John 6:24-37

The passage of scripture below is a record of the events that occurred after Jesus fed the hungry multitudes with five barley loaves and two small fishes. After performing this miracle, he left them because they intended to force him to be their king. It speaks of people who seek a god that will:

• Satisfy their lusts. 

• Honor their works. 

• Not require faith.

24 Then the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither his disciples, they also took shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus.

25 And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither?

26 Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.

These people made quite an effort to find Jesus, but they only wanted him to fill their stomachs rather than to cleanse their hearts.

27 Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.

Jesus points them to the need of their hearts rather than the need of their stomachs.

28 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?

29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

Jesus points them away from works and to faith.

30 They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work?

31 Our fathers did eat manna in the desert; as it is written, He gave them bread from heaven to eat.

Isn’t it odd that these people who had just seen a great work done by Jesus were asking him to perform a work so that they could believe? So it is with many today; God has revealed himself clearly, and yet, rather than simply believing, many demand more proof.

32 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven.

33 For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.

34 Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread.

35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

36 But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not.

That which these people could see with their eyes they would not believe with their hearts.

37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

In verse 37 Jesus changes his narrative to focus on those who seek him to be the Saviour of their sins. “In no wise” means “In no way; never.” This is a great comfort to those who have received God’s Son as their Saviour.