John 6 – Jesus, having performed signs on the diseased (v. 2), attracted a great multitude. And as He sat elevated on a mount He saw that famished mass of souls coming toward Him – “in number about five thousand” (v. 10). The perceptive Savior was “moved with compassion for them,” not because of their physical hunger, but “because they were like sheep not having a shepherd. So He began to teach them many things” (Mark 6:34). And to make abundantly clear that He was the needed Shepherd – the only Shepherd – He performed yet another sign. He fed five thousand with five barley loaves and two small fish. It so impressed them that “Jesus perceived that they were about to come and take Him by force to make Him king,” (v. 15) so He departed.

The following day they went out seeking Him, and found Him across the sea at Capernaum. They asked Jesus, “Rabbi, when did You come here?” (v. 25). “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’” (v. 26-27).

They saw not the divine indication. Their eyes failed them, yet, not due to visual impairment, but because of the veil on their hearts (cf. 2 Corinthians 4:3-4). They saw Jesus do something only the Creator could do, and instead of recognizing by that power God had “set His seal on Him” to grant everlasting life, they longed for perishable morsel, when they could have had “the bread of life” (John 6:35, 48, 51, 63, 68).

Sadly, this continues today. People continue to seek Jesus in attempt to satisfy transient appetites. They long for bread and fish when Jesus wants to give them Himself, thus, eternal life! Which are you seeking?

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