What does John 6:25 mean?

After Jesus fed more than five thousand people with a miracle (John 6:9–14), He sent the disciples across the Sea of Galilee, away from the crowd (Matthew 14:22). This, and His retreat into the hills, was meant to cool off the sudden surge of enthusiasm from the crowd. The throngs of people saw Jesus command the disciples and they saw Him enter the hills. However, they didn't see Jesus walking on water overnight, or His miraculous transport of the boat to Capernaum (John 6:16–21).

In a literal sense, the crowd is asking Jesus "when" He arrived in Capernaum. However, the real intent behind their question is "why" Jesus left. As later verses will show, this mob is focused on spectacle, free food, and political concerns. From that perspective, there is no good reason for Jesus to avoid publicity. They assume He would want to be adored and lavished by His followers. Jesus' response (John 6:26) will prove just how wrong their attitudes are. The people are seeking, but not after truth. They are only looking for selfish reasons.