The Life and Ministry of Jesus
On the following day, when the people who were standing on the other side of the sea saw that there was no other boat there, except that one which His disciples had entered, and that Jesus had not entered the boat with His disciples, but His disciples had gone away alone—however, other boats came from Tiberias, near the place where they ate bread after the Lord had given thanks—when the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, nor His disciples, they also got into boats and came to Capernaum, seeking Jesus. And when they found Him on the other side of the sea, they said to Him, “Rabbi, when did You come here?” Jesus answered them and said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you, because God the Father has set His seal on Him.” John 6:22–27
Jesus pointed out that there are two kinds of food: food for the body, which is necessary but not the most important; and food for the inner man, the spirit, which is essential.
What the people needed was not food but life, and life is a gift. Food only sustains life, but Jesus gives eternal life. 1
Personal Encouragement
Are you satisfied with your spiritual appetite? Have you been on a lean Bible diet? What will it take to hunger and thirst for righteousness? What will motivate the right reason?
Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, And let your soul delight itself in abundance. Isaiah 55:2
Do you seek Jesus because you love Him, or to get something from Him?
A Prayer
Lord, forgive me for taking advantage of Your goodness, and showing little appreciation.
1. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
