At the start of John 6, a large crowd is following Jesus. Seventy verses, two miracles, and one sermon later, we’re back to Twelve, and one of them is a devil! So what happened to send Jesus’ approval rating spiraling downward? The initial crowd was motivated by an opportunity to witness Jesus’ miraculous power (v 2). At first they weren’t disappointed, for when their stomachs began to growl, Jesus provided an all-you-can-eat fish and bread buffet by the sea. It was a spectacular day and expectations skyrocketed. They hoped He would be their king; instead, He withdraws to a mountain (v 1-15). The disciples hop into a boat; and when their midnight voyage is hindered by a storm, Jesus appears, walking to them on the water. Gladly welcoming Him aboard, “immediately” they are safely in the desired harbor (v 16-21). Meanwhile, the well-fed crowd back on the hillside wakes up from a good night’s sleep and realizes they’re getting hungry again. It’s time for breakfast. Naturally, they look for Jesus, only to discover that their free meal ticket has disappeared! Finding Him on the other side of the sea, they seem to suspect something miraculous has occurred, but Jesus ignores their question, noting how they had failed to grasp the significance of His “signs” (v 22-26). Urging them to shift their focus from the physical to the spiritual, Jesus offers Himself as the true bread from heaven who gives eternal life to all believers. Their response? They ask Him to back up His claims with a miracle of some kind. Incredible! After what they saw yesterday, they need more evidence? They appeal to Moses; after all, His manna fell from heaven not once, but daily. Jesus answers, “I am the bread of life, whoever comes to Me shall not hunger.” He is a never-ending supply of life. Yet they will not believe (v 27-36). So are divine purposes being defeated? Not hardly. Jesus goes on to stress the sovereignty of God in our salvation. Those whom the Father has given to the Son will come to Him, without fail. And no one can come to the Son unless drawn by the Father. Left to ourselves, none of us would choose Christ. But chosen by God, we are kept forever and raised on the last day (v 37-50). None of this eliminates human responsibility. Jesus offers Himself to each of us, but we must personally respond. As one eating bread, we receive Him by internalizing the truth revealed to us. We exercise faith by coming to Him for true satisfaction. Only those who feed on Him will live forever (v 51-58). This sermon wasn’t what people wanted to hear, for it challenged their pride and self-sufficiency. Many lose interest. But the chosen remain (v 59-71). For further meditation: