Galatians 1:6–9 warns that if anyone preaches “another gospel” than what was originally received, they are to be accursed. Likewise, Romans 1:16 declares that the gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes.
“Another gospel” is not only a false doctrine—it also includes the use of carnal baits to draw people to Christ. These baits may appear harmless—such as prosperity promises (prosperity gospel), free gifts, money, clothing, or even food and drugs—but they subtly replace the true power of the gospel. We are not called to entice and attract sinners with gimmicks or material incentives, but through the uncompromised gospel message of Christ crucified. Only the gospel itself has the power to save.
Jesus Never Used Bait to Draw Men
Jesus never used material provision or miracles as bait to gather followers. His aim was always the truth of the gospel, not numbers or popularity. Take, for example, the feeding of 5,000 men. This miracle was not a strategy to attract a crowd—it was an act of compassion. Jesus saw that the multitudes were in a desert place with no access to food, and He responded to their needs. The miracle was an afterthought of mercy, not a marketing tactic.
Yet, after being fed, the people tried to take Jesus by force and make Him a king—not the Messiah-King of righteousness and truth, but a king of provision, a provider of daily bread. Their desire was rooted in physical needs, not spiritual hunger. It was so extreme that they thought they had already secured Jesus when He sent His disciples away and withdrew to the mountain. But Jesus, discerning their intent, escaped at night and walked on water to avoid the snare of false allegiance.
Desperate Pursuit, Misplaced Hunger: The Drive of “Other Things” Besides the Gospel
After Jesus withdrew, the crowd was so desperate that they crossed over to the other side of the sea, actively seeking Him. From the outside, this looked like spiritual hunger—an eager pursuit of the truth. What we see here is the dangerous power of material provision and crowd-pleasing acts when they are mistaken for the gospel itself. Many preachers today, longing for a crowd, would have mistaken it as a revival moment, thinking, “These people are hungry for God!” But Jesus, through the Spirit, discerned their true motive: “You seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate the loaves and were filled” (John 6:26). Their pursuit was not for the miracle of transformation but for the benefit of bread. What appeared to be devotion was actually desperation for material provision.
The Dangers of the Bait Gospel
The bait gospel produces:
- Zealous but empty followers – full of enthusiasm but lacking true spiritual substance.
- Hypocrisy – blending into ministry platforms without genuine surrender to Christ.
- Men-pleasers – those who follow personalities, provision, or platforms, but not Jesus.
How Did Jesus Handle Such Followers?
Jesus did not cater to their carnal expectations. Instead:
- He exposed their motives publicly.
In the synagogue, Jesus told them plainly: “You seek Me, not because you saw the signs, but because you ate the loaves and were filled” (John 6:26). He revealed that their pursuit was not for eternal life but for temporal satisfaction. - He didn’t send them away—but He preached a hard gospel.
Instead of indulging them, Jesus raised the standard. He preached the hard truths of eating His flesh and drinking His blood—a message that sifted chaff from grain, consumers from disciples. Also he never gave that crowd physical bread again. - The outcome was sobering:
- Multitudes turned back.
- Many of His disciples walked with Him no more.
- Of the 12 disciples, only Peter spoke up, saying, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”
Even then, Jesus revealed that not all of the twelve were genuine—“Did I not choose you, the twelve, and one of you is a devil?” (John 6:70), referring to Judas.
- Multitudes turned back.
Conclusion
Jesus never measured success by crowds, popularity, or visible pursuit. He measured it by truth, obedience, and genuine spiritual hunger. Any follower who is drawn by bread will leave when the truth confronts their desires. But those who are drawn by the Word of eternal life will remain—even when the message is hard.
