“They were saying, ‘Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How can he now say, “I have come down from heaven”?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Do not complain among yourselves. No one can come to me unless drawn by the Father who sent me; and I will raise that person up on the last day. It is written in the prophets, “And they shall all be taught by God.” Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to me. Not that anyone has seen the Father except the one who is from God; he has seen the Father. Very truly, I tell you, whoever believes has eternal life. I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live for ever; and the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.’” (John 6:42-51)  The plot begins to thicken as we continue our study of John 6 and the cost of discipleship.  The religious officials have now appeared, joining the crowd of followers and the twelve.  There is now a strong pushback against Jesus and so how does he respond?  He doubles down on his claim.  Yes, he is the (adopted) son of Joseph but also the very bread of heaven!  He alone is what is necessary for our lives.  This message is received with a great complaint, which is something that religious folks in particular seem to enjoy doing.  There is always the temptation to reject grace for some other way, isn’t there?  One little detail in particular is important here.  This gang of complainers has been “drawn” to Jesus by his heavenly Father.  The Greek is actually more forceful than that and the implied message is that this group has been dragged to him.  That is the amazing nature of grace.  Left to ourselves, we do not seek what is necessary for the abundant life.  Left to ourselves we are content with the small, rather pinched lives which we are tempted to lead.  But there is the great God of the universe, pulling a complaining and recalcitrant group to Jesus and thus to life.  Where have you seen God’s prevenient grace yanking you towards the good life?  Whom do you know who could use a little gracious push in that same direction?  Our Lord is waiting, ready willing and able to give us life, to give us himself.