Of course they had not seen him walking the waves in the darkness. Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles. The Savior reveals to them the true motives which induced them to seek him. They may not have been aware themselves of the fact that they were led by selfish purposes, a desire of temporal benefits. Thus do all who seek in religion secular advantages and follow Christ for the sake of secular preferments.
People are more clamorous for earthly bread, than anxious concerning food for their souls.
Labor not for the meat that perisheth. The Savior does not prohibit laboring for food, but making the acquisition of food and worldly things the leading object of life. Our Lord bids us work for the food of eternal life. This food he declares that the Son of Man will give. Him hath the Father sealed.