John 6:22-27

John 6:22-27

The next day the crowd that stayed on the other side of the sea saw that another boat was not there except the one and that Jesus did not enter into the boat with His disciples but His disciples went away alone.  But boats came out of Tiberias near the place where they ate bread after giving thanks to the Lord.  Therefore when the crowds saw that Jesus was not there and neither were His disciples, they got into boats and came to Capernaum while seeking Jesus.  And after finding Him on the other side of the sea they said to Him, “Rabbi when have you come here?”  Jesus answered them and said, “Amen, amen, I saw to you all, you all seek me not because you saw signs but because you all ate out of bread and you all were able to eat your fill.  Do not work for food that is destroyed but for food that remains into life eternal which the Son of Man will give to you all.  For God the Father sealed this one.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

The people initially waited for Jesus to come back.  They knew there was only one boat there and the disciples had left Him and set out.  So the people assumed Jesus was still on their side of the sea.  However, when He didn’t come back, they set out to find Him.  Again we see that people are pursuing Jesus.  Jesus orbits into our life, but He asks that we follow Him and seek after Him.  Jesus does not asked these people to come, they go and find that for which they are looking.

Are you pursuing Jesus?  When is it easy to pursue Him?  When is it more difficult?

Second Thought:

When the people find Jesus, they ask Him when He came to this side.  Notice that Jesus does not answer the question.  Instead, Jesus turns on the people.  He begins to accuse them that they simply sought Him out because they ate their fill and were looking for another handout.  It is as if Jesus is telling them that rather than turning to the God who can do the impossible they remain concerned about their stomachs.  They had an incredible invitation into relationship with God the prior day, but they were glossing over the deep spiritual dynamic to life that Jesus was capable of bringing.

Why do you follow Jesus?  Is Jesus just a miracle worker to you or even just a ticket out of Hell?  Is Jesus just the one who fixes it when things go bad?  What should Jesus be in your life?

Third Thought:

In Jesus’ assertion that they should work for food that lasts into eternal life we can hear an echo of Isaiah 55:2.  We can either chase physical satisfaction or we chase spiritual satisfaction.  Physical satisfaction comes through the things in this world.  Spiritual satisfaction comes through the Son, whom the Father has sealed for that purpose.

What are you pursuing, physical satisfaction or spiritual satisfaction?  What does it mean to you to think that Jesus was sealed by the Father for the purpose of bringing spiritual food that lasts into eternal life?

Passage for Tomorrow: John 6:28-33