What does "work the works of God" mean in John 6:28? Setting the Scene • The day after Jesus fed the five-thousand, the crowd tracks Him to Capernaum (John 6:24). • They want more bread; Jesus directs them to a greater hunger—the eternal life He alone gives (John 6:26-27). The People’s Question John 6:28: “Then they inquired, ‘What must we do to work the works of God?’” • In their mindset, “works” = religious deeds that earn favor—keeping law, ritual purity, almsgiving. • They assume eternal life is a wage for performance (cf. Romans 4:4). Jesus’ Clarifying Answer John 6:29: “Jesus replied, ‘The work of God is this: to believe in the One He has sent.’” • Singular “work,” not plural—God requires one decisive act. • That act is faith in the sent Son, not self-generated achievements. What “Work the Works of God” Really Means 1. Receive, don’t achieve – Ephesians 2:8-9: salvation “is the gift of God, not by works.” – Faith rests in Christ’s finished work (John 19:30). 2. Surrender trust, not add tasks – “Believe” (Gk. pisteuō) = rely, cast confidence on. – Isaiah 64:6 exposes human righteousness as “filthy rags.” 3. Let God’s power produce obedience afterward – Once we believe, good works flow as evidence (Ephesians 2:10; James 2:17). – The order never reverses: faith first, works follow. Key Takeaways • God’s “work” is singular: believe in Jesus. • Any other effort apart from faith cannot please Him (Hebrews 11:6). • Faith itself is enabled by God (John 6:44; Philippians 1:29). • Genuine belief inevitably bears fruit, but fruit is consequence, not currency. Living It Out • Stop tallying religious duties as merit; trust Christ’s perfect obedience credited to you (2 Corinthians 5:21). • Cultivate ongoing faith—continually “coming” to Jesus (John 6:35). • Serve and obey from gratitude, knowing the foundation is already laid in Him (1 Corinthians 3:11). |
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