John 6:14

A second effect and consequent of this miracle, is, that hereby they are led to acknowledge him to be that great Prophet, whom the Jewes expected according to the prediction, Deut. 18. which was indeed true of him, however they did not take him up as became in his person, offices and benefits, beside that they went far wrong in the following purpose. Whence learn. 1. This knowledge of the Scriptures, and of the Messiah, which continued among these Jewes in these corrupt and declining times, may witnesse sadly against the ignorance of men in the daies of the Gospel, when yet light is far clearer. 2. Christs working should discover unto people somewhat concerning himselfe; And the use of his miracles is, to discover unto us what his offices are, and to confirme us in the faith thereof; for, These men, when they had seen the miracles that Jesus did, said, This is that Prophet. Though it be remarkable that this affects them more then many miracles as contributing to feed their belly, and being generally benificial to all, whereas healing of diseases was but only for the good of a few; And beside, they took occasion to dreame of an easie life under this Messiah. 3. Christ should be taken up and expected in the word of promise, that so his manifestations of himselfe may be more sweet when they come; for, this heightens their estimation of him, that he is the Prophet that should come into the world, who had been promised unto them, and whom they had so long expected. See Isa. 25.9. 4. Points of truth, especially concerning Christ, would not be superficially and slightly closed with, but men should be perswaded of the truth of them, that so they may boldly confesse and professe them, as they are called to it; for, say they, This is of a truth that Prophet. 5. Among other offices of the Messiah, he is also the Prophet of his people, and the great Teacher of the Church, from whom all other Teachers have their commission; who teacheth his people infallibly an effectually, and who was to exercise this office at his incarnation and coming into the world; for, so much doth their designation of him, according to Scripture prophecy, teach, This is that Prophet. For, that prediction of Moses, Deut 18.18. did ultimately and chiefly point at him, Act. 3.22.