John 6:41-51

John 6:41-Colossians : . The Murmuring of the “ Jews.”— The changes of persons here ( cf. John 6:22, the multitude), and of place in John 6:59, show that this chapter is not intended to record a continuous conversation, but to give specimens of Christ’ s teaching as the author has come to see its meaning, of objections raised and how they were answered. Jesus’ claims are challenged on the ground of His lowly origin ( cf. Luke 4:22, Mark 6:3). The answer takes up the thought of John 6:37-Matthew :. Those alone will accept such an one to whom the Father gives the grace to hear the teaching promised in the prophets ( Isaiah 54:13). All, who will hear, shall be taught, though ( John 6:46) the teaching is not given by direct vision, but through faith in God’ s Messenger. In John 6:48 ff. the meaning of what has preceded is summed up. Jesus is the support of men’ s spiritual life. The old manna could not avert physical death, the new brings true life, over which physical death has no power. The thought is now carried to a further stage, which could hardly have had any meaning to the men of Christ’ s own generation. The bread which He will give, His flesh, is for the life of the world, a declaration of the propitiatory character of Christ’ s death, which clearly reflects later thought ( cf. Scott, pp. 122ff.).