Today’s selected reading continues in the New Testament gospel narrative of the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ as it was written and recorded by the apostle John. More specifically today’s passage begins with the sixtieth verse of the sixth chapter and continues through to the ninth verse of the seventh chapter. “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” (John 6:60-65). “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” (John 6:66-71). “After these things Jesus walked in Galilee: for he would not walk in Jewry, because the Jews sought to kill him. Now the Jews’ feast of tabernacles was at hand. His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest. For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. For neither did his brethren believe in him.Then Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come: but your time is always ready. The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil. Go ye up unto this feast: I go not up yet unto this feast; for my time is not yet full come. When he had said these words unto them, he abode still in Galilee” (John 7:1-9). When you come to this particular portion of the sixth chapter you will find it drawing to a close and tying everything which took place before it together. It’s actually quite interesting to read the words which are found in this passage of Scripture for what would begin in the opening verses of this chapter with Jesus feeding a multitude of at least five thousand people with loaves of bread would eventually culminate in many of His disciples speaking of His words and how they were indeed and in fact a hard saying. It’s actually quite astonishing to read the words which are present in this passage of Scripture for in the sixty-sixth verse of this chapter you will find the apostle John writing concerning a very specific time. The apostle John doesn’t specifically reveal what time that actually was, however, the apostle John does indeed go on to write how “from that time” many of His disciples went back and walked no more with Him. This is something we must needs recognize and understand if we wish to understand that which takes place in this passage of Scripture for it highlights and underscores just how impactful the words which the Lord Jesus Christ truly are. You cannot read the words found in this passage of Scripture and how encounter the tremendous truth that although Jesus fed the multitude of at least five thousand people with loaves of bread and fish there would be many of His disciples which would turn back and walk no more with Him. Scripture doesn’t reveal just how many of His disciples turned back and walked no more with Him—only that there were many of His disciples who turned back and walked no more. Oh what a truly astonishing and challenging truth is found in this passage of Scripture for the use of the word many is something which we must needs recognize and understand when considering Jesus’ words. There were indeed several times within the four New Testament gospels where this concept of many was indeed used to describe the many who would be referenced in the Last Days and even the many whom Jesus referenced concerning that day in which men would appear before His throne. Before I continue any further within this passage of Scripture I find it absolutely necessary to call and draw your attention to this particular truth surrounding the word “many.” It is absolutely impossible to read the four gospel narratives which were written by the gospel authors and not encounter this incredible truth of “many”—and not only this concept of many but also its stark contrast to the few. One thing we must needs recognize when reading the words found in this passage of Scripture is that there is a powerful contrast between the many who were fed and partook of the loaves of bread and the few who actually remained and chose to abode with the person of the Lord Jesus. In fact when you come to the final verses of this particular passage of Scripture you seem to get the idea and impression that this crowd of five thousand who partook of the loaves of bread and fish would very well have dwindled down to just the twelve disciples whom Jesus had personally called and chosen. With this being said it’s important to recognize that even in light of Jesus’ question to His disciples if they too would go away and Simon Peter’s response Jesus would declare even of those few that one from among then would betray Him. How absolutely captivating it is when reading the words found in this passage of Scripture and consider how five thousand might very well have dwindled down to twelve disciples of the person of the Lord Jesus. Not only this but even among those twelve disciples of Jesus there would one who would be a devil and would indeed betray Him being one of the twelve. What an incredibly unique and powerful concept is found in this passage of Scripture and how five thousand would indeed appear to dwindle down until possibly twelve—and not only the twelve disciples whom Jesus had called and chosen but one of those twelve would indeed betray Him into the hands of the religious leaders who would in turn deliver Him into the hands of sinners to be scourged and crucified. As I sit here today thinking about the words presented in this passage of Scripture I can’t help but come face to face with and be reminded by the words which the apostle Paul wrote in the fifteenth chapter of the first New Testament epistle written unto the Corinthian saints. What’s more is that directly linked to the words which are found in the opening verses of this fifteenth chapter are the words which are found in the first chapter of the New Testament book of Acts. Within these two chapters we find a powerful contrast between two different and two distinct groups of people which were present during the days of the resurrection of Jesus and those who remained and abode after Jesus had ascended unto the right hand of the Father. If there is perhaps one other verse that calls and draws our attention to this contrast between many and the few it is the words presented in these two passages. Within these two passages we find the number given of those whom Jesus appeared to during the forty days after His resurrection prior to His ascension and the actual number of those who were present in the midst of the upper room on the day of Pentecost. I cannot help but think about and consider the words which are found in these passages of scripture and how absolutely captivating they are when considering the words and language that is found in the sixth chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John. With this in mind I invite you to consider if you will the following words which are found in both of these passages of Scripture beginning with those in the fifteenth chapter of the first New Testament epistle of the apostle Paul written unto the Corinthian saints: “Moreover brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: and that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: after that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And a last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed” (1 Corinthians 15:1-11). “The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, until the day in which he was taken up, after that he though the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: to whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: and, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, it is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; which also said, ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. Then returned they unto Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a sabbath day’s journey. And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus and with his brethren. And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples, and said, (the number of names together were about an hundred and twenty,) Men and brethren, this scripture must needs be have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus. For he was numbered with us, and had obtained part of this ministry. Now this man purchased a field with the reward of his iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out. And it was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue, Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood. For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take. Wherefore of these men which companies with all all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection. And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether or these two thou hast chosen, that he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles” (Acts 1:1-26). “And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded because that every man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed and marveled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaean? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? Parthians, and Medes, and Alamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in. Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. And they were all amazed, and were in doubt saying one to another, What meaneth this? Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine” (Acts 2:1-13). There is a great need for us to pay careful attention to the words which are found in this passage of Scripture for within the epistle written by the apostle Paul unto the Corinthian saints as well as the words which are found in the New Testament book of Acts we find that after He had been raised from the dead Jesus showed Himself alive with many infallible proofs for forty days. It would be during those forty days when Jesus would indeed appear unto the eleven disciples demonstrating and manifesting Himself alive, however, the apostle Paul reveals something else which took place during those days. In the opening verses of the fifteenth chapter the apostle Paul writes and reveals how during those forty days the Lord Jesus showed Himself alive and appeared unto upwards of five hundred men and women at one time. Oh please don’t miss and lose sight of this particular truth and how absolutely astonishing it truly is for at one point there would be five hundred who would be witnesses unto the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. During those forty days Jesus would appear unto at least five hundred at one time—this not including the women at the tomb, the two men on the road to Emmaus and the eleven disciples. Pause for a moment and consider just how many there were who would actually bear witness to the resurrection of the person of the Lord Jesus and even how when the disciples who were present in the upper room were speaking of that one who would take the office of Judas Iscariot who had betrayed Jesus they emphasized that such a one had to be among them and their company from the preaching of John the Baptist until the time of the ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ. This is incredibly important for us to realize and understand for this would mean that whomever was chosen would have needed to be a witness of and unto the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. This would indeed mean that this particular individual must needs have been part of that five hundred whom Jesus appeared to during those forty days. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this and how absolutely incredible it truly is when you take the time to think about it for it calls and draws our attention to the reality of Jesus appearing unto and showing Himself alive to upwards of five hundred at one time and yet when we come to the first chapter of the New Testament book of Acts we find only one-hundred and twenty in the upper room. Stop for a moment and consider how there would have been a difference of three hundred and eighty individuals who were not present in the upper room. If Jesus appeared unto and showed Himself alive after His resurrection unto five hundred at once and there were only one hundred and twenty present in the upper room then that would make the difference between the five hundred and those in the upper room at least three hundred and eighty. What’s more is that I would dare say that number would have been much higher for you would also have to subtract the eleven apostles and Mary which would have been twelve in total. This would have made the number of those from the five hundred who weren’t present in the upper room three hundred and ninety two. Scripture doesn’t reveal how many brothers and sisters Jesus had, nor even how many women might have been present in the upper room during that time which means that the total number of those who witnessed the resurrection of the Lord Jesus and yet were not present in the upper room might very well have been well over four-hundred. Stop for a moment and consider how absolutely staggering and mind-blowing this truly is when you take the time to think about for this would mean that eighty percent or more of those whom the Lord revealed Himself alive after His resurrection from the dead would not be present in the upper room during the days leading up to Pentecost. Scripture doesn’t reveal exactly how many were present in the upper room, however, we must needs conclude that there were at least one hundred and twenty who were present in the midst of that upper room. Stop and consider the fact that it has largely been taught and believed that on the day of Pentecost there would have been at least one hundred and twenty who were present when the Holy Spirit came and was manifested in the midst of the earth. This is actually quite astonishing when you take the time to think about it for Scripture seems to suggest that there was eighty percent or more of those five hundred whom Jesus showed Himself alive to after His resurrection were not present in the upper room on the day of Pentecost. I fully realize that Scripture doesn’t reveal how many were truly in the upper room on the day of Pentecost and the only number we truly know from that which is mentioned in the second chapter is that on that particular day three thousand souls were added to their number. Scripture does not provide us with the precise number of those who were present on the day of Pentecost and we have been taught and led to believe that there were one hundred and twenty who were baptized with the Holy Spirit and were filled with the person and presence of the Holy Spirit. What a strong and stark contrast would indeed be manifested between the many and the few for there would be many who would bear witness unto the resurrection of the Lord Jesus and yet there would only be a few of those who would actually be present among those who were in the upper room. I sit here today thinking about where the eighty percent of the five hundred whom Jesus appeared to after His resurrection from the dead were during those days leading up to and even on the day of Pentecost. Where did they go and what did they do during those days leading up to the day of Pentecost and had there in fact been many who did in fact depart from Jerusalem? We know that in the final chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the beloved physician Luke that Cleopas and his companion departed from the city of Jerusalem and were journeying unto Emmaus. In fact were it not for the risen and resurrected Jesus appearing among them and walking with them all the way to Emmaus they might have departed from Jerusalem, arrived at Emmaus and not returned. Jesus would not only walk with them all the way to Emmaus but when they entreated Him to abide and tarry with them He would indeed accommodate their request. It would be there in the midst of the house where Jesus would take bread, give thanks and bless and break it before giving it unto them. As a direct result of His blessing and breaking of bread their eyes were immediately opened and they would see and recognize the person of the Lord Jesus. Immediately after their eyes were opened Jesus would varnish from their midst and they would rise from that place and return unto the city of Jerusalem and unto the apostles who were present in the house. These two men would emphatically declare and proclaim unto the apostles how Jesus had appeared unto them along the way to Emmaus and how He had made Himself known unto them in the breaking of bread. This is important for us to recognize and understand for it reveals how of that eighty percent of the five hundred whom Jesus appeared to after His resurrection there might have been many who departed from the city of Jerusalem and chose not to tarry and abide in it as Jesus instructed and commanded. Oh stop and consider how there might very well have been a great majority of this eighty percent who bore witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus who might have departed from Jerusalem and chose to return unto their homes, their villages, their cities and that which they knew prior to Jesus. I am absolutely convinced we must needs recognize and pay close attention to the words which are found within this passage of Scripture for what is presented in the sixth chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John is indeed a powerful picture of the contrast of the many and the few. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this and how absolutely incredible it truly is for it calls and draws our attention to the incredible truth surrounding the Lord Jesus appearing and manifesting Himself unto more than five thousand at one time through the miracle of feeding them with loaves of bread. Each of the four gospel authors present the miracle of the feeding of the five thousand from the loaves of bread and it was the apostle John who provides additional commentary of what happened immediately after the feeding of the five thousand. It would be the apostle John who would write that after Jesus had fed the five thousand with the loaves of bread and sent them away He would send the disciples over the sea by ship while He Himself tarried behind. Of course we know and understand that between the time Jesus dismissed the crowds and the time the multitude found Him on the other side of the sea Jesus would come unto His disciples walking on the water—and not only walking on the water but also walking in the midst of the storm. What each of the four gospels authors write and present is that after Jesus sent the multitude away He Himself would go up into a mountain to pray. It would be there atop the mountain where He would witness and behold the disciples in the midst of the sea laboring and toiling against the wind and the waves. It would be in the midst of the storm and through the wind and the waves Jesus would come unto them walking on the water. There is a great need to recognize and understand this for in the sixth chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John we encounter and come face to face with the tremendous and incredible truth surrounding the Lord Jesus and how He had manifested Himself unto five thousand at one time through the feeding of the multitude with five loaves of bread and two fish. It would be on this particular day the Lord Jesus would indeed feed at least five thousand men not including women and children with the loaves of bread and fish. What’s more is that not only did Jesus feed the multitude of five thousand from the five loaves of bread and two fish but there were also twelve baskets which were filled with the fragments of the leftovers of that which Jesus had blessed and multiplied. This is something we must needs recognize and pay close attention to for not only was there five thousand men who were fed from these five loaves and two fish but there were twelve baskets which were also filled from the fragments of the leftovers from that miracle. Scripture does not reveal what happened to those twelve baskets nor even who might have taken those baskets with them from that place in the wilderness. The only thing Scripture speaks of and reveals is that there were twelve baskets which were filled with the fragments of the leftovers from this miracle and how those baskets would undoubtedly serve as a witness and testimony to that which Jesus had performed and wrought among them. On this particular occasion there were at least five thousand souls who were fed with and from the loaves of bread and twelve baskets were filled with the fragments of the leftovers from what Jesus had blessed, broken and given. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for if you continue reading the words which are presented in this passage of Scripture you will find that on this particular day Jesus would indeed feed the five thousand men with the loaves of bread and the fish and how even after he would send them away He would come to the other side of the sea and there would be many who would be there waiting for Him. In verses fifteen through twenty-one we find the apostle John desiring how the disciples went down to the sea and entered into it Hawa ding over the sea toward Capernaum. The apostle John writes how it was now dark and Jesus not come to them. During this time there would arise by reason of a great wind that blew a great storm which caused the sea to swell and rise. The disciples had rowed about five and twenty or thirty furlongs and they saw what they originally perceived as being a ghost upon the water. It would be the gospel authors who do in fact write and record how it wasn’t a ghost coming unto them walking on the water but rather Jesus whom they had walked with, followed and knew. The apostle John writes how when the disciples saw Jesus walking unto them on the waters of the sea they were afraid but how Jesus would speak and declare unto them saying, It is I, be not afraid. John goes on to write how they willingly received him into the ship and how immediately the ship was at the land where they were headed. Oh this is important for us to think about and consider for it helps us to understand what would take place on the other side of the sea. Consider if you will the four distinct accounts of the storm which would come upon the sea, how Jesus was not present with the disciples in the midst of the storm and yet how Jesus would come unto them in the midst of the storm: “And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain part to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirt; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God” (Matthew 14:22-33). “And straightway he constrained his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida, while he sent away the people. And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray. And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land. And he saw them toiling in rowing; for the wind was contrary unto them: and about the fourth watch of the night he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them. But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out: For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid. And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered. For they considered not the miracle of the loaves: for their heart was hardened” (Luke 6:45-52).

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“When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a kings, 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” (John 6:15-21).
I am absolutely convinced there is a great need for us to recognize and pay close attention to the words which are presented in these passages of Scripture—particularly those which are found in the fourteenth chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle Matthew. The apostle Matthew didn’t merely write about the disciples finding themselves in the midst of the storm and how Jesus came unto them walking on the water in the midst of the wind and the waves. The apostle Matthew would go on to write how when Jesus spoke unto the disciples and commanded to be not afraid for it was Him Simon called Peter would speak up and declare unto the Lord that if it was truly Him He need bid him to come unto Him on the water. Jesus would give the invitation to Simon called Peter and the apostle Matthew wrote how Simon Peter stepped out of the ship and on to the water—and not only stepped on to the water but also walked on the water as he would make his way unto the Lord Jesus. Oh we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this and how awesome it truly is for there in the midst of the sea we find Jesus walking on the water until He came unto the place where the disciples were and then there in that place standing in the midst of the sea outside the ship wherein were the disciples. The apostle Peter would indeed join Jesus in the midst of the storm as he would get out of the ship and walk upon the water—even if it was only for a short period of time before he saw the wind and the waves and began to be fearful and doubt. It would be in direct relation to his fear that he would begin to sink and would cry out to Jesus to save Him. Immediately Jesus would stretch out His hand and save Peter from the midst of the wind and the waves and they would both get into the ship which was there present in the midst of the sea. What’s more is that it would be there in the midst of the sea those who were present in the ship would indeed declare that this was indeed the Son of God. Please don’t miss the incredible importance of what is found in the fourteenth chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle Matthew for I am convinced it is indeed the foundation for what is presented in the final verses of the sixth chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John. It would be in the final verses of the sixth chapter of this gospel—when the Lord Jesus would ask the disciples if they too would walk away—that Simon Peter would not only ask where they would go but would also declare unto Him that He alone held the words of eternal life. Moreover it would be Simon Peter who would also emphatically profess and confess that he was convinced Jesus was the Christ and the Son of the living God. Oh stop and consider the strong and powerful link which existed between the declaration and profession of Jesus being the Son of God in the midst of the sea and what we find here in the sixth chapter of the gospel written by the apostle John. It would be in the sixth chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John we find Simon called Peter once more making the profession and confession that Jesus was indeed the Son of the living God. Oh in all reality this is one thing we must learn and recognize when reading the words presented in this passage of Scripture for it calls and draws our attention to the tremendous truth surrounding the work of God which Jesus spoke of. It was Jesus who declared that the work of God was to indeed believe on the Father and on the One whom he had sent. Oh you cannot read the words which are found in the sixth chapter of this gospel and not encounter and come face to face with what is at the very heart of it—namely believing on the Son and believing on the One who had sent Him. Having said this I find it absolutely necessary to call your attention to the declarations and professions which were made in the Scripture concerning the person of Jesus of Nazareth and how He was indeed the eternal and only begotten Son of God. From the time of John the Baptist until the time of the Roman centurion who was present at the cross upon Calvary there would be declarations and professions which were made concerning Jesus being the Son of the living God. With this being said I invite you to consider the following words which are found in these passages of Scripture beginning to read with and from the first chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John: “There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through Him might believe. He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me. And of his fullness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him” (John 1:6-18). “The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God” (John 1:29-34). “Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples and looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God! And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, master,) where dwellest thou? He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour. One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone” (John 1:35-42). “The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me. Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see. Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee. Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel. Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? Thou shalt see greater things than these. And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man” (John 1:43-51). “And straightway Jesus constrained His disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away. And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone. But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with the waves: for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples aw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, it is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water. And he said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God” (Matthew 14:22-33). “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” (John 6:66-71). “When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciple, saying, Whom do. Men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophet. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ” (Matthew 16:13-20). “And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in train from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent; and the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose, and came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many. Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God. And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him: among which was Mary Magdalene, and mary the mother of James, and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee’s children” (Matthew 27:51-56). Each of these passages of Scripture provide us with a powerful picture into the progression of the revelation of Jesus as both the Christ and the Son of the living God. Please note that this doesn’t even take into consideration or account the baptism of Jesus at the Jordan River and how the heavens were opened unto Him, how the Holy Spirit descended and lighted upon Him in the form of a dove, and how the voice of the Father spoke from heaven declaring this to be His beloved Son in whom He was well pleased. What’s more is that this doesn’t even take into consideration the account of Jesus taking Peter, James and John up into a mountain where He would pray and His appeared would be transfigured before them. It would be there atop the mountain where Jesus’ appearance would be transfigured and he would not only shine like the noonday sun but his garments would be whiter than any fuller could whiten. There upon the mountain two men would appear talking with Him who were Moses and Elijah and would speak with Him concerning His decease which he should accomplish in the city of Jerusalem. Here atop the mountain Simon called Peter would speak unto the Lord Jesus and declare that it was good for them to be there and that three tabernacles should be built—one for Him, one for Moses and one for Elijah. It would be at this point where a bright cloud would consume and overshadow them and a voice would speak from the midst of the cloud declaring and professing Jesus to be His beloved Son and an instruction given unto them to hear and listen to Him. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of the words which are found in this passage of Scripture for they call and draw our attention to the incredible truth surrounding the revelation of the Son of the living God. It is this revelation of Jesus as the eternal and only begotten Son of the living God which strikes at the very heart and center of what is found here in this particular passage of Scripture. Here in this passage we find the apostle John writing how Jesus would speak unto those who sought Him on the other side of the lake and declare how they did not seek Him because they saw His miracles or the works which He wrought but because they did eat of the loaves and were filled. What’s more is that Jesus would go on to declare unto them that they ought to labor not for the meat which perishes but for that meat which endures unto everlasting life which the Son of man would give unto them. With these words Jesus would further confirm that which He would speak unto the disciples while they were still in Samaria concerning His meat being to do the will of the One who had sent Him and to finish His work. It would be unto the disciples there in Samaria the Lord Jesus would speak of the meat of heaven as being doing the will of the Father and finishing and completing the work for which He had been sent. Now here we find in this passage of Scripture the Lord Jesus instructing those who came unto him on the other side of the sea to labor not for the meat which perishes but for that meat which endures unto everlasting life which the Son of man would give unto them. Oh what makes this all the more intriguing when you take the time to read this passage is when you consider the response of the Jews who came unto Jesus on the other side of the sea. Those who had made their way unto the place where Jesus was would ask Him, saying, “What shall we do that we might work the works of God?” It would be this question that would begin a powerful exchange between Jesus and the disciples—an exchange that would eventually culminate and result in many of them turning back and walking no more with Him. As you continue reading the words found in this passage of Scripture you will find Jesus declaring unto them that the work of God was that they believed on Him whom He had sent—namely Jesus who was the eternal and only begotten Son of the living God. Jesus would emphatically declare unto them that the work of God was to believe on the One whom the Father had sent and it would be these words which would prompt the Jews who found Jesus on the other side of the sea asking Him what sign He showed them that they may see and believe. Not only this but they would also go on to ask what Jesus worked for their fathers did in fact eat manna in the desert for it was written “He gave them bread from heaven to eat.” Jesus would declare and reveal unto them the work of God which was to believe on the One whom the Father had sent and they demanded a sign from Him that they might believe and know that what He said was indeed true. Oh we must not miss and lose sight of this for the Jews had not only seen and witnessed the miracles which Jesus had wrought but they had also eaten of the loaves and were filled. Those who came unto Jesus on this particular occasion did indeed and did in fact witness and behold the miracles which Jesus had performed and had partaken of the loaves. And were filled and yet they still desired a sign from Him that they might believe on Him. Oh it’s almost as if the miracles and works which He wrought nor even partaking of the loaves of bread and the fish wasn’t enough for them to believe on the One whom the Father had sent. Here we find them referencing their fathers in the wilderness and how their fathers were given bread from heaven to eat for forty years as they journeyed through the wilderness. To this Jesus would respond and declare how Moses gave them not that bread from heaven but it was His Father which gave them the true bread from heaven. Jesus would declare how the bread of God was He who came down from heaven gave life unto the world—something which the Jews could not fathom nor understand. Jesus would refer to Himself as the One who came down from heaven and gave His life unto the world and while they initially asked Him to give unto them this bread they would ultimately despise and reject Him. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this and how absolutely incredible it truly is for it calls and draws our attention to the wonderful truth surrounding the Lord Jesus and the words which He spoke unto the Jews in Galilee on this particular occasion. This was now the following day and a great multitude of men and women followed Jesus to the other side of the sea having partaken of the loaves of bread and were filled. Having satisfied their earthly and natural hunger the Lord Jesus would now speak directly to their souls and the spiritual hunger that was present within them. Jesus would emphatically declare unto those in Galilee that He was the bread of life and that those who came to Him would never hunger and that those who believed on Him would never thirst. Oh there is a great need to recognize and pay close attention to this for it follows directly on the heels of what we find in the fourth chapter of this New Testament gospel when we read of Jesus’ interaction and exchange with the Samaritan woman at the well. It would be there at the well outside of the city of Sychar where the Lord Jesus who was a Jew would indeed speak unto her—and not only speak unto her but also speak unto her about living water which would produce in her everlasting life. What makes this even more intriguing when you think about it is when you consider the words found in the seventh chapter of this New Testament gospel. Beginning with the fourth chapter we find Jesus speaking of living water and it producing eternal and everlasting life within those who believe on the Father and the Son and in chapters six and seven we read of the bread of life and of Jesus as being the living water. I am absolutely convinced we must needs recognize and understand what is presented in these words, however, before we do I find it absolutely necessary to call and draw your attention to the words which the prophet Isaiah prophesied centuries and generations prior to Jesus coming in the flesh and walking among us. Consider if you will the following words which are indeed found within the fifty-fifth chapter of the Old Testament prophetic book of Isaiah beginning with the first verse: “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money: come ye, buy and eat; Yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore ye spend money for that which is not bread? And your labour for that which satisfieth not? Hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Incline your ear, and come unto me: Hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David. Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people. Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and nations that knew not thee shall run unto thee because of the LORD thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee” (Isaiah 55:1-3). Within this passage of Scripture we not only find the living and eternal God calling unto those who thirst but also invites them to come to the waters. Moreover the living and eternal God also calls those who have no money to come, to buy and eat—to come and but wine and milk without money and without price. Furthermore the living God goes on to ask them why they spend money for that which is not bread and labor for that which does not satisfy. This is important for us to recognize when considering the words and language found in the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John for it calls and draws our attention to the invitation we have been given to not only partake of the bread of life but also to partake of the living water. Within this New Testament gospel we are brought face to face with the invitation given unto the Samaritan woman at the well concerning living water while in the sixth chapter of this same gospel we encounter the wonderful reality of Jesus speaking unto the Jews in Galilee concerning His being the bread of life. If there is one thing we must needs recognize and understand when reading the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John it’s the invitation given to all those who were thirsty and all those who were hungry to come and eat. What’s more is that it would be in the sixth chapter where we actually find Jesus doing more than inviting men and women to come and eat and to come and drink for He actually gave them bread to eat as He would bless and break the bread and feed five thousand. This is something we must needs recognize and consider for it brings us face to face with the hunger and thirst within our own hearts and souls. With this in mind I invite you to consider the following words which are found in the fourth, sixth and seventh chapters of this New Testament gospel and the tremendous invitation given unto the Jews to partake of the living water as well as the bread of life: “When therefore the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John, (Though Jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples,) He left Judaea, and departed again into Galilee. And he must needs go through Samaria. Then cometh he to a city of Samaria, which is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour. There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink. (For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.) Then saith the woman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria? For the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans: Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest thje gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that living water? Art thou greater than our father Jacobs, which gave u s the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle? Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: but whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw. Jesus saith unto her, Go, call thy husband, and come hither. The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband: Fopr thou hast had five husbands; and he whom thou. Now hast is not thy husband: in that saidst thou truly. The woman saith unto him, Sir, I perceive that thou art a prophet. Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship him in spirit and in truth. The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ; when he is come, he will tell us all things. Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he” (John 4:1-26). Within this passage of Scripture we find Jesus speaking of and first introducing livening water and doing so in Samaria unto a woman at an earthly and natural well. What’s more is that it was in this same context of living water Jesus also declared unto this woman that He was in fact the Messiah. This woman said that when the Messiah which is called the Christ came He would tell us all things and it would be in this context Jesus would proclaim that He was the Messiah and Christ which was to come. Not only this but when the woman departed from the well and returned unto the city she emphatically proclaimed unto the men of the city there was a man who tell her every thing she ever did and then asked if this could not be the Messiah. This is absolutely incredible when you take into consideration the following words which are found in the sixth chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle John beginning with the twenty-eighth verse: “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; a;s 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.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’s hath heard, and. Hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me. Not that any many 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 mann, 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” (John 6:28-59). As I prepare to bring this writing to a close I find it absolutely necessary to call and draw your attention to the words which are found in the seventh chapter of this New Testament book for within it we find Jesus giving an open invitation to any and every one who thirsted. In the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle Matthew we find the Lord Jesus calling unto and inviting all those who labor and are heavy laden and He would give them rest. I am absolutely convinced there is a tremendous need within our hearts and souls to recognize all that is offered to us in and through the person of the Lord Jesus. Within the opening chapter of this New Testament gospel we find the apostle John emphatically declaring that Jesus came unto His own as the Word made flesh but also that He came unto His own and His own received him not. Moreover the apostle John would declare that as many as received Him would be granted the power to become sons of God—sons born not of flesh, nor of blood nor of the will of man. What’s more is that it’s in the third chapter where Jesus Himself declares how God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes on Him should not perish but have everlasting life. The entire gospel narrative written by John is centered upon one very important and all encompassing truth—namely whether or not we are willing to receive Jesus as He is. There is perhaps no greater question we can and must needs answer within our hearts and souls is whether or not we are indeed believing on and receiving Jesus as both Christ and as the Son of the living God. Are we truly allowing the person and presence of the Lord Jesus to completely and utterly satisfy us within the very depths of our hearts and souls? Are we truly calling upon Him in desperation, in longing and with every fiber of our beings asking Him to completely and utterly fill us? “In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) Many of the people therefore, when they heard this saying, said, Of a truth this is the Prophet. Other said, This is Christ. But some said, Shall Christ come out of Galilee? Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was? So there was a division among the people because of him. And some of them would have taken him; but no man laid hands on him” (John 7:37-44).