1. The Gospel of John contains a great amount of information that will help us grow in the knowledge of our Lord as we are instructed in 2 Peter 3:18. 2. John recorded certain statements made by Jesus in which He revealed key information about His identity. 3. These are known as the Lord's "I am" statements. a. "I am the bread of life" (6:35). b. "I am the light of the world" (8:12). c. "Before Abraham was, I am" (8:58). d. "I am the door of the sheep" (10:7). e. "I am the good shepherd" (10:11). f. "I am the resurrection, and the life" (11:25). g. "I am the way, the truth, and the life" (14:6). h. "I am the true vine" (15:1). 4. Some of the people who heard Jesus make these statements did not understand what He was teaching -- we must avoid their mistakes. 5. We learn from chapter 6 that some people struggled with the Lord's statement that He is "the bread of life." 6. Previously, we covered: a. the Lord's miracle of feeding the 5,000 (vs.1-14) b. the Lord's walking on the water (vs.15-21) c. the Lord's discussion with the people who followed Him to Capernaum (vs.22-40). 7. In this lesson we are studying the Lord's discussion with the Jewish leaders (vs.41-59). 8. Let us review the Lord's statements in vs.27, 29, 32-33, 35, 40. Discussion: I. (John 6:41-42) THE JEWS MURMURED BECAUSE JESUS CLAIMED TO BE "THE BREAD OF LIFE"
A. They were familiar with Joseph and Mary. B. They questioned the Lord's claim to be from heaven. II. (John 6:43-51) AS THE BREAD OF LIFE, JESUS GIVES EVERLASTING LIFE TO HIS FOLLOWERS
A. Jesus would give His life to make everlasting life available. B. To receive this blessing we must come to Him on His terms. III. (John 6:52-59) JESUS EXPLAINED HIS REQUIREMENT FOR RECEIVING EVERLASTING LIFE
A. (vs.52) The Jews questioned how Jesus would give His life. B. Compare eating the Lord's flesh and drinking His blood with vs.40. C. Being raised at the last day and receiving everlasting life are blessings available to those who believe that Jesus came from heaven to give His life and surrender to His will.
