John is not one of the synoptic* Gospels. It is often purported that John's is not a chronological account like Luke's. But John often uses "The next day" or "Then", (John 1:29, 35, 43; 10:40; 12:12; 19:31;) and "After (this)" (John 2:12; 3:22; 4:43, 54; 6:1; 7:1, 9, 10; 11:11, 28; etc.; as if keeping a journal of Jesus' travels, signs, discourse, trial, and resurrection appearances within the Jewish feast calendar.
* "seen together" (similar content, structure, and wording; common view)
The Gospel of John is thematic. Over and over again, Jesus proclaims more of His identity. In John 6, Christ presents Himself as the Bread of Life. He can, because He is. He says, related to His Father, that "my food is to do the will of Him who sent me …" (John 4:34). The disciples wanted food like they experienced in the feeding of the 5,000.
Jesus answered, "Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval." Then they asked him, "What must we do to do the work God requires?" Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent." John 6:26-28
I think at this point, the disciples are revealing that they are the "cool kids". They get to hang out with the Messiah and witness miracles and be provided food that multiplies. They seem to want this more and more. Do they desire Him, or do they want the miracles and even the elevation of their reputation as the Chosen ones? There was so much promise in those early days in following this Rabbi. He then seeks to thin out the crowd. People are following Him to witness the miracles. His popularity is gaining. Jesus sought out a lonely place because they wanted to crown him as King.
Maybe you have followed pastors, authors, podcasters, sports figures, and felt "cool" related to your association. If there is more notoriety among the many followers, we feel affirmed that we are following the right people. They are part of our tribe. Ever hear the term, "getting on the bandwagon"? They were on, and they were loving it! As long as they were winning, they felt great.
Jesus offers another option that is not quite as easy. It is obedience. We tend to put that one off. We claim that we are not ready or equipped to take the risks. We need more training, to memorize more scripture, or get all our ducks in a row. "Then God can use me, and I can be obedient."
Obedience is often inconvenient; yet, we are most often equipped enough to obey. "For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:30.) We would rather do good works to receive favor or push buttons that we think will put us into a better light. Isaiah 64:6 mentions this "…all our righteous acts are like filthy rags;…" I remember singing in a group that primarily performed folk spirituals. I found a few believers in Christ there. Yet, I found it remarkable how difficult it was to talk about a relationship with Jesus Christ with many of them. They were "all over" doing good works, yet they seemed to not love the Savior.
We can study a chair and enjoy its upholstery or the fine woodworking. We may even be skilled enough to paint the chair in a "still life". However, its true value is a seat for someone resting in it. God does not ask us to study the chair, he asks us to sit in it. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast. Ephesians 2:8-9. Our faith becomes faith when we choose to entrust our weight in Christ, when we choose to sit in the chair, knowing it will hold us up. Obedience by belief is believing enough to do the next thing He asks you to do. It is simple, but radical. No buttons to push; just a relationship to lean on.
You've probably heard this: "Living in the way of Jesus with the heart of Jesus"
by John Colvin
