17. It was dark now, and Jesus had not yet come back to them. They got into a boat and started going across the lake to Capernaum.
18. The wind was blowing very hard. The waves on the lake were becoming bigger.
19. They rowed the boat about three or four miles. Then they saw Jesus. He was walking on the water, coming to the boat. They were afraid.
20. But he said to them, “Don’t be afraid. It’s me.”
21. When he said this, they were glad to take him into the boat. And then the boat reached the shore at the place they wanted to go.
22. The next day came. Some people had stayed on the other side of the lake. They knew that Jesus did not go with his followers in the boat. They knew that the followers had left in the boat alone. And they knew it was the only boat that was there.
23. But then some boats from Tiberias came and landed near the place where the people had eaten the day before. This was where they had eaten the bread after the Lord gave thanks.
24. The people saw that Jesus and his followers were not there now. So they got into the boats and went to Capernaum to find Jesus.
25. The people found Jesus on the other side of the lake. They asked him, “Teacher, when did you come here?”
26. He answered, “Why are you looking for me? Is it because you saw miraculous signs? The truth is, you are looking for me because you ate the bread and were satisfied.
27. But earthly food spoils and ruins. So don’t work to get that kind of food. But work to get the food that stays good and gives you eternal life. The Son of Man will give you that food. He is the only one qualified by God the Father to give it to you.”
28. The people asked Jesus, “What does God want us to do?”
29. Jesus answered, “The work God wants you to do is this: to believe in the one he sent.”
30. So the people asked, “What miraculous sign will you do for us? If we can see you do a miracle, then we will believe you. What will you do?
31. Our ancestors were given manna to eat in the desert. As the Scriptures say, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’”
32. Jesus said, “I can assure you that Moses was not the one who gave your people bread from heaven. But my Father gives you the true bread from heaven.
33. God’s bread is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”
34. The people said, “Sir, from now on give us bread like that.”
35. Then Jesus said, “I am the bread that gives life. No one who comes to me will ever be hungry. No one who believes in me will ever be thirsty.
36. I told you before that you have seen me, and still you don’t believe.