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I. THE OFFICE OR WORK TO WHICH HIS FATHER SEALED HIM. In general to the whole work of mediation (1 Peter 3:18). God sealed Him —

1. A commission to preach the glad tidings of salvation to sinners (Luke 4:17-21).

2. To the priesthood. He called Him —

(1)  To offer Himself up a sacrifice for us (chap. John 10:18; Philippians 2:8).

(2)  To intercede for us (Hebrews 7:21-25).

(3)  To the regal office (Matthew 28:18).

II. THE IMPORT OF THE SEALING.

1. The validity and efficacy of His mediatorial acts. In this lies much of the believer's comfort and security.

2. The great obligation lying on Jesus to be faithful to the work He was sealed to. Christ felt this obligation (John 9:4; John 5:30).

3. His complete qualification to serve the Father's design in our recovery, in the point of —

(1)  Faithfulness (Hebrews 3:2);

(2)  Zeal (John 2:16, 17; John 4:32);

(3)  Love (Hebrews 3:5, 6);

(4)  Wisdom (Isaiah 52:13);

(5)  Self-denial (John 8:50).

4. Christ's sole authority in the Church to appoint and enjoin what He pleaseth.

III. THE MANNER OF THE SEALING.

1. By solemn designation (Isaiah 42:1; 1 Peter 2:4; John 10:36).

2. By supereminent and unparalleled sanctification. He was anointed as well as appointed (Isaiah 61:1, 3; Luke 4:1; Psalm 45:7; John 3:34; Colossians 1:19), the type of which was the Holy oil by which kings and priests were consecrated.

3. By the Father's immediate testimony from heaven (Matthew 3.; 17:5).

4. In all those miraculous works wrought by Him (Acts 10:38; John 5:36; Matthew 11:3, 5).

IV. THE NECESSITY OF THE SEALING.

1. Else He had not corresponded with the types which prefigured Him, and in Him it was necessary that they should be all accomplished. Kings and High Priests had their inaugurations by solemn unctions (Hebrews 5:4, 5).

2. Hereby the hearts of believers are more engaged to love the Father. Had not the Father sealed Him, He had not come. So men are bound to ascribe equal honour and glory to both (John 5:23).

3. Else we had no ground for our faith in Him (John 5:31).

V. THE IMPROVEMENT OF THIS.

1. Hence we infer the unreasonableness of infidelity (John 1:2; John 5:43; Isaiah 53:1).

2. How great is the sin of those who reject such as are sealed by Jesus Christ (John 17:18; John 20:21; Luke 10:16)!

3. How great an evil it is to intrude into the office of the ministry without a due call! It is more than Christ Himself would do.

4. Admire the grace and love both of the Father and the Son.

5. Hath God sealed Christ for you? Then draw the comfort of His sealing for you, and be restless till ye be sealed by Him.

(1) Remember that God stands engaged by His own seal to confirm whatever Christ hath done in the business of our salvation. On this ground you may plead with God.

(2) Get your interest in Christ sealed to you by the Spirit (Ephesians 1:13), the effects of which are great care to avoid sin (Ephesians 4:30); great love to God (John 14:22); readiness to suffer for Christ (Romans 5:3, 5); confidence in addresses to God (1 John 5:13, 14); great humility (Genesis 17:1, 3).

(J. Flavel.)

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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.