WORK FOR FOOD THAT ENDURES TO ETERNAL LIFE

Passage: John 6:16-29

Key verse: 27

NIV

Jesus Walks on the Water(A)

16 When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, 17 where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. 18 A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough. 19 When they had rowed about three or four miles,[a] they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water;(B) and they were frightened. 20 But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.”(C) 21 Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.

22 The next day the crowd that had stayed on the opposite shore of the lake(D) 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.(E) 23 Then some boats from Tiberias(F) landed near the place where the people had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks.(G) 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.

Jesus the Bread of Life

25 When they found him on the other side of the lake, they asked him, “Rabbi,(H) when did you get here?”

26 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me,(I) not because you saw the signs(J) 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(K) to eternal life,(L) which the Son of Man(M) will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal(N) of approval.”

28 Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?”

29 Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe(O) in the one he has sent.”(P)

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Footnotes
  1. John 6:19 Or about 5 or 6 kilometers
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source: BibleGateway

ESV

Jesus Walks on Water

16 When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, 17 got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. 18 The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. 19 When they had rowed about three or four miles,[a] they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were frightened. 20 (A)But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” 21 Then they were glad to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.

I Am the Bread of Life

22 On the next day the crowd that remained on the other side of the sea saw that there had been only (B)one boat there, and that Jesus had not entered the boat with his disciples, but that his disciples had gone away alone. 23 Other boats from Tiberias came near the place where they had eaten the bread after the Lord (C)had given thanks. 24 (D)So when the crowd saw that Jesus was not there, nor his disciples, they themselves got into the boats and (E)went to Capernaum, seeking Jesus.

25 When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, (F)“Rabbi, when did you come here?” 26 Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, (G)you are seeking me, not because you saw (H)signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. 27 (I)Do not work for the food that perishes, but for (J)the food that endures to eternal life, which (K)the Son of Man will give to you. For on (L)him God the Father has (M)set his seal.” 28 Then they said to him, “What must we do, to be doing (N)the works of God?” 29 Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, (O)that you believe in him whom (P)he has sent.”

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Footnotes
  1. John 6:19 Greek twenty-five or thirty stadia; a stadion was about 607 feet or 185 meters
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Source: BibleGateway
1. It is I, don't be afraid (16-21) The disciples left for Capernaum by boat but Jesus did not join them yet. They rowed the boat to go and take a good rest after feeding 5, with much work. But the strong wind blew against them and the water grew rough. They were in great danger in the middle of the lake near midnight with no Jesus with them. The good shepherd Jesus came walking on the water not to scare but to care for them. But the disciples were frightened still not realizing Jesus' motherly caring love! Jesus comforted them saying, "It is I! Don't be afraid!" Then the boat reached quickly to their destination. Praise Jesus! 2. To believe in Jesus is the work of God (22-29) Now the crowd looked for Jesus desperately and hot pursed him until they found him. Their joy was great! But Jesus saw them not searching for him but for the benefit he provides. He said, "Do not work for the food that spoils but for the food that lasts for eternal life." When they asked what they must do to do the work of God, Jesus answered, "This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent."

Prayer: Lord, thank you for being there when I am in the most difficult situation. Help me seek you first and believe in you more than the benefit you give.

One Word: Seek him and believe in Jesus!