourishment and eternal life that Jesus offers. It calls for a heart of compassion and a commitment to spreading the Gospel message (Matthew 28:19–20).

In conclusion, John 6:35 reveals profound theological insights into the nature and mission of Jesus Christ. This verse emphasises Jesus as the essential sustenance for spiritual life, the complete satisfaction found in Him, and the importance of faith. It calls believers to find their fulfilment in Christ, live dependently on His provision, and share the life-giving message of the Gospel with others.