Come & See: The Bread of Heaven

Michael J. Clarke

TEXT: John 6.

THESIS: To discuss the bread of Heaven and how it applies to modern man today.

INTRODUCTION:

“Come and see.”

Words often are expressed at the thought of something hard to believe.

Maybe it's a video of a baby doing something considerably tricky, and the sheer amazement of that accomplishment has to be shared.

Perhaps it is a sports highlight of an athlete pushing themselves to be above and beyond the standard performance (this will usually make the top ten on ESPN).

Perhaps it is a goof made by an athlete, and, surprisingly, they an error (this will usually make the not top ten on ESPN).

Whatever it is, we want to tell others.

We crave for them to see what we have seen.

To share the moment that we experienced.

John’s Gospel account is a “come and see” spectacle.

From the first chapter, we see something that had never been done in:

the Word becoming flesh (John 1:1-18),

John the Immerser proclaiming that Jesus would come (John 1:19-28), and

The Lamb of God coming and calling His disciples (John 1:35-51).

Chapter two is not any different in that Jesus is shown in another “come and see” moment in:

performing the first miracle (John 2:1-12) and

cleansing the temple showing that He knows what is in man (John 2:13-25).

John then takes us to an encounter with a religious leader and the true purpose for Jesus coming to the earth (John 3:1-36).

Chapter four takes us on another “come and see” moment when Jesus dares:

to communicate with a Samaritan woman and even give her the understanding of living water (John 4:1-45)

and then the healing of an officials son by simply saying, “Go your way; your son lives.” (John 4:46-54).

Chapter five opens with another healing and then shifts to:

the equality and authority of the Son concerning the Father (John 5:1-29).

It closes out with the witnesses of Jesus and how they strengthen His claim of deity (John 5:30-47).

Leading up to our selected section of scripture, there have been plenty of “come and see” moments, and the assigned text will be no different!

Jesus is going to describe two types of bread in this chapter. We are now ready to look at the “come and see” moments that deal with the Bread of Heaven.

I. PERISHABLE BREAD & FAITH

Perishable bread—Jesus feeds the five thousand.

A great multitude followed Jesus.

One of the main reasons that the Jews and religious leaders did not like Jesus was the significant following that He amassed (John 6:1-3; Matthew 27:18).

Yet, His ministry was not simply one built around being a “man of the people,” and this was shown through the miracles He performed because of the compassion He felt for the followers (John 6:2; Matthew 9:36; Mark 1:41).

This caused Him to become a matter of “curiosity” among some people.

Up to this point, John has recorded three specific miracles of Jesus.

Water to wine—John 2.

Healing of the Nobleman’s son—John 4.

Healing of the impotent man—John 5.

Now, we will see the fourth specific miracle that John will record so that we might believe (John 20:30-31).

Jesus gives them food that will not last forever.

Jesus tests the disciples by asking them where they should be sent to buy bread (John 6:4-6).

Matthew’s account tells us that Jesus told the Disciples not to send them away but to feed them (Matthew 14:14-16).

Yet, John tells us that Jesus spoke to Philip, asking where bread should be bought (John 6:5).

Philip responds that 200 denarii would not be sufficient funds to be able to feed the great multitude (John 6:7).

Two hundred denarii are 200 days’ wages.

Typical “minimum wage” would have been one denarii a day.

It would have taken over more than a year's wage to be able to satisfy the needs of this significant following.

They do not have enough money to provide for essential needs.

Jesus never turned anyone away, and His compassion overflowed to all, including His enemies.

This is Jesus getting ready to prove His power over nature.

The disciples then point out a young boy with five barley loaves and two small fish, but “what are they among so many?” (John 6:9).

Sometimes, we focus on the magnitude of the problem in front of us, and we forget to see the magnificent Savior standing behind us!

Jesus tells them to make the people sit down and then performs a miracle that provided food and to spare (John 6:10-13).

This “come and see” moment produced faith in the men that witnessed it (John 6:14).

It also produced a passage that defeats the idea of Premillennialism (John 6:15).

If Jesus were supposed to establish an earthly kingdom but was unexpectedly rejected, why did this multitude try to take Him by force to be their King?

Friends, the better approach to Bible study is to look at the context of scripture and apply it correctly.

Perishable faith—The disciples witness another miracle.

Out of sight, out of mind.

A departure occurs shortly after evening, and the disciples get into a boat and head towards Capernaum without Jesus (John 6:16-17).

John is about record the fifth sign that Jesus is the Son of God—Walking on water (John 6:18-21).

Notice the reaction that happened and what it should have been.

Fear over faith.

They have made it several miles off the shore, and what should they see but a figure (John tells us that it is Jesus, but the disciples did not seem to be aware of this) walking on the sea (John 6:19).

This would have been between three and six in the morning. Not typical for many people to be out walking on the sea.

This was most definitely a miracle. Mark tells us that it was such an uncommon event that they supposed the figure was a spirit (Mark 6:49).

The disciples are terrified as to who this might be.

In all reality, who else could it have been?

Think of what John has recorded up to this point.

Four signs proving Jesus is the Messiah.

Signs that showed His authority and power.

The most recent sign they witnessed was His power of nature to multiply bread and fish for over 5,000 people.

Why would it not have been Him on the water?

He can turn it into wine… Can he not walk upon it?

Evidently, up to this point, they were only strong in their faith when they:

Knew that Jesus was performing a miracle OR

Where in His presence and aware of such.

Faith over fear.

Who had told them to go to the other side?

Jesus did.

He told them to cross the lake (John 6:17).

They were expecting Him.

Even still, He called out to them, saying, “It is I; do not be afraid.” (John 6:20).

We know this was a dark and stormy night, and these disciples were afraid.

Fear is a great tool used by Satan to keep us from doing what we should be doing (Matthew 14:31).

A small faith leads to great fear. A greater faith means less fear.

Peter had enough faith to start walking but not enough to finish (Matthew 14:28-30).

He looked at the storm and took his eyes off Jesus

A faith that is perishing is a faith that will not last to eternity.

We must overcome fear.

Jesus encouraged them not to be afraid and comforted them (John 6:20-21).

Today we are comforted and encouraged not to be afraid (1 Thessalonians 4:18; 2 Corinthians 1:3).

In this case, Jesus calmed them with His presence, but today He calms us through the written Word.

Why not let everyone see this miracle?

It was for the express purpose of increasing the apostle’s faith.

People can forget about miracles.

II. PROPER BREAD, FAITH, AND PERISHABLE LOYALTY.

Proper bread—Jesus is the bread of life.

Missing the spiritual in favor of the physical.

The multitudes were seeking Jesus again, seemingly to be fed physically, and had little intention on the spiritual application (John 6:22-25).

Jesus rebuked this mindset (John 6:26).

They missed the spiritual lesson of His Deity because they were focusing on the material.

Some people today only care about the physical things of this earth.

Stop laboring for that which will fade away (John 6:27).

We should be consumed with working (1 Corinthians 15:58)!

By doing this, we will have that “seal of approval” that Jesus alludes to in this passage.

Going to the right source.

They are concerned with understanding how to work God's works (John 6:28).

This is a great question and they went to the right source! They went to Jesus. Jesus tells them their belief is God's work (John 6:29).

Belief is a work (Hebrews 11:6; John 8:24; James 2:19; 2:24). It must be done by the individual (John 3:18). Many believe but do not go further than that.

Religious leaders by the droves believed in Jesus but never confessed because they feared the Pharisees. (John 12:42-43).

Even the demons believe and tremble (James 2:19).

Asking the wrong questions.

Wrong question #1: What sign will you perform that we would believe (John 6:30-33)?

People say this today.

Think about what they were saying.

Your sign(s) up to this point have not been sufficient.

We need more.

Jesus was never intended to utilize His miraculous power(s) as a magician would, where He builds up to a grand finale.

Miracles were to instill belief.

What was it that many said after collecting leftovers earlier in this chapter?

"This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world.” (John 6:14)

They had a “come and see moment” and believed.

What changed?

Today we have the completed word of God that shows and proves that Jesus is whom He claimed to be (John 20:30-31; 2 Timothy 3:16-17).

Jesus told them that the true bread was not the manna God had given to the people.

That was corruptible bread as it could only sustain life.

It would not last forever.

No, the true bread of Life is “He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” (John 6:33).

Wrong question #2: Will you give us this bread always (John 6:34-40)?

Much like the woman at the well in John chapter four, they focus too much on the physical.

Jesus then gives the first “I AM” statement in John’s account (John 6:35).

We are at the pinnacle of what Jesus was building toward.

This is not about regular bread, the Lord's Supper, or any other physical form of food.

This is all about salvation!

Jesus is giving the overall view of salvation (John 6:36-40).

Our faith in Christ prompts us to do His will and obey Him completely.

Eat this bread, and you will not hunger or thirst again.

Spiritually revived and able to taste and experience redemption!

The Jews issue with Jesus.

Issue #1: He claimed to be a deity (John 6:41-51).

They complained about Him saying He was the bread that came down from heaven (John 6:41-42).

Jesus then showed them the difference between their father's bread and the Bread of Life (John 6:43-51).

Your fathers ate physical food and died physically.

If a man eats spiritual food, he will not die spiritually.

Issue #2: Lack of understanding spiritual over physical.

The Jews are confused about how Jesus can give them His flesh to eat (John 6:52).

He then delivers an incredibly bold statement saying that unless they partake of Him, they will have no life in them (John 6:53-59).

He was not being literal.

He was a physical man.

This is all a spiritual application.

Much like how He told Peter that if he were not washed, then Jesus would not have a part with him (John 13:8-9).

Perishable loyalty—Many disciples turn and walk no more.

Hard sayings.

His own were struggling with the nature of what Jesus said (John 6:60).

They called it a “hard” saying, but Jesus straight up asked, “Does this offend you?” which is getting right to the heart of the matter (John 6:61).

Jesus did not take pleasure in saying hard truths.

They were necessary for Him to impart what they needed to know to do what was right.

He needed to preach the truth and give them everything necessary for their belief to flourish (John 6:62-65; 20:30-31).

God determines the rules, and they are made so that they will draw only certain types of men.

He is looking for true disciples.

Not those that would run and hide when they do not hear what they want to hear.

Paul would caution Timothy about these very types of “brethren” (2 Timothy 4:1-5).

Hurt feelings.

After hearing what Jesus had to say, many of the disciples turned and walked with Jesus no more (John 6:66).

This does not say they departed for a season.

They never walked with Jesus again, according to John.

All because what Jesus said was “offensive” to them.

Proper faith—Peter stands firm on the treacherous waters of unbelief.

Jesus gives another test to His disciples.

Will you also follow after them (John 6:67)?

Now is the time to leave if you are going to do so.

Peter answers firmly and proclaims Jesus as the Savior.

“Where would we go? You are the one that has the words of eternal life, and we know you are the Son of God” (John 6:68-69).

This bold statement was made after earlier taking his eyes off this very Savior because of the elements surrounding him.

Yet again, the elements are shaky.

People have left.

They are not whole.

Peter stands firm all the same.

Jesus warned the disciples of an upcoming rejection of the Bread of Life.

John tells us with absolute certainty that Judas would later betray Christ (John 6:70-71).

Judas was a betrayer long before chapter twelve when Mary took that pound of costly oil and washed the feet of Jesus.

Rejection of the Bread of Life would soon become a very common placeholder in the history of our world.

III. TEXT TAKEAWAYS.

Belief is still a necessity today.

In “Bible Times,” it was done through miracles.

Jesus confirmed who He was through the miracles (signs as we have been calling them) He performed.

The same was the case with every other messenger of God (Exodus 4:1-17).

Miracles were never “parlor tricks” to do when one got bored.

They were always to confirm the messenger.

Today it is done through the Word.

Paul told Timothy that the Word of God can make man complete.

That word (complete) used in the original language is the same word found in 1 Corinthians 13:10.

Paul was talking about miraculous gifts ceasing once“perfect/complete” had come.

He then said to Timothy that the Word of God is that complete and perfect gift that was yet to be finished, and once it was, the “age of miracles” ended.

This is why John wrote his account the way that he did.

To confirm belief in the heart of the reader (John 20:30-31).

When I read his account that calls for me to “come and see” all that Jesus did, I cannot help but be convicted by the words contained within the pages of my Bible.

Preach the Word.

Stop worrying about “fallout” among the brethren.

Think of the devastation Jesus must have experienced watching all those people leave.

Yet, He knew they would turn and leave.

Before He even opened His mouth to speak, He knew they would leave.

Did that change what was going to be said?

Did it all of a sudden alter what needed to be said?

If it had, Jesus would not have been able to be the Savior.

Truth does not change when it comes to acceptance.

In fact, the only true acceptance that God allows is for Mankind to follow His Word and apply it.

Notice this throughout the Scriptures:

2 Timothy 4:2, 2 Timothy 2:15, 1 Corinthians 4:16, 11:1.

Some sermons help “clip the branches” in the church.

Everyone with any gardening experience knows that sometimes you have to go out and trim things to ensure they are not unruly.

Jesus said the same thing about the spiritual side of the Kingdom (John 15:1-8).

Not every branch will hold up, and there will need to be a “cutting down” of those that do not measure up.

Every member should be overjoyed for “offensive” preaching when it is done correctly.

Too often today, we are more concerned with who might leave or what will happen if word gets out that we believe what the Bible says.

Shame on us for allowing such to influence us.

Shame on us for compromising on what Jesus expects of us!

Will we also go away?

We have the bread of life!

Think of the blessings that have found their way into our lives because we have Jesus on our side!

All that we have is because we accepted the words in the Bible as truth and obeyed them!

Think about where we were before.

Do we want to go back to that?

We have missed it all if the answer is yes (2 Peter 2:22)!

Will we partake or throw our lives away?

All of those disciples that day…

They threw it all away.

For what?

Why?

What did they gain that day but an eternity of sorrow?

What would we gain by turning and walking with Him no more but the same?

We cannot throw our lives away!

CONCLUSION:

The bread of Heaven has been sent down.

We all have a choice.

To eat and live.

Or reject and perish.

Which will we choose?