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, not because of ocular impairment, but because of their hearts – hearts which Jesus judged. They saw something only the Creator could do – create something out of nothing. And instead of recognizing by that power God has “set His seal on Him” to grant everlasting life, they longed for perishable morsel.

Sadly, this continues today. Men read of a church in the Bible – ONE church of the redeemed (cf. Ephesians 1:22-23; 4:4). Not content with the salvation offered, they erect a different church – one that offers bread and fish. Which are you seeking?

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