What is the meaning of John 6:28?

Then they inquired

- The crowd responds immediately to Jesus’ call to “work not for food that perishes, but for food that endures to eternal life” (John 6:27).

- Similar scenes appear when people are convicted and look for direction—Acts 2:37; Luke 3:10; Luke 18:18.

- Their question shows spiritual interest, yet their mindset is still rooted in human effort rather than divine provision.

---

What must we do

- The words “must we” reveal an assumption that personal merit secures God’s favor (cf. Romans 10:3; Galatians 3:2–3).

- Scripture consistently corrects that assumption:

- “By works of the Law no flesh will be justified” (Romans 3:20).

- “It is by grace you have been saved, through faith … not by works” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

- Their focus on “doing” echoes the rich young ruler’s question, “What good thing must I do to obtain eternal life?” (Matthew 19:16).

---

to perform

- “Perform” highlights an external, task-oriented outlook, contrasting with God’s desire for inner transformation (Micah 6:8; Isaiah 64:6).

- Jesus repeatedly exposes empty performance (Matthew 6:1-6) and calls for authentic faith that bears fruit (John 15:5).

- The crowd’s hunger for another sign (John 6:30) shows they still equate religion with visible achievement.

---

the works of God?

- They imagine multiple “works,” yet Jesus will answer with one singular requirement: “The work of God is this: to believe in the One He has sent” (John 6:29).

- Belief in Christ is the God-ordained work that unlocks every other act of obedience (1 John 3:23; John 3:16, 36).

- Genuine faith unites the believer with Christ, allowing God to produce His works through us (Philippians 2:13; John 14:12).

---

summary

John 6:28 captures a well-intentioned but misguided question—“Tell us the checklist so we can earn eternal life.” Jesus redirects from self-reliant labor to Spirit-empowered belief. The verse prepares the way for John 6:29, where the Lord makes clear that the only “work” that pleases God is trusting His Son. Faith, not performance, is the doorway to every good work God desires.