What does John 6:35 mean? (2024)

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This verse represents the first "I AM" statement of John's gospel. In each of these instances, Jesus uses the phrase "I AM" in reference to Himself, providing perspective on His mission and His ministry. This is the same reference used by God Himself when speaking to Moses from the burning bush in Exodus 3:13–14. It is the phrasing Jesus will use, to the same disciple writing this gospel, in Revelation 1:8.

The people have come to Jesus looking for another miracle, and for more free food (John 6:26). Instead, Jesus says they need to be seeking the "true bread from heaven" in order to obtain eternal life. Jesus has already clarified that this does not mean good works, but refers to belief in the One sent by God.

Here, Jesus explicitly declares that He, Himself, is the One sent by God. Eternal life is found only through belief in Jesus Christ (John 14:6; John 3:36; Acts 4:12). Jesus continues the analogy of food here, combining the ideas of spiritual hunger (Matthew 4:4) and spiritual thirst (John 4:13–14). Here, saving faith is seen as an analogy to food and drink: a person must take it inside of themselves—acceptance is a requirement for these blessings to have any effect!