Scripture: John 6:22 (ESV) – “On the next day the crowd that remained on the other side of the sea saw that there had been only one boat there, and that Jesus had not entered the boat with his disciples, but that his disciples had gone away alone.”
The next day brings confusion and curiosity. The crowd that had been miraculously fed is still searching—not out of faith, but from desire for more signs, more food, more power. They know the disciples left in the only boat. They know Jesus wasn’t in it. And yet, He is no longer there.
This moment reveals a deep truth: Christ will not stay where He is misunderstood and misused. The crowds want a provider, a political savior, a miracle-worker. But Jesus has withdrawn—not because He is unwilling to save, but because He will not be redefined by worldly desires.
Martin Bucer notes that this confusion is rooted in carnal expectation. “Quaerunt Iesum, sed non spiritualiter; notant navem, sed non credunt virtutem”—“They seek Jesus, but not spiritually; they observe the boat, but they do not believe the power.” They measure by sight and logic, unaware that divine presence moves beyond what human eyes can track.
This verse challenges us to ask: are we seeking Christ because of who He is, or because of what we want from Him? When He moves in ways we don’t understand—when He’s no longer where we thought He’d be—will we trust His wisdom or demand our version of Him?
Reflection Questions:
- Why is it significant that the crowd notices Jesus wasn’t in the boat, but can’t explain His absence?
- Are there ways you’ve been seeking Christ more for benefits than for relationship?
- How do you respond when Christ leads in a way that surprises or confuses you?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, when You move beyond my expectations, help me not to doubt but to trust. Give me a heart that seeks You for who You are, not just what You give. Teach me to follow You, even when I don’t fully understand the way You’ve gone. Amen.
This devotional is based on John 6:22, with pastoral insight drawn from Martin Bucer’s exposition on the contrast between worldly pursuit and true spiritual seeking.
Covenant Presbyterian Church 