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Chapter 41—The Crisis in Galilee
This chapter is based on
John 6:22-71
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Christ knew that a turning point in His history was reached.
Multitudes who desired to exalt Him to the throne today would turn
from Him tomorrow. Disappointment of selfish ambition would turn
love to hatred, and praise to curses.
Yet He took no measures to avert the crisis. From the first He
had held out no hope of earthly rewards. Of those now connected
with Him, many had been attracted by hope of a worldly kingdom.
These must be undeceived.
Early next morning the people flocked to Bethsaida in great
numbers. Those who had left Jesus the preceding night returned,
expecting to find Him still there; for there had been no boat by which
He could pass to the other side. But their search was fruitless.
Meanwhile He had arrived at Gennesaret, after an absence of
but one day. Those who had come from Bethsaida learned from
His disciples how He had crossed the sea. The fury of the storm,
the many hours of adverse winds, Christ walking on water, His
reassuring words, the adventure of Peter, the sudden stilling of the
tempest and landing of the boat, all were faithfully recounted to the
wondering crowd. Not content with this, many hoped to receive
from Christ’s own lips a further account of the miracle.
Jesus did not gratify their curiosity. He sadly said, “Ye seek
Me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the
loaves, and were filled. Labor not for the meat which perisheth, but
for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life.” Seek not merely
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for material benefit, but for spiritual food.
For the moment the interest of the hearers was awakened. “What
shall we do, that we might work the works of God?” Their question
meant, What shall we do that we may deserve heaven? What price
are we required to pay in order to obtain the life to come?
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