In this verse, Jesus addresses the crowds who had followed Him after witnessing the miraculous feeding of the five thousand. He encourages them to shift their focus from earthly pursuits to the pursuit of eternal life, emphasizing the importance of spiritual nourishment over physical sustenance.
- The Impermanence of Earthly Pursuits:
"Do not work for the food which perishes..." Jesus starts by highlighting the temporary nature of earthly endeavors. He challenges the crowd to reconsider their priorities and not to place excessive value on material possessions or temporary pleasures. He cautions against being consumed by the pursuit of physical needs and desires that ultimately fade away.
- The Value of Eternal Life:
"...but for the food which remains to eternal life..." Jesus redirects their attention to the pursuit of spiritual nourishment and eternal rewards. He urges them to prioritize the things that have lasting significance and eternal value. He speaks of a "food" that leads to eternal life, highlighting the spiritual sustenance that He alone can provide.
- Jesus as the Source of Eternal Life:
"...which the Son of Man will give to you. For God the Father has sealed him." Here, Jesus establishes Himself as the source of eternal life. He proclaims that He, as the Son of Man, has the authority and ability to grant this precious gift. He emphasizes that His authority comes from God the Father, who has sealed Him, indicating divine approval and confirmation of His role as the Savior and giver of eternal life.
The message of John 6:27 is a call to prioritize our pursuit of eternal life over the temporary concerns of this world. It challenges us to reevaluate our values and invest our time, energy, and resources in things that have lasting significance. It reminds us that true fulfillment and purpose are found in a relationship with Jesus Christ and the eternal life He offers.
By seeking the "food" that leads to eternal life, we embark on a spiritual journey where we are transformed, renewed, and filled with the presence of God. It involves nourishing our souls through prayer, reading the Scriptures, worship, fellowship with other believers, and living out the teachings of Jesus in our daily lives.
As we prioritize the pursuit of eternal life, we are invited to surrender our lives to Jesus, placing our faith and trust in Him as our Savior and Lord. We are called to walk in obedience to His teachings, allowing His Holy Spirit to guide and empower us. This transformative journey enables us to experience abundant life in the present and the assurance of eternal life in His presence.
In conclusion, John 6:27 teaches us to shift our focus from temporary, earthly pursuits to the pursuit of eternal life. It encourages us to seek spiritual nourishment and prioritize the things that have lasting significance. Jesus, as the source of eternal life, invites us to come to Him, to believe in Him, and to find fulfillment in a relationship with Him. May this verse inspire us to reorient our priorities, investing in the things that truly matter, and placing our hope in the eternal promises of God.
See also: vs 30-33
John 6:27. Don’t work for the food which perishes, but for the food which remains to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you.