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I. THE MEAT THAT PERISHETH.

1. What is meant by it?

(1) All outward things whatsoever. The covetous soul feeds on his money; the ambitious man, chamelion like, on airy applause; the sensual man, on base pleasures. All carnal men, serpent like, eat dust — perishable things.

(2) Knowledge, if it be only of perishable things, perisheth, for the world's frame and politics have an end.

(3) The truths of God are indeed the food of the soul, but unless the goodness of those truths be the food of the will and the affections, and unless we are moulded into the form of those truths they too are perishable.

2. The argument against labouring for this.

(1) We do not regard the lustre of things, but their continuance. All flesh is grass, and the most excellent things of Nature, wit, honour, and learn- ing, are as the flowers of the grass.

(2) In lusting after the world, the lust itself perisheth, and the immoderate seeking after it destroys us. He that is rich to-day may be poor to-morrow; he may be in credit now, with Haman, and be in discredit ere long; he may be in health now, and sick soon.

3. Consequently —

(1) We should take heed that we do not redeem any perishing thing with the loss of that which does not perish — our soul.

(2) We should not scruple to neglect any earthly thing to gain advantage to our souls.

(3) Learn here a point of heavenly wisdom: when we are tempted to too much delight in the creature we should present to our- selves the perishing nature of outward things.

II. LABOUR NOT FOR THE MEAT THAT PERISHETH.

1. Does Christ read a lecture of unthriftiness and negligence? No; He meant labour not for it —

(1) Inordinately;

(2) immoderately;

(3) unseasonably.

2. How shall we know when our labour is immoderate, etc.? When they hinder us from or in holy things; when they keep us from holy duties; when they fill us full of distractions.

3. Why does Christ begin with this discussion?

(1) Because when the soul is invested with anything that must first be removed, as thorns must be rooted before seed can be sown.

(2) But here is the prerogative of Christianity; heathens can teach the negative part, but only Christ the positive.

III. THE MEAT THAT ENDURETH, etc.

1. What it is? Our Saviour, as He is contained in the means of salvation, with all the blessed privileges, prerogatives, and graces that we have by and in Him.

2. But why is he so considered?

(1) Whatever sweetness, comfort, or strength there is in meat, it is for the comfort, etc., of the body; so whatsoever is comfortable and cherishing in Christ it is for our good. How doth the soul feed on the wonderful love of God in Christ incarnate and Christ Crucified, and on the privileges secured by Christ glorified?

(2) As in bodily life there is a stomach, a power to work out of the meat that which is for strength and nourishment, so in the soul there is faith to act in the same way with Christ.

(3). As our life is nourished and maintained with that which has died, so that which principally maintains the life of the soul is Christ crucified.

(4) As in meat, before it can nourish us there must be an assimilation, so Christ can never nourish us till we be united to Him.

(5) As we eat again day after day because there is a decay of strength, and as there are new concerns that require new strength, and consequently a need of a continual repairing of our strength by food, even so there is a perpetual need to feed upon Christ, because every day we have fresh work to do.

(6) As after eating there is strength and comfort gotten for the affairs of this life, so after the soul has digested Christ it is strengthened for holy duties.

3. Wherein lies the difference between this and other meat?

(1) As Christ is from heaven, so all His graces and comforts are to carry us to heaven. All other things are earthly.

(2) Earthly food cannot give, but only maintain life; but Christ is such food as gives life.

(3) The nourishment we have from outward food we turn to ourselves; but Christ turns us to Himself, and transforms us into His likeness.

(4) All other meats are consumed, and the appetite for them eventually perishes; but Christ is never consumed, and the relish for Him will grow eternally.

4. What is wanted is to get a stomach for this meat.

(1)  A good stomach is produced by sharp things; so faith should be quickened by the law.

(2)  Exercise getting a stomach by diligence in holy exercises.

(3)  To whet our appetite, consider the necessity of spiritual strength and comfort.

(4)  Let us converse with those that are spiritual.

(5)  Let us remember that the table Christ has spread may be removed.

5. To make a trial whether we have, as we should do, relished Christ. If so, then —

(1)  We have a baser esteem of all earthly things.

(2)  We are strengthened to duties and against temptations and corruptions.

(3)  The desire is satisfied.

(4)  Thankfulness is engendered.

IV. LABOUR FOR THIS MEAT.

1. Its necessity: we are to labour for food, the great need.

2. Its excellency; it endureth to everlasting life.

3. Its possibility: Christ is —

(1)  Willing;

(2)  powerful;

(3)  has authority to give it. "Him hath God the Father sealed." God has become man on purpose to give it you.

(R. Sibbes, D. D.)

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KJV: Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.

WEB: Jesus answered them, "Most certainly I tell you, you seek me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate of the loaves, and were filled.