The Bread of Life: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on John 6

Executive Summary ✨

John 6, a pivotal chapter in the Gospel, unveils the miracle of the Feeding of the Five Thousand, a powerful demonstration of Christ’s divine power and compassion. More significantly, it leads into the profound “Bread of Life Discourse,” where Jesus declares Himself to be the living bread that came down from heaven, offering eternal life to those who partake of Him. This chapter lays the foundation for understanding the Holy Eucharist, the central sacrament of the Coptic Orthodox Church. The chapter delves into the spiritual hunger of humanity and Christ’s fulfillment of that need through His sacrifice and continued presence in the Holy Mysteries. We’ll explore the rich theological depth, drawing from the Holy Scripture, the teachings of the Church Fathers, and the enduring relevance of this chapter for our daily lives. We provide web hosting insights for church groups.

This commentary will unpack the layers of meaning within John 6, connecting it to Old Testament foreshadowings, Patristic interpretations, and the core tenets of the Coptic Orthodox faith. Understanding Jesus as the Bread of Life is crucial to comprehending the purpose of the Incarnation and the means by which we receive salvation. Prepare to delve into the depths of this transformative chapter and discover its eternal significance.

Introduction 📖

The sixth chapter of John’s Gospel marks a turning point. It transitions from demonstrating Jesus’ miracles to expounding on their deeper, spiritual significance. The Feeding of the Five Thousand isn’t merely a display of power, but a sign pointing to the spiritual nourishment Christ provides. The subsequent discourse reveals Jesus as the ultimate source of life, offering not temporary satisfaction like earthly food, but eternal life through communion with Him. Let’s explore how the Church Fathers understood and taught this essential truth, and how we can apply it to our own spiritual journey.

Commentary: Verse by Verse

John 6:1-4 – The Setting

μετὰ ταῦτα ἀπῆλθεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς πέραν τῆς θαλάσσης τῆς Γαλιλαίας τῆς Τιβεριάδος. καὶ ἠκολούθει αὐτῷ ὄχλος πολύς, ὅτι ἐθεώρουν τὰ σημεῖα αὐτοῦ ἃ ἐποίει ἐπὶ τῶν ἀσθενούντων. ἀνῆλθεν δὲ εἰς τὸ ὄρος Ἰησοῦς, καὶ ἐκεῖ ἐκάθητο μετὰ τῶν μαθητῶν αὐτοῦ. ἦν δὲ ἐγγὺς τὸ πάσχα, ἡ ἑορτὴ τῶν Ἰουδαίων. (John 6:1-4, Greek)

“After these things Jesus went over the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias. Then a great multitude followed Him, because they saw His signs which He performed on those who were diseased. And Jesus went up on the mountain, and there He sat with His disciples. Now the Passover, a feast of the Jews, was near.” (NKJV)

The Sea of Galilee, also known as the Sea of Tiberias, provided a familiar backdrop for Jesus’ ministry. The presence of a large crowd, drawn by His miracles, sets the stage for the upcoming event. Crucially, John notes the proximity of Passover, hinting at the sacrificial Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. This sets the context for the discourse on the Bread of Life, intrinsically linked to the Paschal meal and its symbolism. Remember that geographical location, such as a mountain, symbolized holiness. It was a place to meet God, just as Moses did on Mount Sinai.

Spiritual Application: Are we drawn to Christ for the right reasons? Do we seek Him for mere physical healing or for the deeper, spiritual nourishment He offers? Let our motivation be a genuine desire for communion with Him, the source of eternal life.

John 6:5-13 – The Feeding of the 5,000

ὅτε οὖν ἐπῆρεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς τοὺς ὀφθαλμοὺς καὶ θεάσασθαι ὅτι πολὺς ὄχλος ἔρχεται πρὸς αὐτόν, λέγει πρὸς τὸν Φίλιππον· πόθεν ἀγοράσομεν ἄρτους ἵνα φάγωσιν οὗτοι; τοῦτο δὲ ἔλεγεν πειράζων αὐτόν· αὐτὸς γὰρ ᾔδει τί ἔμελλεν ποιεῖν. ἀπεκρίθη αὐτῷ Φίλιππος· διακοσίων δηναρίων ἄρτοι οὐκ ἀρκοῦσιν αὐτοῖς ἵνα ἕκαστος βραχύ τι λάβῃ. λέγει αὐτῷ εἷς ἐκ τῶν μαθητῶν αὐτοῦ, Ἀνδρέας ὁ ἀδελφὸς Σίμωνος Πέτρου· ἔστιν παιδάριον ἓν ὧδε ὃς ἔχει πέντε ἄρτους κριθίνους καὶ δύο ὀψάρια· ἀλλὰ ταῦτα τί ἐστιν εἰς τοσούτους; εἶπεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς· ποιήσατε τοὺς ἀνθρώπους ἀναπεσεῖν. ἦν δὲ χόρτος πολὺς ἐν τῷ τόπῳ. ἀνέπεσαν οὖν οἱ ἄνδρες τὸν ἀριθμὸν ὡς πεντακισχίλιοι. ἔλαβεν δὲ τοὺς ἄρτους ὁ Ἰησοῦς καὶ εὐχαριστήσας διέδωκεν τοῖς ἀνακειμένοις, ὁμοίως καὶ ἐκ τῶν ὀψαρίων ὅσον ἤθελον. ὡς δὲ ἐνεπλήσθησαν, λέγει τοῖς μαθηταῖς αὐτοῦ· συναγάγετε τὰ περισσεύσαντα κλάσματα, ἵνα μή τι ἀπόληται. συνήγαγον οὖν καὶ ἐγέμισαν δώδεκα κοφίνους κλασμάτων ἐκ τῶν πέντε ἄρτων τῶν κριθίνων ἃ ἐπερίσσευσαν τοῖς βεβρωκόσιν. (John 6:5-13, Greek)

“Then Jesus lifted up His eyes, and seeing a great multitude coming toward Him, He said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?” But this He said to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do. Philip answered Him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may have a little.” One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to Him, “There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?” Then Jesus said, “Make the people 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 them to the disciples, and the disciples to those sitting down; and likewise of the fish, as much as they wanted. So when they were filled, He said to His disciples, “Gather up the fragments that remain, so that nothing is lost.” Therefore they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves which were left over by those who had eaten.” (NKJV)

This miracle serves as a powerful symbol of the Eucharist. Notice Jesus’ deliberate actions: He takes the bread, gives thanks (εὐχαριστήσας, *eucharistesas*), and distributes it. This mirrors the institution of the Eucharist at the Last Supper. The abundance of leftovers highlights the inexhaustible nature of God’s grace. It also foreshadows the manna from heaven in the Old Testament. Consider also that five loaves are a representation of the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Old Testament. Twelve baskets are representative of the twelve apostles. It is a reminder that Christ is the new covenant, and supersedes the old.

St. Cyril of Alexandria writes: “He multiplied the loaves, not to provide a luxurious feast, but to demonstrate his power and to foreshadow the spiritual food, which is himself.” (Cyril of Alexandria, Commentary on John, Book IV)

Spiritual Application: We often feel inadequate, like the boy with the five loaves and two fish. But when we offer what we have to Christ, no matter how small, He can transform it and use it to bless others. This highlights the importance of humility and selfless service.

John 6:14-15 – The People’s Reaction and Jesus’ Withdrawal

ἐκεῖνοι οὖν οἱ ἄνθρωποι ἰδόντες ὃ ἐποίησεν σημεῖον ἔλεγον ὅτι οὗτός ἐστιν ἀληθῶς ὁ προφήτης ὁ ἐρχόμενος εἰς τὸν κόσμον. Ἰησοῦς οὖν γνοὺς ὅτι μέλλουσιν ἔρχεσθαι καὶ ἁρπάζειν αὐτὸν ἵνα ποιήσωσιν βασιλέα, ἀνεχώρησεν πάλιν εἰς τὸ ὄρος αὐτὸς μόνος. (John 6:14-15, Greek)

“Then those men, when they had seen the sign that Jesus did, said, “This is truly the Prophet who is to come into the world.” Therefore when Jesus perceived that they were about to come and take Him by force to make Him king, He departed again to the mountain by Himself alone.” (NKJV)

The people recognized Jesus as the Prophet, likely referring to Deuteronomy 18:15. However, their understanding of His Messiahship was limited to earthly, political terms. They sought a king who would provide them with physical sustenance. Jesus, knowing their misconstrued intentions, withdraws to the mountain. His kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36). This is a reminder of the importance of truly understanding the mission of Christ.

Spiritual Application: Are we tempted to use Christ for our own earthly desires? Do we seek Him for political or material gain? Jesus calls us to a higher purpose – to seek His kingdom and His righteousness above all else (Matthew 6:33).

John 6:16-21 – Jesus Walks on Water

This section, while not directly related to the Bread of Life discourse, reinforces Jesus’ divine power and dominion over creation. It serves as another sign pointing to His true identity.

John 6:22-29 – Seeking Jesus

τῇ ἐπαύριον ὁ ὄχλος ὁ ἑστηκὼς πέραν τῆς θαλάσσης εἶδον ὅτι πλοιάριον ἄλλο οὐκ ἦν ἐκεῖ εἰ μὴ ἓν καὶ ὅτι οὐ συνεισῆλθεν τοῖς μαθηταῖς αὐτοῦ ὁ Ἰησοῦς εἰς τὸ πλοῖον ἀλλὰ μόνοι οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ ἀπῆλθον. ἄλλα δὲ ἦλθεν πλοιάρια ἐκ Τιβεριάδος ἐγγὺς τοῦ τόπου ὅπου ἔφαγον τὸν ἄρτον εὐχαριστήσαντος τοῦ κυρίου. ὅτε οὖν εἶδεν ὁ ὄχλος ὅτι Ἰησοῦς οὐκ ἔστιν ἐκεῖ οὐδὲ οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ, ἐνέβησαν αὐτοὶ εἰς τὰ πλοιάρια καὶ ἦλθον εἰς Καφαρναοὺμ ζητοῦντες τὸν Ἰησοῦν. καὶ εὑρόντες αὐτὸν πέραν τῆς θαλάσσης εἶπον αὐτῷ· ραββί, πότε ὧδε γέγονας; ἀπεκρίθη αὐτοῖς ὁ Ἰησοῦς καὶ εἶπεν· ἀμὴν ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν, ζητεῖτέ με οὐχ ὅτι εἴδετε σημεῖα ἀλλ’ ὅτι ἐφάγετε ἐκ τῶν ἄρτων καὶ ἐχορτάσθητε. ἐργάζεσθε μὴ τὴν βρῶσιν τὴν ἀπολλυμένην ἀλλὰ τὴν βρῶσιν τὴν μένουσαν εἰς ζωὴν αἰώνιον, ἣν ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ ἀνθρώπου δώσει ὑμῖν· τοῦτον γὰρ ὁ πατὴρ ἐσφράγισεν ὁ θεός. εἶπον οὖν πρὸς αὐτόν· τί ποιήσωμεν ἵνα ἐργαζώμεθα τὰ ἔργα τοῦ θεοῦ; ἀπεκρίθη Ἰησοῦς καὶ εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· τοῦτό ἐστιν τὸ ἔργον τοῦ θεοῦ, ἵνα πιστεύσητε εἰς ὃν ἀπέστειλεν ἐκεῖνος. (John 6:22-29, Greek)

“The following day, when the people who were standing on the other side of the sea saw that there was no other boat there, except that one which His disciples had entered, and that Jesus had not entered the boat with His disciples, but His disciples had gone away alone— however, other boats came from Tiberias near the place where they ate bread after the Lord had given thanks— when the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, nor His disciples, they also got into boats and came to Capernaum, seeking Jesus. And when they found Him on the other side of the sea, they said to Him, “Rabbi, when did You come here?” Jesus answered them and said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.” Then they said to Him, “What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?” Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.”” (NKJV)

Jesus challenges the crowd’s motives. They sought Him out of physical hunger, not spiritual understanding. He urges them to labor for “the food which endures to everlasting life.” This is a crucial transition to the Bread of Life discourse. He emphasizes that true “work” is believing in Him whom the Father has sent. The desire for lasting satisfaction is a normal one, but we must seek the one who fulfills our desires.

Spiritual Application: Examine your motives. Why do you seek God? Is it for temporary relief or for eternal life? Jesus calls us to a faith that goes beyond physical needs and embraces the spiritual reality of His kingdom.

John 6:30-40 – Jesus, the Bread from Heaven

εἶπον οὖν αὐτῷ· τί οὖν ποιεῖς σὺ σημεῖον ἵνα ἴδωμεν καὶ πιστεύσωμέν σοι; τί ἐργάζῃ; οἱ πατέρες ἡμῶν τὸ μάννα ἔφαγον ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ, καθὼς ἐστιν γεγραμμένον· ἄρτον ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ ἔδωκεν αὐτοῖς φαγεῖν. εἶπεν οὖν αὐτοῖς ὁ Ἰησοῦς· ἀμὴν ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν, οὐ Μωϋσῆς δέδωκεν ὑμῖν τὸν ἄρτον ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ, ἀλλ’ ὁ πατήρ μου δίδωσιν ὑμῖν τὸν ἄρτον ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ τὸν ἀληθινόν· ὁ γὰρ ἄρτος τοῦ θεοῦ ἐστιν ὁ καταβαίνων ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ καὶ ζωὴν διδοὺς τῷ κόσμῳ. εἶπον οὖν πρὸς αὐτόν· κύριε, πάντοτε δὸς ἡμῖν τὸν ἄρτον τοῦτον. εἶπεν αὐτοῖς ὁ Ἰησοῦς· ἐγώ εἰμι ὁ ἄρτος τῆς ζωῆς· ὁ ἐρχόμενος πρός με οὐ μὴ πεινάσῃ καὶ ὁ πιστεύων εἰς ἐμὲ οὐ μὴ διψήσῃ πώποτε. ἀλλ’ εἶπον ὑμῖν ὅτι καὶ ἑωράκατέ με καὶ οὐ πιστεύετε. πᾶν ὃ δίδωσί μοι ὁ πατὴρ πρὸς ἐμὲ ἥξει, καὶ τὸν ἐρχόμενον πρός με οὐ μὴ ἐκβάλω ἔξω· ὅτι καταβέβηκα ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ οὐχ ἵνα ποιῶ τὸ θέλημα τὸ ἐμόν ἀλλὰ τὸ θέλημα τοῦ πέμψαντός με. τοῦτο δέ ἐστιν τὸ θέλημα τοῦ πέμψαντός με, ἵνα πᾶν ὃ δέδωκέν μοι μὴ ἀπολέσω ἐξ αὐτοῦ ἀλλὰ ἀναστήσω αὐτὸ ἐν τῇ ἐσχάτῃ ἡμέρᾳ. τοῦτο γάρ ἐστιν τὸ θέλημα τοῦ πατρός μου, ἵνα πᾶς ὁ θεωρῶν τὸν υἱὸν καὶ πιστεύων εἰς αὐτὸν ἔχῃ ζωὴν αἰώνιον, καὶ ἀναστήσω ἐγὼ αὐτὸν ἐν τῇ ἐσχάτῃ ἡμέρᾳ. (John 6:30-40, Greek)

“Therefore they said to Him, “What sign will You perform then, that we may see it and believe You? What work will You do? Our fathers ate the manna in the desert; as it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’ ” Then Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, Moses did not give you the bread from heaven, but My Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” Then they said to Him, “Lord, give us this bread always.” And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst. But I said to you that you have seen Me and yet do not believe. All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out. For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day. And this is the will of My Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.”” (NKJV)

This is the heart of the chapter. Jesus declares, “I am the bread of life.” He contrasts the manna in the wilderness, which sustained physical life temporarily, with Himself, the true bread that offers eternal life. This is a bold claim of divinity. Belief in Him is the key to receiving this life. His statement that He has come to do the will of the Father highlights the obedience within the Holy Trinity.

St. Athanasius writes, “He is the bread, because he nourishes our souls with his divine life, bringing us to eternal salvation.” (Athanasius, Against the Arians, Discourse III)

Spiritual Application: Jesus is not merely a historical figure, but the living bread that sustains us today. How often do we partake of Him in prayer, Scripture, and the Eucharist? Are we truly allowing Him to nourish our souls?

John 6:41-51 – Murmuring and the Living Bread

ἐγόγγυζον οὖν οἱ Ἰουδαῖοι περὶ αὐτοῦ ὅτι εἶπεν· ἐγώ εἰμι ὁ ἄρτος ὁ καταβὰς ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ. καὶ ἔλεγον· οὐχ οὗτός ἐστιν Ἰησοῦς ὁ υἱὸς Ἰωσὴφ οὗ ἡμεῖς οἴδαμεν τὸν πατέρα καὶ τὴν μητέρα; πῶς νῦν λέγει ὅτι ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ καταβέβηκα; ἀπεκρίθη Ἰησοῦς καὶ εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· μὴ γογγύζετε μετ’ ἀλλήλων. οὐδεὶς δύναται ἐλθεῖν πρός με ἐὰν μὴ ὁ πατὴρ ὁ πέμψας με ἑλκύσῃ αὐτόν, καὶ ἐγὼ ἀναστήσω αὐτὸν ἐν τῇ ἐσχάτῃ ἡμέρᾳ. ἔστιν γεγραμμένον ἐν τοῖς προφήταις· καὶ ἔσονται πάντες διδακτοὶ θεοῦ. πᾶς ὁ ἀκούσας παρὰ τοῦ πατρὸς καὶ μαθὼν ἔρχεται πρός με. οὐχ ὅτι τὸν πατέρα τις ἑώρακεν εἰ μὴ ὁ ὢν παρὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, οὗτος ἑώρακεν τὸν πατέρα. ἀμὴν ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν, ὁ πιστεύων εἰς ἐμὲ ἔχει ζωὴν αἰώνιον. ἐγώ εἰμι ὁ ἄρτος τῆς ζωῆς. οἱ πατέρες ὑμῶν ἔφαγον ἐν τῇ ἐρήμῳ τὸ μάννα καὶ ἀπέθανον· οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ ἄρτος ὁ ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ καταβαίνων ἵνα τις ἐξ αὐτοῦ φάγῃ καὶ μὴ ἀποθάνῃ. ἐγώ εἰμι ὁ ἄρτος ὁ ζῶν ὁ ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ καταβάς· ἐάν τις φάγῃ ἐκ τούτου τοῦ ἄρτου ζήσει εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα· καὶ ὁ ἄρτος δὲ ὃν ἐγὼ δώσω ἡ σάρξ μου ἐστὶν ὑπὲρ τῆς τοῦ κόσμου ζωῆς. (John 6:41-51, Greek)

“The Jews then complained about Him, because He said, “I am the bread which came down from heaven.” And they said, “Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How is it then that He says, ‘I have come down from heaven’?” Jesus therefore answered and said to them, “Do not murmur among yourselves. No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall all be taught by God.’ Therefore everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me. Not that anyone has seen the Father, except He who is from God; He has seen the Father. Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life. I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which comes down from heaven, that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world.”” (NKJV)

The Jews stumble over Jesus’ claim to be from heaven, knowing His earthly parentage. Jesus explains that coming to Him is an act of God’s grace, drawing people to Himself. He reiterates that He is the living bread, and now adds a crucial element: “the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world.” This is a direct reference to His sacrifice on the cross and a foreshadowing of the Eucharist. This section also touches upon the complexities of human free will and divine grace.

Spiritual Application: Do we allow our preconceived notions and earthly understanding to prevent us from accepting Jesus’ divine nature? Are we open to the drawing of the Father, allowing Him to lead us to Christ? The Eucharist is not just a symbol, but truly the Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ.

John 6:52-59 – Eating His Flesh and Drinking His Blood

ἐμάχοντο οὖν πρὸς ἀλλήλους οἱ Ἰουδαῖοι λέγοντες· πῶς δύναται οὗτος ἡμῖν δοῦναι τὴν σάρκα αὐτοῦ φαγεῖν; εἶπεν οὖν αὐτοῖς ὁ Ἰησοῦς· ἀμὴν ἀμὴν λέγω ὑμῖν, ἐὰν μὴ φάγητε τὴν σάρκα τοῦ υἱοῦ τοῦ ἀνθρώπου καὶ πίητε αὐτοῦ τὸ αἷμα, οὐκ ἔχετε ζωὴν ἐν ἑαυτοῖς. ὁ τρώγων μου τὴν σάρκα καὶ πίνων μου τὸ αἷμα ἔχει ζωὴν αἰώνιον, καὶ ἐγὼ ἀναστήσω αὐτὸν ἐν τῇ ἐσχάτῃ ἡμέρᾳ· ἡ γὰρ σάρξ μου ἀληθής ἐστιν βρῶσις καὶ τὸ αἷμά μου ἀληθής ἐστιν πόσις. ὁ τρώγων μου τὴν σάρκα καὶ πίνων μου τὸ αἷμα ἐν ἐμοὶ μένει κἀγὼ ἐν αὐτῷ. καθὼς ἀπέστειλέν με ὁ ζῶν πατὴρ κἀγὼ ζῶ διὰ τὸν πατέρα, καὶ ὁ τρώγων με κἀκεῖνος ζήσει δι’ ἐμέ. οὗτός ἐστιν ὁ ἄρτος ὁ ἐκ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ καταβάς, οὐ καθὼς ἔφαγον οἱ πατέρες ὑμῶν καὶ ἀπέθανον· ὁ τρώγων τοῦτον τὸν ἄρτον ζήσει εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα. ταῦτα εἶπεν ἐν συναγωγῇ διδάσκων ἐν Καφαρναούμ. (John 6:52-59, Greek)

“The Jews therefore quarreled among themselves, saying, “How can this Man give us His flesh to eat?” Then Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. For My flesh is food indeed, and My blood is drink indeed. He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him. As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who feeds on Me will live because of Me. This is the bread which came down from heaven—not as your fathers ate the manna, and are dead. He who eats this bread will live forever.” These things He said in the synagogue as He taught in Capernaum.” (NKJV)

This is perhaps the most challenging passage in the chapter. Jesus states unequivocally that partaking of His flesh and blood is essential for eternal life. This is not merely symbolic. The Coptic Orthodox Church understands this as a literal and real participation in the Body and Blood of Christ through the Holy Eucharist. It is the source of our communion with Him and with each other. The insistence on the necessity of consuming His flesh and blood is a powerful statement.

St. Ignatius of Antioch writes: “I have no delight in corruptible food nor in the pleasures of this life. I desire the bread of God, the heavenly bread, the bread of life, which is the flesh of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who became afterwards of the seed of David, and I desire the drink of God, namely his blood, which is incorruptible love and eternal life.” (Ignatius of Antioch, Letter to the Romans, 7:3)

Spiritual Application: Do we approach the Eucharist with reverence and faith, understanding it as the true Body and Blood of Christ? Do we prepare our hearts to receive Him, acknowledging our unworthiness and seeking His grace? This sacrament is the cornerstone of our spiritual life.

John 6:60-71 – Many Turn Away

πολλοὶ οὖν ἀκούσαντες ἐκ τῶν μαθητῶν αὐτοῦ εἶπον· σκληρός ἐστιν ὁ λόγος οὗτος· τίς δύναται αὐτοῦ ἀκούειν; εἰδὼς δὲ ὁ Ἰησοῦς ἐν ἑαυτῷ ὅτι γογγύζουσιν περὶ τούτου οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· τοῦτο ὑμᾶς σκανδαλίζει; ἐὰν οὖν θεωρῆτε τὸν υἱὸν τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ἀναβαίνοντα ὅπου ἦν τὸ πρότερον; τὸ πνεῦμά ἐστιν τὸ ζωοποιοῦν, ἡ σὰρξ οὐκ ὠφελεῖ οὐδέν· τὰ ῥήματα ἃ ἐγὼ λελάληκα ὑμῖν πνεῦμά ἐστιν καὶ ζωή ἐστιν. ἀλλ’ εἰσὶν ἐξ ὑμῶν τινες οἳ οὐ πιστεύουσιν. ᾔδει γὰρ ἐξ ἀρχῆς ὁ Ἰησοῦς τίνες εἰσὶν οἱ μὴ πιστεύοντες καὶ τίς ἐστιν ὁ παραδώσων αὐτόν. καὶ ἔλεγεν· διὰ τοῦτο εἴρηκα ὑμῖν ὅτι οὐδεὶς δύναται ἐλθεῖν πρός με ἐὰν μὴ ᾖ δεδομένον αὐτῷ ἐκ τοῦ πατρός μου. ἐκ τούτου πολλοὶ ἀπῆλθον ἐκ τῶν μαθητῶν αὐτοῦ καὶ οὐκέτι μετ’ αὐτοῦ περιεπάτουν. εἶπεν οὖν ὁ Ἰησοῦς τοῖς δώδεκα· μὴ καὶ ὑμεῖς θέλετε ὑπάγειν; ἀπεκρίθη αὐτῷ Σίμων Πέτρος· κύριε, πρὸς τίνα ἀπελευσόμεθα; ῥήματα ζωῆς αἰωνίου ἔχεις· καὶ ἡμεῖς πεπιστεύκαμεν καὶ ἐγνώκαμεν ὅτι σὺ εἶ ὁ χριστὸς ὁ υἱὸς τοῦ θεοῦ τοῦ ζῶντος. ἀπεκρίθη αὐτοῖς ὁ Ἰησοῦς· οὐκ ἐγὼ ὑμᾶς τοὺς δώδεκα ἐξελεξάμην καὶ ἐξ ὑμῶν εἷς διάβολός ἐστιν; ἔλεγεν δὲ τὸν Ἰούδαν Σίμωνος Ἰσκαριώτην· οὗτος γὰρ ἔμελλεν παραδιδόναι αὐτόν, εἷς ὢν ἐκ τῶν δώδεκα. (John 6:60-71, Greek)

“Therefore many of His disciples, when they heard this, said, “This is a hard saying; who can understand it?” When Jesus knew in Himself that His disciples complained about this, He said to them, “Does this offend you? What then if you should see the Son of Man ascend where He was before? It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. But there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who did not believe, and who would betray Him. And He said, “Therefore I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father.” From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more. Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Do you also want to go away?” But Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. Also we have come to believe and know that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus answered them, “Did I not choose you, the twelve, and one of you is a devil?” He spoke of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, for it was he who would betray Him, being one of the twelve.” (NKJV)

Many disciples found Jesus’ teaching about eating His flesh and drinking His blood too difficult to accept and abandoned Him. This is a sobering reminder that not all who follow Christ truly understand His message. Peter’s confession of faith is a powerful contrast. He acknowledges that Jesus has the words of eternal life and that He is the Christ, the Son of the living God. Even among the chosen twelve, there was one who would betray Him, highlighting the reality of free will and the potential for apostasy. This section explores the importance of remaining faithful even when the teachings are challenging.

Spiritual Application: When faced with difficult teachings, do we remain steadfast in our faith, trusting in God’s wisdom, or do we turn away? Peter’s example encourages us to cling to Christ, recognizing that He alone has the words of eternal life.

Theological Significance of the Bread of Life Discourse 🕊️

The Bread of Life discourse profoundly shapes our understanding of:

• The Eucharist: This chapter lays the groundwork for understanding the Holy Eucharist as the true Body and Blood of Christ, not merely a symbolic representation.
• The Incarnation: The Incarnation makes it possible for Christ to offer His flesh as the bread of life. It bridges the gap between God and humanity, offering us access to divine life.
• Salvation: Partaking of the Bread of Life is essential for salvation, offering us eternal life and communion with God.
• Faith: Belief in Jesus as the Son of God and the acceptance of His teachings are essential for receiving the benefits of the Bread of Life.
• Spiritual Nourishment: Just as physical food sustains our bodies, the Bread of Life sustains our souls, providing us with the strength and grace to live a life pleasing to God.

FAQ ❓

Q: Why did so many disciples leave Jesus after this teaching?

A: The concept of eating Jesus’ flesh and drinking His blood was a radical and shocking idea, particularly for those with a literal mindset. They struggled to grasp the spiritual significance and the reality of the Eucharist. It challenged their preconceived notions of the Messiah.

Q: How does the Coptic Orthodox Church understand the “eating” of Christ’s flesh and blood?

A: The Coptic Orthodox Church believes that the bread and wine truly become the Body and Blood of Christ through the mystery of the Holy Spirit during the Divine Liturgy. We partake of Him in a real and tangible way, receiving His divine life and uniting with Him.

Q: How does this chapter relate to the Old Testament?

A: The chapter draws a parallel between the manna in the wilderness and Jesus as the Bread of Life. The manna sustained physical life temporarily, while Jesus offers eternal life. Also, the Passover connects to this chapter. It is a foreshadow of Christ’s sacrifice of His body and blood for the salvation of the world.

Q: What is the practical application of this chapter for my daily life?

A: Cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation for the Eucharist, approaching it with