The Jews demanded a sign as a condition of believing on him, when he, himself, was the greatest of all signs (v. 36). They sought to enforce their demands by reference to Moses and the manna, but Jesus showed them that the manna was a type of "the true" bread of God. The characteristics of this bread are: (1) It comes down from heaven; (2) It giveth life unto the world. Jesus' hearers did not understand what he meant, and exclaimed:
"Evermore give us this bread." Jesus was trying to impress upon his hearers the same diligence in heavenly matters as in the pursuit of earthly meals.
III. The Everlasting Bread (vv. 35 37). Misunderstanding his teaching (v. 34) Jesus said unto them plainly: "I am the bread of life," meaning that he is the true bread of God. He is not only the giver of the bread of life, but he, himself, is the of Life.
As broad will satisfy the needs of the physical body, giving strength, vitality and energy, so he will supply the needs of the soul. He will satisfy the deep hunger and longing which is the evidence of need, and he will also satisfy the thirst which is the more intense desire—the spiritual craving of the soul. Jesus ministers to the never-failing strength of all who come to him, and who believe on him. Coming to him is seeking help and blessing from him. Believing on him is the absolute abandonment of self to him. This multitude had actually seen the living bread (v. 36), yet they believed not because they were  So occupied with the material and unreal things of this world. 