They Got into the Boats and Went After Jesus

Scripture: John 6:24 (ESV) – “So when the crowd saw that Jesus was not there, nor his disciples, they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum, seeking Jesus.”

This verse presents an image of pursuit. The crowd, realizing Jesus is no longer where they last saw Him, gets into boats and goes after Him. At first glance, this seems commendable—they are seeking Jesus. But as the verses that follow will reveal, their motive is misaligned: they are not seeking Him as Lord, but as provider of more bread.

Martin Bucer highlights this dangerous confusion: “Quaerunt Iesum, sed ventrem sequuntur, non veritatem”—“They seek Jesus, but follow their stomachs, not the truth.” Their zeal is genuine, but not godly. They are driven not by a hunger for righteousness, but by a hunger for more benefits.

This moment confronts us with a vital question: Why do we seek Jesus? Outward pursuit can look spiritual—traveling, searching, gathering—but if the inward motive is comfort, gain, or personal agenda, we are not yet disciples. Jesus is not a tool to secure what we love most; He is the treasure Himself.

Still, Christ meets this misguided pursuit not with anger, but with correction. He will soon speak hard truths to test their hearts. For now, the boats set out—not toward empty religion, but toward a reckoning with the real Jesus.

Reflection Questions:

1. What does this verse suggest about the nature of spiritual pursuit—and its potential for both sincerity and error?
2. In what ways are you tempted to seek Jesus for what He can give, rather than for who He is?
3. How can you grow in seeking Christ with a heart that longs for truth more than comfort?

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, I want to seek You truly—not for what You give, but for who You are. Guard me from shallow pursuit or selfish motives. Cleanse my heart, and make me hungry not for more bread, but for the Bread of Life. Amen.

This devotional is based on John 6:24, with interpretive insight from Martin Bucer’s pastoral warnings about worldly zeal masking spiritual poverty.