How Can We Follow Jesus With the Right Motive?

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The sixth chapter of John’s Gospel provides a penetrating look into the motives of those who sought Jesus during His ministry—and more importantly, how their motives contrasted with the true demands of discipleship. While many were initially drawn to Jesus by miracles and material provision, few were prepared to follow Him on His terms. In John 6:9–11, 25–27, 54, and 66–69, we see a clear contrast between superficial interest and genuine faith. These verses compel us to examine our own hearts: Why do we follow Jesus? Do we seek Him for temporal gain, or because we recognize that He alone offers eternal life?

Feeding the Five Thousand — John 6:9–11

“There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?” Jesus said, ‘Have the people sit down.’… Then Jesus took the loaves, and when He had given thanks, He distributed them to those who were seated. So also the fish, as much as they wanted.” (John 6:9–11)

This miraculous feeding of the five thousand revealed Jesus’ compassion and power. It also served as a sign—a testimony that He was the promised Messiah (cf. Deuteronomy 18:15; John 6:14). Yet many in the crowd failed to understand the purpose behind the miracle. They focused on the physical bread rather than the spiritual lesson it pointed to. This event sets the stage for the rest of the chapter, where Jesus challenges His audience to seek more than food that perishes.

Misguided Pursuit — John 6:25–27

“When they found Him on the other side of the sea, they said to Him, ‘Rabbi, when did You come here?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking Me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves. Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you.’” (John 6:25–27)

Here, Jesus exposes the heart of the issue: They were following Him for material gain, not spiritual truth. They wanted more free bread, not the Bread of Life. Jesus does not commend them for their zeal; He rebukes them for their motives. He redirects their attention to the true sustenance that He alone can give—eternal life.

This is a pivotal lesson: Following Jesus with the wrong motive is not commendable but condemned. Temporal blessings are not the goal of discipleship. The true disciple seeks Christ Himself, not what He can provide in material terms.

Eating His Flesh and Drinking His Blood — John 6:54

“Whoever feeds on My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.” (John 6:54)

This statement caused great confusion and offense, as it demanded more than intellectual assent—it called for total identification with Christ. To “eat His flesh” and “drink His blood” symbolized full participation in His death, life, and teachings. This language pointed forward to the cross, where His body would be broken and His blood poured out for redemption.

Jesus was calling the crowd not merely to receive physical provision but to enter into a covenantal relationship with Him, marked by faith, obedience, and enduring commitment. Many who had followed Him for bread were not willing to follow Him to suffering and sacrifice.

Many Turned Back — John 6:66

“After this many of His disciples turned back and no longer walked with Him.” (John 6:66)

This verse marks one of the saddest moments in the Gospel. The crowd that once sought Jesus eagerly now rejects Him. When the call to discipleship exposed their motives and required a deeper faith, they walked away. Their commitment was superficial; their faith was transactional.

Jesus did not chase them or soften His message. Instead, He allowed them to leave, showing that true discipleship must be voluntary, sincere, and grounded in truth. Emotional excitement, curiosity, or material benefit cannot sustain genuine faith.

Peter’s Confession of True Motive — John 6:67–69

“So Jesus said to the twelve, ‘Do you want to go away as well?’ Simon Peter answered Him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that You are the Holy One of God.’” (John 6:67–69)

Peter’s response contrasts sharply with those who walked away. He does not follow Jesus for bread or miracles but because Jesus alone offers eternal life. This confession reflects the heart of true discipleship:

Acknowledging Christ as the only source of salvation,
Believing His words to be divine truth,
Recognizing His unique identity as the “Holy One of God.”

Peter’s motive is not driven by what he can get from Jesus in earthly terms, but by who Jesus is and what He gives eternally. This is the right motive—a faith that clings to Christ, even when His words are hard and the road is narrow (cf. Matthew 7:14).

Conclusion

John 6 confronts every reader with a sobering question: Why do I follow Jesus? Am I pursuing Him for comfort, reputation, prosperity, or emotional satisfaction? Or am I following Him because I know He alone has the words of eternal life? Jesus glorified His Father by speaking only truth and demanding sincere commitment from those who would follow Him.

To follow Jesus with the right motive is to seek not what He can give temporally, but what He offers eternally: life through union with Him, truth that sanctifies, and hope that endures. It means embracing Him as the Bread of Life, even when others turn away. It is to say, with Peter, “Lord, to whom shall we go?”

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About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).