He knows the crowd is seeking Him because they want their bellies filled with more bread. They worked to track Him down so that they could get some more of it.
This does not mean stop working and quit your jobs. There are so many references in the Bible honoring work.
Eph. 4:28 – “Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need.”
2 Thess. 3:10-12 – “If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.”
Do your work and bring home the bread. The ordinary way of eating is to work. Not beg off of others. The Bible everywhere assumes that and teaches that.
So what does he mean? It doesn’t mean quit your job. Do your work and bring home the pay check. And when you do feed yourself and your family.
So what changes for people who eat Jesus and feast on Him as the Bread of Life?
A new chapter, Eternity, is added to your work life.
Retirement is not the last chapter of your life. Eternity is.
This bread, Jesus, becomes your supreme treasure. All other values go down as He goes up. That is a huge change.
In conversion your eyes are opened, you see Jesus for who He is, crucified son of God, bread from heaven, righteousness, etc…. Then you eat, you don’t work for him. He comes into your life and he becomes your life and brings infinite happiness!
You stay in your job. 1 Cor. 7:24 – “in whatever condition each was called, there let him remain with God.”
Everything about the goal of that job changes. Your primary purpose is no longer money, but working for the glory of Christ. When times look good Christ gets the glory. When times are tough, you work for His glory. Your heart is set on making much of Him in your work. He is dominant in your heart and mind. Every aspect of your vocation becomes a way of magnifying Him.
You are driven in your work for the glory of Christ.
Col 3:23 – “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”
Everything done in the name of Jesus and for the glory of Jesus; whether caring for the home, or running a corporation, will be rewarded by God.
You will no longer be driven by money, power, passion for retirement, because every day Jesus will be with you and your treasure. He is the feast the truly satisfies your soul.
He is so much better than a few years of aged retirement.
This fact changes everything!
So He’s not saying stop working to care for your family, but what He is saying is that believing in Him will be your treasure. Believe in Him and make him your treasure today!
No amount of working = eating.
