“Then they said to him, ‘Sir, give us this bread always.’ Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and anyone who comes to me I will never drive away; for I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me but raise it up on the last day. This is indeed the will of my Father, that all who see the Son and believe in him may have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day.’ Then the Jews began to complain about him because he said, ‘I am the bread that came down from heaven.’”

Deeper Dive
In this passage, Jesus sets forth an assurance of acceptance. He portrays himself as essential sustenance—‘the bread of life’. The symbolic meaning extends beyond actual hunger to a profoundly spiritual sustenance assured by the relationship with Christ. God’s will fundamentally links every believer with an eternal promise, pronouncing that belief secures presence with Jesus, never to be cast out. This ties into larger Johannine themes of eternal life and divine mission. Jesus reiterates He undertakes the will of God, contrasting personal will with divine mission. The emphasis is on obedience and alignment with the Father, showcasing the intimate connection between Jesus and God. This revelation speaks deeply to the incarnational purpose, underpinning the gospel’s doctrine of salvation and the authority entrusted in Jesus for life-giving purposes. His descent echoes an unfolding divine plan preestablished by the Father. The resurrection promise here—a cornerstone in Johannine theology—encapsulates hope and future assurance. Jesus asserts His role as one who will raise believers, not only focusing on the transformative life relationship now but cementing their hope through eternal life. Resurrection signifies victory over death and remains a definitive act from Jesus on “the last day,” representing ultimate triumph aligned with God’s redemptive plan.

We boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us. For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. Indeed, rarely will anyone die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person someone might actually dare to die. But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us.

Deeper Dive
In this passage, Paul emphasises the transformational impact of God’s love, which is a divine gift bestowed through the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit acts as the conduit of God’s love, which empowers believers, filling them with hope. The expression of love as an act independent of human worth exemplifies the depth and grace inherent in God’s affection for humanity. It exemplifies theological themes of grace and charitable love, foundational to Christian belief in the constant presence of God’s unconditional love. The timing of Christ’s death for the ungodly, “while we were still weak,” conveys a profound message of grace. It underscores the nature of divine love that does not hinge on human actions or strength. This event is central to the doctrine of salvation, showcasing that Christ’s sacrifice is available to all regardless of their spiritual state—illustrating the concept of grace not as a reward, but an unearned gift of immeasurable love.

But the righteous, even if they die early, will be at rest. For old age is not honoured for length of time
or measured by number of years, but understanding is gray hair for anyone and a blameless life is ripe old age. There was one who pleased God and was loved by him and while living among sinners was taken up. He was caught up so that evil might not change his understanding or guile deceive his soul. For the fascination of wickedness obscures what is good, and roving desire perverts the innocent mind. Being perfected in a short time, he fulfilled long years, for his soul was pleasing to the Lord; therefore he hastened him from the midst of wickedness. Yet the peoples saw and did not understand or take such a thing to heart, that God’s grace and mercy are with his elect and that he watches over his holy ones.

Deeper Dive
Wisdom 4:7–15 reflects on the mystery of life, death, and God’s justice, especially regarding the young who die early. The passage emphasises that righteousness is not measured by length of years but by one’s closeness to God. The “just man” who dies young is portrayed as being preserved from corruption, spared from the temptations and moral decay that often come with a longer life. His untimely death is not a tragedy but rather a divine mercy, a way of drawing him quickly into eternal peace. The text also critiques human perspective: people often see an early death as unfair or meaningless, but from God’s view, it can be a sign of His favour. True maturity is not found in age but in virtue, and a soul perfected in righteousness has already fulfilled its purpose regardless of earthly years. This challenges the reader to reconsider how they view loss and suffering, especially in the death of the young. Ultimately, it teaches that God’s ways transcend human understanding. It invites trust in His providence, affirming that the righteous who depart early are not abandoned but embraced by eternal life, leaving behind a witness of holiness.

“Then they said to him, ‘Sir, give us this bread always.’ Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. But I said to you that you have seen me and yet do not believe. Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and anyone who comes to me I will never drive away; for I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me but raise it up on the last day. This is indeed the will of my Father, that all who see the Son and believe in him may have eternal life, and I will raise them up on the last day.’ Then the Jews began to complain about him because he said, ‘I am the bread that came down from heaven.’”

Deeper Dive
In this passage, Jesus sets forth an assurance of acceptance. He portrays himself as essential sustenance—‘the bread of life’. The symbolic meaning extends beyond actual hunger to a profoundly spiritual sustenance assured by the relationship with Christ. God’s will fundamentally links every believer with an eternal promise, pronouncing that belief secures presence with Jesus, never to be cast out. This ties into larger Johannine themes of eternal life and divine mission. Jesus reiterates He undertakes the will of God, contrasting personal will with divine mission. The emphasis is on obedience and alignment with the Father, showcasing the intimate connection between Jesus and God. This revelation speaks deeply to the incarnational purpose, underpinning the gospel’s doctrine of salvation and the authority entrusted in Jesus for life-giving purposes. His descent echoes an unfolding divine plan preestablished by the Father. The resurrection promise here—a cornerstone in Johannine theology—encapsulates hope and future assurance. Jesus asserts His role as one who will raise believers, not only focusing on the transformative life relationship now but cementing their hope through eternal life. Resurrection signifies victory over death and remains a definitive act from Jesus on “the last day,” representing ultimate triumph aligned with God’s redemptive plan.