The Apostle John tells us about the miracle of Jesus feeding 5,000 men, plus women and children. Then he just walked across a portion of the Sea of Galilee.

The disciples were amazed and impressed. So were the people who witnessed this miracle. Some of the people found out where Jesus was going. They decided to follow him.

They were looking for something. They wanted something from him. He fed them once, maybe he would feed them again. They wanted more bread.

“When they found him on the other side of the lake, they asked him, ‘Rabbi, when did you get here?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you the truth, you are looking for me, not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill.’” — John 6:25-26

Jesus was very purposeful and intentional about the things he did. The miracles were never really the point. The miracles were pointing to something bigger, something so much better.

The feeding of the 5,000 wasn’t about the food at all. In fact, Jesus said, “You shouldn’t be so concerned about perishable things like food. No, spend your energy seeking the eternal life that I, the Messiah, can give you. For God the father has sent me for this very purpose.” (John 6:27)

Jesus’ focus was not on the immediate. His focus is on the ultimate. He wanted the people to get it. They replied, “What should we do to satisfy God?” Jesus gave them this answer: “This is the will of God, that you believe in the one he has sent.” (John 6:29)

It is just that simple. It is just that profound. Jesus is speaking of himself. The will of God, the thing God wants you to do is to simply believe in the one God sent. Jesus simply invites them and us. He says, “Trust me. I want you to follow me.”

The people were looking for bread. Jesus talked to them about something far more significant. He said, “The true bread is a person — the one sent by God from heaven, and he gives life to the world.” (John 6:33)

He was talking about something that was lasting. The bread was just a sign that was pointing to something bigger, something better, something greater.

Then he told them “I am the bread of life. No one coming to me will ever be hungry again. Those believing in me will never thirst.” (John 6:35) We’ll talk more about that next time.

Steve Greene is the lead pastor of The Point in Seymour. Read his blog at pastorgreene.wordpress.com or email him at [email protected]. Send comments to [email protected].