The thread leading up to the miracle of Jesus feeding five thousand took place in the Old Testament. God provided manna from heaven for the Israelites on their journey to the Promised Land.
Jesus fed five thousand people with five loaves of bread and two fish. Afterwards Jesus said “For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”
The Israelites responded “Lord, give us this bread always.” Notice the Israelites were more interested in the bread than the promise of life.
Jesus replied “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.”
Then Jesus said you have seen Me and yet do not believe.
Jesus ends the dialogue with these words “And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.”
Jesus is speaking about an abundant and everlasting life but the Israelites want the promise of the bread.
The next day Jesus walked on water to get to the other side of the lake.
The Israelites and some of the followers found Jesus and asked Him “Rabbi when did you get here?”
Jesus avoided their question and said “Assuredly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled.”
The whole point of this conversation is believers are reminded to labor for the food which does not perish but leads to eternal life.
God has set His seal on Jesus and the bread of life is the gift of salvation.
This text deals with your motives in seeking Jesus. Is your priority the gift or the giver?
Jesus is the giver and promises the gift of salvation. The bread of life is the source of salvation and the life of Jesus.
Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.
Hal Hollister Ministry 