As people came to Jesus, they were looking for a sign. John 6: 30 They answered, “Show us a miraculous sign if you want us to believe in you. What can you do? [1] But Jesus had just multiplied five loaves and two fish to feed thousands of people. That was a huge sign.
If the people had investigated how Jesus had crossed the Sea of Galilee, they would have found more signs. Jesus had sent the disciples off in the boat without Him. Later, during a storm, Jesus walked on the water toward them. John simplifies the story, but Matthew tells us that Peter also walked on water for a moment. Then there was another miracle that we often miss. John 6: 21 Then they were eager to let him in the boat, and immediately they arrived at their destination! [2]
Jesus had already done many healing miracles. Then, in one day, He multiplied food, walked on water, and transported a boat to its destination. Why weren’t those enough signs for the people?
An Unexpected Jesus
The people quoted Scripture to let Jesus know what they wanted. Psalm 78: 24 He rained down manna for them to eat; he gave them bread from heaven. [3]The midrash, a Jewish commentary, taught that just as Moses acted as a redeemer and caused manna to fall from heaven, the latter Redeemer will do the same. So, if Jesus was truly that Redeemer, then He should duplicate that by sending daily manna. [4]
However, the context of the people’s quote is interesting. Psalm 78 records the people’s unbelief and rebellion during the Exodus. Psalm 78: 11 They forgot what he (God) had done—the great wonders he had shown them… 17 Yet they kept on sinning against him, rebelling against the Most High in the desert. [5] However, despite their unbelief and rebellion, God continued to care for them and to provide miraculously.
Jesus Refocused Their Attention
Jesus corrected their statement and added to it. John 6: 32 Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, Moses didn’t give you bread from heaven. My Father did. And now he offers you the true bread from heaven. 33 The true bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” [6] Instead of looking for a sign, they should look to the Father and see what He was doing.
God, not Moses, had given manna to their ancestors. That miracle was far in the past. They needed to look to see what God was doing now. He was in the process of giving them true bread from heaven in the person of Jesus Christ. Instead of looking for a sign, the people needed to seek Jesus.
This is still true for us today. We may focus only on what God can do for us instead of seeking a relationship with Him. We can describe this as looking for God’s hands rather than His face. Jesus wants us to seek Him so that He can give us living bread that leads to eternal life. To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/jesus-said-i-am-the-bread-of-life
[1-3.5.6] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.
[4] Barton, B. B. (1993). John (pp. 131–132). Tyndale House.