John 6: The Bread Beyond Miracles

“Jesus answered them, ‘This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.’”
(John 6:29, ESV)

In John 6, Jesus performs two miraculous signs: He feeds the multitudes with five barley loaves and two fish, and then He walks on water. The crowd, amazed by these signs, follows Him—but Jesus challenges their motives. He tells them they’re not seeking Him because they saw and understood the signs, but because they ate and were filled.

Jesus doesn’t rebuke their hunger—but He redirects it. He urges them not to labor for bread that perishes but to pursue the true bread from heaven. The miracles were never the destination—they were signposts. Each one pointed to the deeper reality: Jesus Himself is the Bread of Life.

Though the crowd misunderstood Him—especially when He spoke of eating His flesh and drinking His blood—Jesus didn’t stop performing miracles. He didn’t dilute His message or withdraw His power, even when people came for the gifts and not the Giver. His signs were always meant to lead hearts to faith in Him, not just fascination with wonders.

The crowd saw through natural eyes and couldn’t perceive the spiritual truth: the bread they truly needed was Christ Himself—the eternal, living Bread that gives life to the world.

Reflection

Don’t settle for earthly provision when the Bread of Heaven is being offered. Let every blessing, every breakthrough, and every answered prayer point you to deeper faith in Jesus. This is the work God desires: not striving, not performing—but believing in the One He has sent.