John 6

After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias.

And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased.

And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his disciples.

And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh.

When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat?

And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do.

Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little.

One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, saith unto him,

There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?

And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand.

And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would.

When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.

Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten.

Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world.

When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.

And when even was now come, his disciples went down unto the sea,

And entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them.

And the sea arose by reason of a great wind that blew.

So when they had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs, they see Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing nigh unto the ship: and they were afraid.

But he saith unto them, It is I; be not afraid.

Then they willingly received him into the ship: and immediately the ship was at the land whither they went.

The day following, when the people which stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was none other boat there, save that one whereinto his disciples were entered, and that Jesus went not with his disciples into the boat, but that his disciples were gone away alone;

(Howbeit there came other boats from Tiberias nigh unto the place where they did eat bread, after that the Lord had given thanks:)

When the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither his disciples, they also took shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus.

And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither?

Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.

Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.

Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?

Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work?

Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat.

Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven.

For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.

Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread.

And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not.

All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.

And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.

And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.

The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came down from heaven.

And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? how is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven?

Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves.

No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.

Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.

I am that bread of life.

Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead.

This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die.

I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.

The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat?

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.

Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.

For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.

He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.

As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.

This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.

These things said he in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum.

Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it?

When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you?

What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before?

It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

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.

And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.

From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.

Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away?

Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life.

And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.

Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?

He spake of Judas Iscariot the son of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.

What does John 6:45 mean?

Explanation

John 6:45 presents a powerful theological concept about divine instruction and access to God through Jesus Christ.

It reflects Jesus’ teaching that true understanding and learning about God is a gift that comes directly from the Father.

This concept of divine teaching suggests that God Himself instills knowledge in the hearts of individuals, leading them toward a recognition of Jesus as the Messiah.

The phrase "taught of God" implies an intimate, spiritual education rather than simply an intellectual one.

When Jesus says, "Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me," He asserts that to truly learn from God is to be drawn to Jesus himself, which is another claim to His divine authority and unique relationship with God the Father.

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Historical Context

This verse comes from a dialogue in the Gospel of John where Jesus feeds the five thousand and then speaks about being the "Bread of Life." John's Gospel was written against a backdrop of both Jewish and Hellenistic thought.

The concept of being "taught by God" would resonate with Jewish audiences familiar with the teachings of the prophets, while the emphasis on direct knowledge might appeal to Hellenistic notions of divine revelation.

The mention of the prophets refers to the Old Testament, particularly to passages like Isaiah 54:13, which speaks of an era when God himself will teach His people, likely anticipating the coming of the Messiah.

Theological Insights

There are several key theological insights within this verse.

From a Christological perspective, this verse underscores Jesus' unique role as the one who reveals the Father. It affirms the concept of divine election, suggesting that some are drawn by God to come to Jesus.

This verse also lends itself to discussions of grace since the act of teaching and drawing are initiated by God.

In a soteriological context, this indicates that salvation involves a personal relationship that begins with divine revelation and results in coming to Jesus.

Practical Applications

John 6:45 can be seen as a call to listen and be receptive to divine instruction. It can encourage believers to seek spiritual wisdom and discernment through prayer, scripture reading, and reflection, trusting that God will lead them to a deeper understanding of truth.

Furthermore, it suggests that true knowledge of God is a transformative experience that compels one to follow Christ.

In a practical sense, this verse motivates Christians to active learning and discipleship.

Cross-References

Isaiah 54:13: "And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children."
Jeremiah 31:33-34: "But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the LORD, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people."
Hebrews 8:10-11: "For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people."

Language Study

The key phrase "taught of God" in Greek is "διδακτοί Θεοῦ" (didaktoi Theou). "διδακτοί" (didaktoi) is the perfect passive participle of "διδάσκω" (didasko), meaning "taught" or "instructed," and implies a completed action with continuing effects. "Θεοῦ" (Theou) is the genitive form of "Θεός" (Theos), which means "God." Thus, the phrase expresses those who are taught by God in an ongoing, enduring sense.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In various ancient cultures and religions, the concept of being taught by a deity is present but manifests differently.

For example, in Greek mythology, the Muses were seen as divine sources of inspiration for the arts and sciences.

The idea of divine instruction was also present in some mystery religions where secret knowledge was thought to be imparted by a god or through initiation.

In contrast, the Hebrew tradition emphasized learning the Law and wisdom from Yahweh through the prophets and written Scriptures.

Scientific Perspectives

The verse in question deals with metaphysical concepts that transcend empirical scientific study.

However, the ideas of learning and cognition are of great interest to neuroscience and psychology.

While science examines the physical processes of learning, this verse speaks to a spiritual or divine impartation of knowledge, which suggests a reality beyond the scope of scientific measurement or observation.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians have offered interpretations of John 6:45.

Some, like William Barclay, stress the importance of divine initiative in the learning process and how it compels individuals toward Jesus.

Others, such as D.A.

Carson, emphasize the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecy and the inclusive nature of the "all" being taught by God.

Matthew Henry’s Commentary refers to this as the effectual teaching of the Holy Spirit, pointing to the inward experience of being drawn to Jesus.

Overall, commentators agree that this verse highlights the transformational and divine nature of coming to an understanding of Jesus as the Son of God.

John 6

John 6

What does John 6:45 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does John 6:45 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?