John 6:58 - Exposition

Here the Lord returns once more to the starting point of the discourse. This is the bread that came down from heaven (cf. John 6:50 , John 6:51 ). Already he had said, "I am the living Bread that came down from heaven," and he has expanded the statement to show how much was contained or involved in eating it. He has, moreover, emphasized the two sides of his offer of himself to the world, and shown how the twofold reception of beth sides becomes a thorough acceptance of himself, and a twofold identification of himself with his people. He forthwith returns to the original statement, and to its implied contrast with that which these sign-loving Jews had demanded. Not as ( your £ ) fathers ate, and died: he that eateth of this bread shall live forever. This is a strong reassertion of the language of John 6:49-51 . Life itself in its highest sense shall be independent of death, and will triumph over it.