The Hero

The Crisis in Galilee

This chapter is based on John 6:22-71.

Christ knew that a turning point in His history was reached. Multitudes who wanted to exalt Him to the throne today would turn from Him tomorrow. Disappointment of their selfish ambition would turn love to hatred and praise to curses. 3TC 244.1

Yet Jesus did not try to avoid the crisis. From the beginning He had held out no hope of earthly rewards. Many of those now connected with Him had been attracted by hope of a worldly kingdom. These must be undeceived. 3TC 244.2

Early the 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. 3TC 244.3

Meanwhile, He had arrived at the Sea of Galilee after an absence of only one day. Those who had come from Bethsaida learned from His disciples how He had crossed the lake. The disciples faithfully recounted everything to the astonished crowd: the fury of the storm, the many hours of adverse winds, Christ walking on water, His reassuring words, the adventure of Peter, the sudden quieting of the storm, and the landing of the boat. But many were not content with this and hoped to receive from Christ’s own lips a further account of the miracle. 3TC 245.1

Jesus did not gratify their curiosity. He sadly said, “You seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life.” Do not look just for material benefit, but for spiritual food. 3TC 245.2

For the moment, this awakened the interest of the hearers. “What shall we do, that we may 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?” 3TC 245.3

Jesus answered, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.” The price of heaven is Jesus. The way to heaven is through faith in the Lamb of God. 3TC 245.4