As we continue to read from the Gospel of John through the month of August, we also continue to move through its sixth chapter. We will stay in John 6 all month long. This Sunday, the reading is John 6:35, 41-51.

The reading retains the last verse from last Sunday, verse 35, in which Jesus says, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”

Beginning in verse 41, the arguments begin. It is important, throughout John’s Gospel, to understand that John is referring only to religious authorities when he uses the phrase “the Jews”. He does not mean all Jewish people (Jesus himself was a Jew, as were his first disciples). As you read, then, read the arguments as opposition from those in power, who are threatened by Jesus and his movement.

How do the authorities try to discredit Jesus, thinking they know all about him, in verses 41-42? How does Jesus respond? Who, according to Jesus, gets to know who he truly is, and how do they know?

Reflect on your own faith. Did you “figure Jesus out”? Or is the ground of your faith more mysterious to you than that?