John 6:41 - Coke's Commentary on the Holy Bible

The Jews then murmured, &c.— Thus Jesus placed the character of the Messiah in a light very different from that wherein his hearers had been accustomed to view it; and taught them, that instead of the temporal blessings which they expected from him, they were to receive none but spiritual benefits. Hence, as the dispositions of the greatest part of them were carnal, his doctrine offended them; especially his affirming that he was the bread of life, and that he came down from heaven. The Jews did not find fault with Jesus for insinuating thatthe Messiah should come down from heaven; that was a point universally believed; but they were displeased because he said, that he had come down from heaven: a thing which they could by no means believe, because they were acquainted with his father and mother. Dr. Wells argues from this passage, that Joseph was yet alive; but its plain meaning appears to be only, "we know who were his father and mother." It seems, however, very certain that Joseph was dead quickly after; for if he had been living, it is not to be supposed that Jesus, when dying on the cross, would have consigned his mother to the care of St. John.