Those who had enjoyed the miracle feeding and experienced a supernatural encounter return to the place where the encounter had taken place. Much to their surprise Jesus was no longer there. Oftentimes we too can find ourselves going back to where we encountered Jesus, expecting Him to still be in the same place ready for us to experience Him again. Yet, Christ will often move on to a new place; many times in a manner we would not expect. In this case, the Guy walked on water. Pretty sure nobody saw that coming.
We discover in this story that like many of us the people were expecting to find Jesus in the way they remembered Him and encounter Him as they had before. When something works for us the first time we cannot imagine it would change. But, perhaps God is wanting to stretch us beyond our box or ideology and cause us to see what is the real point. So, what is the real point you ask?
The point is to know Jesus in a real way and not just experience Him for what He can do.
I must give props to the people in our story for we find they went looking for Jesus. Many simply give up and turn away when they don't find Jesus as they remember or expect. Yet, notice what Jesus says when they find Him.
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.” Then they said to Him, “What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?” Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.” (John 6:25-29 NKJV)
Jesus drives home a valuable lesson. The point in seeking or pursuing Him is never to be about what He has done or can do. The point is to pursue Him for Him - to have relationship.
We labor for or pursue the benefits or blessings of God which perish or fade. What is real life is laboring for and pursuing that which is eternal - a relationship with Jesus Christ. While the people were rightfully excited for partaking in the miracle meal; it is almost as if they were ready to plant 5 & 2 Assembly to commemorate what had taken place.
Jesus goes on in John 6 to declare Himself to be the Bread of Life. Life that is eternal is found in consuming Him and in turn being consumed by Him. As much as anyone I thoroughly enjoy the experiences of and in God's presence. However, no blessing or experience is the destination. It is all part of the journey in pursuit of Christ.
