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I. THE PROHIBITION. "Labour not," etc.

1. What is understood by meat.

(1) All temporal enjoyments as carnal pleasures, popular applause. Earthly riches.

(2) Called here meat because it was the meat the Jews then sought for (ver. 26); because all things of this world amount really to nothing else, and to persuade them, by this notion of earthly things, not to labour so much for them (Ecclesiastes 5:11).

2. Why called the meat which perisheth. Because —

(1)  We can enjoy it but awhile.

(2)  It perisheth while we use it (Matthew 15:17).

(3)  It serves but a perishing life (1 Corinthians 6:13).

3. In what sense must we not labour for this meat?

(1) Negatively. Not but that we ought to take a moderate care about earthly things; because —

(a)  It is commanded (Genesis 3:19);

(b)  Otherwise we should be worse than infidels (1 Timothy 5:8);

(c)  We have bodies to look after;

(d)  We should not presume upon providence;

(e)  We are to endeavour to help others (1 Corinthians 16:2).

(2) Positively.

(a)  We must not labour for much of the world (Jeremiah 45:5; Isaiah 5:8).

(b)  Not by unlawful means (Leviticus 19:13; 1 Thessalonians 4:6).

(c)  Not with carking care and mistrust of God's providence (Psalm 37:5, 6; Matthew 6:25).

(d)  Not for earthly things, only for themselves, but for the glory of God (Proverbs 3:9).

(e)  Not for them more than for the heavenly (Matthew 5:33).

(f)  Not so as to set our affections on them (Colossians 3:2).

4. Why are we not thus to labour for these things. Because —

(1)  They perish.

(2)  We may be deprived of them if we do (Proverbs 10:22), or God may curse them to us (Malachi 2:2).

(3)  God will give them without this sinful labouring (Matthew 6:33).

(4)  By so doing we lose better.

5. The use. Consider:

(1)  How uncertain they are (1 Timothy 6:17); in getting them (Matthew 6:27); keeping them (Proverbs 23:5); enjoying them (Psalm 78:30, 31; Psalm 106:15); in improving them; in continuing with them (Luke 12:20).

(2)  How unsatisfying: as to the senses (Ecclesiastes 1:8. 4:8); much more to the soul (Ecclesiastes 5:10).

(3)  How dangerous. They are apt to draw us into sin (1 Timothy 6:9), and off from duty (Proverbs 30:9); to divert our care for our souls (Luke 21:34); to keep us from heaven (Psalm 17:14), and to throw us into hell (Matthew 19:23-26).

II. THE COMMAND.

1. What is meant by meat? Christ Himself (ver, 35); His doctrine and religion (ver. 63), which He commands to be laboured after.

(1)  Because they were now seeking food.

(2)  To show the need of Him for spiritual life (vers. 53-55); to begin it (1 Timothy 5:6; 1 John 5:11, 12); to preserve it (John 15:4, 5); to make it comfortable.

(3)  To show the union between Christ and His disciples (John 17:21-23).

2. Why is it said to endure unto everlasting life?

(1)  Because it is never diminished though never so many partake of it (Matthew 11:28),

(2)  It nourishes our never-dying souls (Matthew 11:29).

(3)  It brings to everlasting life.

(4)  Christ will endure for ever (Hebrews 7:25).

(5)  It is by Him that we shall endure for ever (John 6:54-58).

3. Why must we labour for this? It is the only means of our going to heaven (Acts 4:12). For —

(1)  It is only through Christ that sins can be pardoned;

(2)  Our persons accepted (Galatians 2:16; 2 Corinthians 5:21);

(3)  Our lusts subdued (Acts 3:26);

(4)  Our natures sanctified (John 1:16);

(5)  Our souls saved (Acts 16:31).

4. How must we labour?

(1)  By believing in Him (Acts 16:31; John 3:16);

(2)  By conforming our lives to His laws (John 1:12; John 14:15; James 2:26; 1 John 3:3; Galatians 5:6; Romans 13:10).Conclusion: Wherefore labour for this meat, for —

1. Other things are impertinent; this necessary (Luke 10:42).

2. Others empty, this satisfying (ver. 35).

3. Others corporeal, this spiritual (ver. 63).

4. Others transcient, this everlasting (ver. 58).

5. Others uncertain, this most certain, for Christ will give it.

(Bp. Beveridge.)

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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.