Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died.
Verse 49. Your fathers did eat manna. There was a real miracle wrought in their behalf; there was a perpetual interposition of God which showed that they were his chosen people. And are dead. The bread which they ate could not save them from death. Though God interfered in their behalf, yet they died. We may learn, 1st.
Christ let them question Him freely, no small condescension. The wise teacher listens swiftly and turns even foolish questions toward what profits. These Galileans asking "What shall we do?" show a teachable mind, unlike the Judean critics who came only to cavil. He answers the sincere request, not the impertinent quibble.
AI summary
Commenting on John 6:28-59
I am the living bread which came down from heaven,.... This is the same with what is said in Joh 6:33, which is true of Christ, as he has life in him; and is the author and giver of life to others; and is of an heavenly original, and came from heaven to give life to men: and such is the virtue of this living...