What is the meaning of John 6:27? Do not work for food that perishes “Do not work for food that perishes” (John 6:27a) • Jesus has just fed the five thousand (John 6:1-13). The crowd is chasing Him for another meal, but He redirects their ambition from the temporary to the eternal. • Scripture consistently warns against locating ultimate security in what fades: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth” (Matthew 6:19-21); “The world is passing away along with its desires” (1 John 2:17). • This is not a call to laziness—Paul tells believers to work with their hands (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12)—but a call to refuse slavery to material goals. When daily bread becomes the chief pursuit, hearts drift from the Bread of Life. • Practical check-up: if the bulk of time, thought, and emotion revolves around what moths can eat and rust can corrode, priorities need realignment. But for food that endures to eternal life “…but for food that endures to eternal life” (John 6:27b) • The contrast is sharp: labor for nourishment that never spoils. Jesus used similar imagery with the Samaritan woman: “Whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst” (John 4:13-14). • Eternal food is the life of God Himself, received now and enjoyed forever. Isaiah’s invitation still rings: “Why spend money on that which is not bread, and your labor on that which does not satisfy?” (Isaiah 55:2). • Seeking this food shows up in choices: – Setting aside moments to feast on Scripture (Psalm 19:10). – Gathering with believers (Hebrews 10:24-25). – Investing resources in Kingdom work (Matthew 6:33). • Unlike perishable bread, this sustenance deepens with use; every act of obedience enlarges spiritual appetite and capacity. Which the Son of Man will give you “…which the Son of Man will give you” (John 6:27c) • The nourishment is not earned wages but a gift from “the Son of Man,” Jesus’ favorite self-designation (Luke 19:10). • Salvation is “by grace… through faith… not by works” (Ephesians 2:8-9). Even the desire to seek eternal food originates in Him. • He gives: – Forgiveness that erases guilt (Acts 13:38-39). – His own life, indwelling by the Spirit (John 14:16-17). – Ongoing provision: “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish” (John 10:28-29). • Our response is to receive, trust, and keep coming back for more, just as Israel gathered fresh manna daily (Exodus 16:15-18). For on Him God the Father has placed His seal of approval “For on Him God the Father has placed His seal of approval” (John 6:27d) • A seal in the ancient world guaranteed authenticity. The Father publicly certified Jesus at His baptism: “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased” (Mark 1:11). • Jesus appeals to this divine endorsement often: “The Father who sent Me has Himself testified about Me” (John 5:37). • Because the Father’s seal rests on the Son: – His promises cannot fail (2 Corinthians 1:20). – His sacrifice fully satisfies divine justice (Romans 3:25-26). – His words carry final authority: “The One whom God has sent speaks the words of God” (John 3:34). • Trusting Christ, therefore, is trusting the Father who commissioned Him. The same Spirit who sealed the Son now seals every believer (Ephesians 1:13-14), guaranteeing our portion of the eternal food. summary John 6:27 redirects our labor. Earthly bread is necessary, yet it perishes; eternal bread—life in Christ—never spoils. This life is a free gift from Jesus, the Father-approved Son, and therefore utterly reliable. By shifting effort from the merely temporary to the eternally substantial, believers find nourishment that satisfies today and forever. |
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