Jesus ignores their question and goes right to the importance of the matter. They had seen the multiplication of the loaves and the healings He had done, but they had not recognized their nature as signs to spiritual matters. Lange says, “Instead of seeing in the bread the sign, they had seen in the sign only the bread.” The word “filled” literally means “to eat grass.” These men were “satisfied with food as animals with fodder.” (Westcott) Faith which is based on a miracle is certainly not the best kind of faith, but it is better than no faith at all. These people, however, did not even possess that kind of faith. They were completely carnally minded. “They were moved not by full hearts, but by full bellies.” (Morris p.358)

Matthew Henry says:
“Not because he taught them, but because he fed them; not for love, but for ‘loaves’. Thus do all who seek in religion secular advantages and follow Christ for the sake of secular preferments.”

People have not changed — they are the same today. If 2 men came to your town and one offered free money and material goods and the other offered wisdom and peace for their hearts, which do you think would draw the larger crowd? (example adapted from Maclaren) People are still materially minded today.

How do you think people today “seek in religion secular advantages” or “follow Christ for the sake of secular preferments?” Is there any reason for us to check our own motives in following Him? Why, exactly, are you a Christian? We first come to Him for selfish motives (salvation, healing, provision, peace) but our motivation for following Him should mature past this to pure love for Him. Are you following Christ for what you can get out of Him or are you following Him just because you love Him?