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Daily Quiet Time Bible Study

These daily online studies are adapted from our Quiet Time Bible Guide. The studies go through the Old and New Testaments in just over two years. The approach taken by our quiet time Bible studies does not include answers. The goal of the study is to help you dig into Scripture for yourself. You can go deeper using a commentary, Bible background guide or Bible handbook.

John 6: Jesus, the Bread of Life

For more context before you begin studying, read this introduction to the book of John.

Do you realize that during your lifetime you will probably spend over thirty-five thousand hours eating? That's the equivalent of eight years of nonstop meals, twelve hours a day! The problem, of course, is that even after a big meal we get hungry again. At best, food only satisfies us for a few hours.

Yet in this chapter, Jesus offers us food that satisfies our hunger forever. You can't buy it in a grocery store. It is found only in Jesus himself.

Warming Up to God

How do you usually respond to an "impossible" situation—a problem in your life that doesn't seem to have a solution?

Read John 6

Discovering the Word

  • Read John 6:1-15. How would you characterize Philip's and Andrew's response to the problem of feeding this enormous crowd (vv. 5-9)?
  • Imagine that you are one of the disciples, rowing the boat in dark, rough waters (vv. 16-21). How would your concept of Jesus have been altered by seeing him walk on water?
  • The next day the people were hungry again, so they came seeking Jesus (vv. 22-25). How does he try to redirect their thinking (vv. 26-33)?
  • Based on the remarks of some in the crowd (vv. 41-42), do you think they finally understood what Jesus was saying? Explain.
  • When Jesus said, "This bread is my flesh," the crowd could think only of cannibalism (v. 52). What do you think it means to eat Jesus' flesh and drink his blood (vv. 53-59)? Is this something we do once for all time, or is it an ongoing process? Explain.
  • In verses 60-71 Jesus turns away from the crowd and focuses on his disciples. How would you describe their responses to his "hard teaching"?

Applying the Word

  • Which response in question 6 best describes your present attitude toward Jesus? Explain.
  • Jesus has contrasted the two appetites found in every person—the appetite for food that perishes and the appetite for food that endures. In what ways has Jesus satisfied the spiritual hunger in your heart?

Responding in Prayer

Praise God for satisfying all your needs.

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