BREAD SEEKER OR THE LORD SEEKER

Thursday July 17, 2025

BIBLE READING: John 6:22-29

22 The day following, when the people which stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was none other boat there, save that one where into his disciples were entered, and that Jesus went not with his disciples into the boat, but that his disciples were gone away alone;

23 (Howbeit there came other boats from Tiberias nigh unto the place where they did eat bread, after that the Lord had given thanks:)

24 When the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither his disciples, they also took shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus.

25 And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither?

26 Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.

27 Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.

28 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?

29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

KEY VERSE: “Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.” (John 6:26)

Massage: The Heart’s True Pursuit: Bread Seeker or The Lord Seeker?

In life, our choices are constantly shaped by our priorities and motives. What we truly seek dictates the direction of our efforts, the focus of our energy, and ultimately, the trajectory of our lives. Today’s meditation delves into a crucial question that exposes the deepest inclinations of our hearts: Are we primarily “bread seekers” or “Lord seekers”?

Our key verse from John 6:26 cuts straight to the chase, revealing Jesus’ profound insight into human nature. He confronts the crowd that painstakingly sought Him out after the miraculous feeding of the five thousand, stating plainly: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.” This is a powerful, almost unsettling, diagnostic statement. It uncovers a fundamental human tendency to pursue the benefits, the provisions, the “bread,” rather than the Giver Himself.

The Futility of Chasing Shadows

The meditation rightly observes, “It will be an exercise in futility when one only strives to get hold of the shadow, forsaking the substance.” This metaphor beautifully captures the essence of our topic.

The Shadow: Represents the temporal, the transient, the physical provisions, the blessings themselves. It’s the “bread that perishes” (John 6:27).

The Substance: Represents the eternal, the enduring, the Giver of all blessings, the Lord Himself. It’s the “meat which endureth unto everlasting life” (John 6:27).

When we focus solely on the shadow, we engage in a perpetual chase after something that can never truly satisfy. Just as you cannot grasp a shadow, you cannot find lasting fulfillment in mere physical provisions or fleeting pleasures. They are temporary and will eventually decay or disappear. True fulfillment, a life that genuinely accomplishes God’s purpose on earth, hinges on getting our priorities and motives right.

Our Lord Jesus Christ clearly showed us what our priority should be in Matthew 6:33: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” This isn’t a suggestion; it’s a foundational principle for living. It sets the divine order: prioritize the Kingdom, prioritize His righteousness (which is His way of doing things and being right), and everything else – the “all these things,” the material provisions, the necessities of life – will flow as a natural consequence. The “bread” will be added, not as the primary pursuit, but as a byproduct of seeking the Substance.

The Pursuit of the Crowd: A Case Study in Misguided Motives (John 6:22-26)

Our Bible text in John 6 provides a vivid illustration of this principle in action. The context is vital: the day before, Jesus had miraculously fed over five thousand people with just five barley loaves and two small fish. This was an astonishing display of divine power and compassion.

The next day, the crowd that had been fed realized Jesus was no longer on their side of the sea. They had seen His disciples leave in a boat, but not Jesus. Driven by a compelling desire, they took boats and came to Capernaum, “seeking for Jesus” (John 6:24). On the surface, this looks like fervent devotion. They had gone to great lengths to find Him.

When they finally caught up with Him, their initial question was, “Rabbi, when camest thou hither?” (John 6:25). It seemed like a simple inquiry about logistics. But Jesus, who sees beyond words and actions into the deepest intents of the heart, did not engage in small talk. He immediately cut to the core of their motivation.

His response is piercing: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.” (John 6:26).

This is a critical moment of divine discernment.

“Not because ye saw the miracles”: This is significant. They did see a miracle of provision, but Jesus implies they didn’t see the spiritual significance of the miracle. They missed the sign pointing to Him as the Bread of Life, the Son of God. They saw the power to provide food, but not the person who is the source of eternal life.

“But because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled”: Their pursuit was pragmatic, driven by their stomachs. They wanted more free food, more physical satisfaction. Their motivation was purely material and temporal. They were seeking the “bread,” not the “Lord.”

It is no surprise that many people throng the churches today for temporal and mundane things and not to seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness. This observation is as true now as it was in Jesus’ day. People come to church seeking:

Financial prosperity: They want “breakthroughs” and material blessings.

Healing: They desire physical wellness.

Solutions to problems: They want their marital issues fixed, their children to behave, their jobs secured.

Social connections: A sense of belonging or community.

Emotional comfort: A feel-good experience.

While God is indeed the source of all these good things, and He delights in blessing His children, if these are our primary motives for seeking Him, then we risk becoming “bread seekers” who miss the “Substance.” Our worship becomes transactional; our faith, utilitarian.

Unveiling Your Motives: A Deep Reflection

The devotional challenges us directly: “Why do you go to church? Why do you read the Bible or even pray? Why do you do those things that you do?”

These are not trivial questions. They are vital for spiritual health and genuine relationship with God. Our actions may look pious, but God searches the intents of the heart and rewards every man accordingly (Proverbs 16:2; Jeremiah 17:10).

Let’s break down some common actions and examine their potential motives:

1. Why Do You Go to Church?

Bread Seeker: To get a blessing, to network for business, to be seen as religious, to find a spouse, to fulfill a social obligation, to receive a “prophetic word” about money or a job.

Lord Seeker: To worship God in spirit and truth, to learn from His Word, to fellowship with other believers for mutual edification, to serve and use your gifts for the Kingdom, to draw closer to the presence of God.

2. Why Do You Read the Bible?

Bread Seeker: To find quick solutions to problems, to prove a point in an argument, to gain intellectual knowledge without applying it, to look spiritual to others, to find a “lucky verse” for the day.

Lord Seeker: To know God more intimately, to understand His will, to be transformed by the renewing of your mind, to find guidance for daily living, to hear His voice, to grow in righteousness.

3. Why Do You Pray?

Bread Seeker: Primarily for personal gain (money, healing, material possessions), to manipulate God into doing your will, as a last resort when all else fails, to impress others with the length or eloquence of your prayers.

Lord Seeker: To commune with your Heavenly Father, to express worship and adoration, to intercede for others, to confess sin and seek forgiveness, to surrender your will to His, to draw strength and wisdom from Him.

4. Why Do You Engage in Ministry/Service?

Bread Seeker: For recognition, for a title, for power, to control others, to gain influence, for personal profit, or because it makes you feel good about yourself.

Lord Seeker: Out of love for God and people, to fulfill your divine calling, to use your gifts to build His Kingdom, to bring glory to His name, to serve others sacrificially.

The Lord is not against you having bread, receiving healing, or experiencing prosperity. In fact, He delights in blessing His children! However, these blessings should be an overflow of our relationship with Him, not the reason for our relationship with Him. When we elevate the blessing above the Giver, we fall into idolatry of the blessing itself.

Labouring for the Meat Which Endures (John 6:27-29)

Jesus didn’t just expose their flawed motives; He offered them a higher calling, a more enduring pursuit: “Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.” (John 6:27).

This is a direct command to redirect our efforts and our focus.

“Labour not for the meat which perisheth”: Don’t exhaust your energy, time, and resources on temporary gains, fleeting pleasures, or material accumulation that will ultimately rot or fade away. This isn’t a condemnation of hard work, but a warning against misplaced priorities.

“But for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life”: This is the Substance. It refers to spiritual nourishment, eternal life, and the sustenance that comes from a deep, abiding relationship with Jesus Christ. This “meat” is given by the Son of Man, Jesus Himself, because He has been “sealed” by God the Father—meaning authenticated, authorized, and empowered as the one who gives true life.

The crowd’s response is typical of human religiosity: “Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?” (John 6:28). They immediately jumped to “works,” to something they could do to earn this eternal sustenance. This reflects humanity’s deep-seated inclination towards earning salvation or favor through effort.

Jesus’ answer cuts through all human striving and religious performance: “This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.” (John 6:29). This is the pivotal truth. The “work of God” is not about human effort to gain favor, but about faith – believing in Jesus Christ, the one God has sent. This faith is not merely intellectual assent; it’s a profound trust, a reliance, a surrender to Him as the source of all life and truth. When we believe in Him, we receive the “meat which endures unto everlasting life.”

This means that being a “Lord Seeker” is ultimately about believing in Jesus and developing a relationship with Him. All other blessings, all the “bread,” flows from this core relationship.

Characteristics of a Genuine Lord Seeker

So, how do we cultivate a heart that genuinely seeks the Lord and His Kingdom above all else?

1. Prioritize Intimacy over Benefits: A Lord seeker values the presence of God more than the presents of God. They crave closeness with Him, even if it means sacrificing worldly comforts or reputation. They understand that a relationship with the Giver is far more valuable than any gift.
2. Delight in God’s Word: They read the Bible not just for answers to problems, but to know God’s character, His heart, and His will. The Word becomes a source of life and truth, not just a manual for self-help.
3. Pray to Converse, Not Just to Convene: Prayer for a Lord seeker is a two-way conversation, a means of communion, adoration, and surrender, not just a list of demands.
4. Embrace Sacrifice for Kingdom Advance: Unlike the hypocrites who make sacrifices for show, a Lord seeker makes genuine sacrifices of time, resources, and self for the advancement of God’s Kingdom, knowing that true reward is in heaven, not on earth.
5. Serve with Pure Motives: They serve out of love and obedience, not for recognition or personal gain. Their service is a quiet act of worship.
6. Seek Righteousness: They pursue holiness and conformity to God’s character, understanding that being right with God and living rightly are integral to seeking His Kingdom.
7. Find Satisfaction in God Alone: Their ultimate joy and contentment come from God Himself, not from what He gives or does. They recognize that “being filled” with temporary bread is never as satisfying as being filled with the presence of the Lord.

The Consequences of Misplaced Priorities

History, both biblical and modern, is replete with examples of what happens when we prioritize bread over the Lord.

Spiritual Emptiness: Despite outward religiosity or material abundance, a bread seeker experiences a deep spiritual void. No amount of worldly success can fill a God-shaped hole.

Disillusionment: When the “bread” runs out, or when expected blessings don’t materialize, the bread seeker often becomes disillusioned, bitter, and abandons faith. Their “faith” was contingent on what they could get, not on who God is.

Loss of Purpose: A life centered on temporary things lacks eternal purpose. It becomes a rat race, chasing fleeting satisfaction.

Missed Opportunities for Deep Relationship: Focusing on the gifts distracts us from the Giver, preventing us from experiencing the profound intimacy and transforming power available in a genuine relationship with Christ.

Cultivating a Lord-Seeking Heart in a Bread-Seeking World

In a world obsessed with material gain, instant gratification, and visible success, it takes intentional effort to cultivate a “Lord-seeking” heart.

Daily Surrender: Begin each day by consciously surrendering your agenda, your desires, and your expectations to God. Ask Him to help you seek His Kingdom and His righteousness above all else.

Examine Your Prayers: Are your prayers predominantly requests for material things, or do they also include adoration, thanksgiving, confession, and intercession for others and the Kingdom?

Meditate on God’s Character: Spend time meditating on who God is – His holiness, His love, His sovereignty, His faithfulness. The more you know Him, the more you will desire Him above His blessings.

Practice Contentment: Learn to be content in whatever circumstances you find yourself (Philippians 4:11-13). This doesn’t mean passively accepting lack, but finding satisfaction in God’s presence regardless of your material state.

Invest in Eternal Things: Direct your time, energy, and resources towards things with eternal value: discipling others, spreading the gospel, building up the church, serving the poor, investing in your spiritual growth.

Recognize the Giver in Every Gift: When blessings come, consciously thank God not just for the blessing, but for Himself, the generous Giver. Let every provision point you back to Him.

Regular Self-Examination: Periodically ask yourself the questions from the devotional: Why do I go to church? Why do I read the Bible? Why do I pray? Be honest with God.

Final Reflection: Are You a Genuine Seeker of God?

The meditation concludes with a piercing question: “Are you a genuine seeker of God?” This is the ultimate challenge posed by John 6:26. It’s not about how often you attend church or how many Bible verses you can quote. It’s about the deep-seated desire of your heart.

• When the “bread” is scarce, do you still pursue Him?
• When trials come, do you cling to Him, or do you only cry out for a quick fix?
• Do you seek His face more than His hand?
• Do you long for His presence more than His provisions?

The answer to these questions reveals whether you are truly a Lord seeker. May we all strive to be like Mary, who chose the “good portion” of sitting at Jesus’ feet and listening to Him, rather than being distracted by the many tasks (Luke 10:38-42). Let us pursue Him with a pure heart, knowing that in seeking the Lord, all other things that truly matter will find their rightful place in our lives.

PRAYER:

Dear heavenly Father, I come before You today, acknowledging that my heart, like that of humanity, often gravitates towards the temporal. Forgive me for the times I have sought Your hand more than Your face, for pursuing the “bread” more than the “Substance.” Please help me to set my priorities and motives right, aligning them with Your divine will. Redirect my heart to genuinely seek Your Kingdom and Your righteousness above all else. Teach me to hunger and thirst for You, O God, and for the meat which endures to everlasting life. May my life be a testimony of a true Lord seeker, so that I may live a fulfilled life and accomplish Your glorious purpose for me on earth, in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.

CONTACT:

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BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Psalm 22-24; Acts 20:1-16