2/25/11 John 6:22-27 Bread Christians

22 The next day the crowd that had stayed on the opposite shore of the lake realized that only one boat had been there, and that Jesus had not entered it with his disciples, but that they had gone away alone. 23 Then some boats from Tiberias landed near the place where the people had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. 24 Once the crowd realized that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into the boats and went to Capernaum in search of Jesus.
25 When they found him on the other side of the lake, they asked him, “Rabbi, when did you get here?”
26 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. 27 Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.”

(John 6 Lambert Lombard)

Thoughts: Some criticized those who went to church because the church offered them food as "rice Christians."  Jesus criticized these people as "bread Christians" who only sought him out for what He could do for them physically.  In the not too distant past it would be similar to the person who came to church to get business connections.  Today some play to this desire portraying a "Health and wealth gospel"   in an effort to attract people to Christ.  Jesus knew the dangers of this and steered clear of it.  He encouraged the people to not work for the food that will spoil.  People do not live by bread alone, but some are focused only on this kind of bread.

Prayer: Help me, Lord to have a heart for the treasure above than the trinkets here.




John Calvin Commentary Abridged:  They sought in Christ something other than Christ Himself.  They sought Christ for the sake of their bellies and not for the miracles.  He who does not aspire to the kingdom of God, but rests satisfied with the conveniences of the presetn life, seeks nothing else than to filll their belly.  So in our day there are many who would gladly embrace the Gospel if it were free from the bitterness of the cross, and if it brought them nothing but fleshly pleasure in this world.  The object of our desire ought to be directed toward eternal life.