Verses 36–46
The discovery of their guilt, danger, and remedy, by the teaching of the Holy Spirit, makes men
willing and glad to come, and to give up every thing which hinders applying to him for salvation.
The Father's will is, that not one of those who were given to the Son, should be rejected or lost by
him. No one will come, till Divine grace has subdued, and in part changed his heart; therefore no
one who comes will ever be cast out. The gospel finds none willing to be saved in the humbling,
holy manner, made known therein; but God draws with his word and the Holy Ghost; and man's
duty is to hear and learn; that is to say, to receive the grace offered, and consent to the promise.
None had seen the Father but his beloved Son; and the Jews must expect to be taught by his inward
power upon their minds, and by his word, and the ministers whom he sent among them.
Verses 47–51
The advantage of the manna was small, it only referred to this life; but the living Bread is so
excellent, that the man who feedeth on it shall never die. This bread is Christ's human nature, which
he took to present to the Father, as a sacrifice for the sins of the world; to purchase all things
pertaining to life and godliness, for sinners of every nation, who repent and believe in him.
Verses 52–59
The flesh and blood of the Son of man, denote the Redeemer in the nature of man; Christ and
him crucified, and the redemption wrought out by him, with all the precious benefits of redemption;
pardon of sin, acceptance with God, the way to the throne of grace, the promises of the covenant,
and eternal life. These are called the flesh and blood of Christ, because they are purchased by the
breaking his body, and the shedding of his blood. Also, because they are meat and drink to our
souls. Eating this flesh and drinking this blood mean believing in Christ. We partake of Christ and
his benefits by faith. The soul that rightly knows its state and wants, finds whatever can calm the
conscience, and promote true holiness, in the redeemer, God manifest in the flesh. Meditating upon
the cross of Christ gives life to our repentance, love, and gratitude. We live by him, as our bodies
live by our food. We live by him, as the members by the head, the branches by the root: because
he lives we shall live also.
Verses 60–65
The human nature of Christ had not before been in heaven, but being God and man, that
wondrous Person was truly said to have come down from heaven. The Messiah's kingdom was not
of this world; and they were to understand by faith, what he had said of a spiritual living upon him,
and his fulness. As without the soul of man the flesh is of no value, so without the quickening Spirit
of God all forms of religion are dead and worthless. He who made this provision for our souls,
alone can teach us these things, and draw us unto Christ, that we may live by faith in him. Let us
apply to Christ, thankful that it is declared that every one who is willing to come unto him shall be
made welcome.