Scripture: John 6:2 (ESV) – “And a large crowd was following him, because they saw the signs that he was doing on the sick.”
Here John introduces a large crowd—curious, perhaps desperate—drawn not by Christ’s words, but by the signs. They followed Jesus not in faith, but because of what they saw Him do. It is a sobering reminder that many follow Jesus for His power, not His person.
Martin Bucer notes in his exposition on this verse that miracles are given to confirm the truth, not to replace it. He warns that those who follow Christ only because of signs are in danger of missing the true sign: the gospel itself. Bucer writes, “Videntes quidem sequuntur, sed non credunt. Signa quaerunt, sed non Christum”—“They follow as seers, but not as believers. They seek signs, but not Christ.”
The crowd saw what He did, but they did not understand what the signs pointed to. The miracles were meant to confirm that Jesus had come from the Father, full of grace and truth. But when the eyes fix on the miracle rather than the Master, hearts remain unchanged.
This verse prompts a searching question: Why are we following Jesus? Is it for what He gives, what He fixes, what He heals—or is it for who He is? True faith clings to Christ whether or not the signs are visible, because it trusts His Word even more than His wonders.
Reflection Questions:
- What attracted the crowds to Jesus in this moment—and how does that contrast with saving faith?
- Are you tempted to follow Christ for what He can do, rather than for who He is?
- How can you train your heart to value Christ’s presence more than His benefits?
Prayer:
Lord, You are more than a miracle-worker—you are the Son of God, worthy of worship. Forgive me when I seek You only for what You can do. Shape my heart to follow You because You are true, good, and glorious. Let my faith rest not on signs, but on Your Word. Amen.
This devotional is based on John 6:2, with theological and pastoral insight from Martin Bucer’s Latin exposition on John.
Covenant Presbyterian Church 