I should not lose anything of what he gave me

The words of Jesus carry pastoral undertones and refer to his function as the Good Shepherd (Jn 10:14). While “anything” is neuter singular, it is sometimes used in reference to persons. Here it refers to the disciples, those who believe in Jesus. But Jesus has “other sheep” which do not belong to this fold; these, too, he must lead (Jn 10:16). These words will reappear twice in the Gospel.

In his prayer to the Father at the Last

Supper, Jesus declares that he has guarded his own (disciples) so that none of them is lost. At the time of the passion, when their faith will be shaken, Jesus asks the Father to protect them with his name (Jn 17:11-12).

When the moment arrives, when he is arrested in the garden (of Gethsemane),

Jesus gives himself to those who have come to arrest him, on condition that they let his disciples go. The evangelist sees this as a fulfillment act: “This was to fulfill what he had said, ‘I have not lost any of those you gave me’ ” (Jn 18:9). Jesus knows that it is the divine will that he should give his life that men and women may have eternal life, and that they should be raised on the last day.

As the Good Shepherd, he offers his life for the sheep. In the context of the discourse on the “Bread of Life,” his life being offered becomes the “bread that is broken and shared” (cf Lk 24:30-31) so that those who partake of it may have eternal life.

Gospel • John 6:35-40

Jesus said to the crowds, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst. But I told you that although you have seen me, you do not believe.

Everything that the Father gives me will come to me, and I will not reject anyone who comes to me, because I came down from heaven not to do my own will but the will of the one who sent me.

And this is the will of the one who sent me, that I should not lose anything of what he gave me, but that I should raise it on the last day.

For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life, and I shall raise him on the last day.”