🔍 Devotional on John 6:21–30 Why Are You Seeking Jesus?

Devotional on John 6:21–30 🔍 Why Are You Seeking Jesus?

📖 Passage: John 6:21–30 (NIV)

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 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."
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 in the one he has sent."
30 So they asked him, "What sign then will you give that we may see it and believe you? What will you do?
  

🙏 1-Minute Prayer

Lord, search my heart today. Help me to come to You not for what You can give me, but for who You are. Reveal the true motivations behind my faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

🔁 Repeated Words or Phrases

• “Jesus” – verses 21, 22, 24, 25, 26
• “bread” / “loaves” – verses 23, 26
• “seek” / “look for” – verses 24, 26
• “sign” – verse 26, 30

🧭 Theme

Are we seeking Jesus for eternal life, or simply for temporary satisfaction?

🔎 Observing God

• Jesus reveals hearts and confronts hidden motives (v.26).
• He warns against chasing perishable things (v.27).
• He offers food that endures to eternal life (v.27).
• Jesus is the one sealed and approved by the Father (v.27).
• He clarifies that believing in Him is the true work of God (v.29).

🧍 Observing Humanity

• The crowd searches for Jesus based on surface-level clues (v.22–24).
• They ask shallow questions: “When did you get here?” (v.25).
• They seek Jesus not because of signs but because they were physically satisfied (v.26).
• They misunderstand spiritual work as human effort (v.28).
• They demand another sign—even after having seen the miracle of loaves (v.30).

✨ Interpreting God

Jesus is not content with superficial faith. He addresses the crowd’s real motive—not spiritual hunger, but material satisfaction. He invites them to lift their eyes from temporary bread to eternal life, and from earthly needs to heavenly truth. The One whom God has approved stands before them, yet they demand more signs. True faith is not transactional; it is relational—centered on believing in the One sent by the Father.

🪞 Interpreting Humanity

We often follow Jesus for what He can do for us rather than for who He is. Like the crowd, we may cloak our spiritual hunger in religious questions, yet our hearts crave comfort more than transformation. We want to do “God’s work” but on our own terms. This passage reveals our tendency to seek signs and satisfaction, while missing the Savior Himself.

🛠 Personal Application

Ask yourself honestly today: Why am I seeking Jesus? Is it for healing, answers, success—or simply to be with Him? Take time in prayer to surrender any mixed motives and renew your trust in Christ as the Bread of Life. Let your faith be about His presence, not just His provision.

💓 Spiritual Touch

“You are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill.” (v.26)
➤ Jesus knows *why* I seek Him—and He invites me to seek more than bread.

🙌 Prayer of Faith, Repentance, and Thanksgiving

Lord, I confess that at times I’ve sought You more for blessings than for You Yourself. Purify my heart, that I may hunger for what does not perish. I believe that You, the One sent by the Father, are enough for me. Thank You for the gift of eternal life. Amen.

🚶‍♂️ Walk with Jesus for 24 Hours

Today, whenever you pray or reflect, pause to ask: “Am I seeking Jesus for who He is?” Let your worship and obedience flow from love, not just need.