The Hard Saying

GOI Bible Study

The Hard Saying: Eating the Bread of Life

John 6:41-71

Jesus challenges His followers to accept Him as the source of eternal life, using the metaphor of eating His flesh and drinking His blood. The gospel is central here, as Jesus emphasizes belief in Him as the only way to eternal life, even when the message is difficult to accept.

his goes into our development as Christians, not just becoming Christians, but our development, because all those who were drawn into Christ, obeyed the prompting of God, they went on to great things in the service of God.

Have you ever wondered what it really means to have eternal life? In this Bible study on John 6:41-71, we explore Jesus’ profound teaching about being the “bread of life” and what it means to truly partake of him spiritually. Jesus challenges both the Jews and his disciples with difficult teachings that go beyond physical understanding to reveal spiritual truths about genuine faith and eternal life.

Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. John 6:47


This goes into our development as Christians, not just becoming Christians, but our development, because all those who were drawn into Christ, obeyed the prompting of God, they went on to great things in the service of God.

  • The Jews made the mistake of judging Jesus only by what they could physically see, unable to recognize his divine nature
  • Many people listen to spiritual teaching without truly hearing with spiritual discernment
  • Jesus describes himself as the “bread of life” - the essential element needed for spiritual life
  • True faith involves both “coming to” and “believing in” Jesus - actions that lead to eternal life
  • The references to eating Jesus’ flesh and drinking his blood are spiritual metaphors about partaking in his sacrifice
  • The Holy Spirit is the one who gives life - “the flesh profits nothing”
  • Even among Jesus’ followers, some found his teachings too difficult to accept and left him
  • Peter’s confession represents genuine faith: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life”

I am the bread of life. John 6:48


The proof of our eternal life is that we are indwelt by this glorious third person of the Trinity.

What a beautiful reminder that Jesus is more than just a historical figure or a good teacher - He is the bread of life who offers us eternal nourishment for our souls! Throughout this study, we’ve seen how Jesus challenges us to move beyond physical understanding to spiritual truth. While many found these teachings too difficult and walked away, Peter’s words ring true for every genuine believer: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” Jesus doesn’t just give us a better life or temporary satisfaction - He gives us eternal life that begins the moment we truly come to Him in faith. Like the disciples who stayed, may we hold fast to Jesus, the true bread from heaven.


    Bible References

  • John 6:41-71
  • John 6:41-71
  • John 6:35
  • John 6:57
  • John 6:63
  • John 6:68-69
  • John 1:1
  • Exodus
  • Isaiah

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