d in vv. 28, 29, in the
physical sphere. The first part of the defence is closed in ver. 30 with
a re-affirmation of His absolute unison with the Father.

[17] Westcott.

[18] Stier.

[19] It is very doubtful whether ver. 32 refers to John. I think it
refers to the Father. Still Jesus, in vv. 33-35, refers the Jews to the
testimony of John, although for His own part He depends on higher
testimony.

[20] The same idea is resumed in vv. 45-47. If you have not understood
the writings of Moses which you have heard from Sabbath to Sabbath, and
have not received the knowledge of God they were meant to give you, how
shall ye believe the once heard words of Him whose coming was meant to
be prepared for, and His identification made easy by all that Moses
wrote and by the institutions he established.

XIV.

_JESUS THE BREAD OF LIFE._

JOHN vi. 1-59.

In this chapter John follows the same method as in the last. He first
relates the sign, and then gives our Lord's interpretation of it. As to
the Samaritan woman, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so now to the
Galileans, Jesus manifests Himself as sent to communicate to man life
eternal. The sign by means of which He now manifests Himself is,
however, so new that many fresh aspects of His own person and work are
disclosed.[21]

The occasion for the miracle arose, as usual, quite simply. Jesus had
retired to the east side of the sea of Tiberias, probably to a spot near
Bethsaida Julias, that He might have some rest. But the people, eager to
see more miracles, followed Him round the head of the lake, and, as they
went, their number was augmented by members of a Passover caravan which
was forming in the neighbourhood or was already on the march. This
inconsiderate pursuit of Jesus, instead of offending Him, touched Him;
and as He marked them toiling up the hill in groups, or one by one, some
quite spent with a long and rapid walk, mothers dragging hungry
children after them, His first thought was, What can these poor tired
people get to refresh them here? He turns therefore to Philip with the
question, "Whence are we to buy bread that these may eat?" This he said,
John tells us, "to prove" or test Philip. Apparently this disciple was a
shrewd business man, quick to calculate ways and means, and rather apt
to scorn the expectations of faith. Every man must rid himself of the
defects of his qualities. And Jesus now gave Philip an opportunity to
overcome his