“Then they asked Him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?” – John 6:28
John 6:28 Meaning
In this verse from the Gospel of John, the crowd seeks to understand what kind of work God wants from them. This request comes after witnessing Jesus perform miracles, such as feeding the five thousand with just five loaves of bread and two fish. The crowd, intrigued and amazed, desires to be part of something greater. They want to know what they can do to earn favor or approval from God. This question reflects a common human sentiment: a longing to know how we can contribute to our faith and receive God’s blessings.
By asking this question, they reveal an important aspect of human nature—our desire to take action and be involved in our spiritual lives. Yet, it also highlights a misunderstanding of grace. They were looking for a way to earn their righteousness through works rather than understanding that it’s through faith and acceptance of Jesus’ message that we enter into a relationship with God. This encounter allows us to reflect on our own lives. How often do we, like the crowd, focus on what we can do rather than what has already been done for us through Christ?
John 6:28 Commentary and Explanation
This verse is a moment in a larger narrative unfolding in John 6, where the ministry of Jesus is on full display. The question posed by the crowd is profound and reveals their hearts. Their inquiry isn’t just about following laws or performing rituals but rather, it embodies a deep-rooted desire to understand God’s expectations and their role in fulfilling that divine purpose.
When they ask, “What must we do?”, it shows their commitment to action. They want to be proactive in earning their place in God’s kingdom. However, the beauty of Christianity lies in its message of grace. Jesus will soon explain in verse 29 that the work of God is to believe in Him whom He has sent. This turns the focus from human effort to divine grace. We will soon see that salvation cannot simply be achieved through actions; it is a relationship centered on faith in Christ.
Our lives today echo the sentiments of this crowd. In our hustle to please God, we often revert to asking how we can earn our place. Many feel they must check off boxes of ‘good deeds’ to avoid condemnation. In reality, Jesus challenges this notion and flips our understanding on its head. His response will ignite a new way of thinking about works: that it is our faith that drives our actions rather than our actions defining our faith.
The struggle between faith and works is a topic we navigate throughout Scripture. Ephesians 2:8-9 asserts, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.” This reinforces the idea that salvation is not a transaction based on our deeds but is a free gift given by God to those who believe. In this way, we are invited not to a checklist of works but to a relationship sustained by trust and faith in Jesus Christ.
Historical and Literary Context of John 6:28
The context surrounding John 6:28 is rich with historical significance. Jesus had just performed the miracle of the loaves and fish, which served as a backdrop for this conversation with the crowd. This event is crucial as it not only demonstrated Jesus’ power but also supplied a pivotal moment of teaching about spiritual sustenance. The crowd, still buzzing with the excitement of the miracle, genuinely wants to know how they can serve and align their lives with God’s will.
At this point in the Gospel, the Jewish audience was heavily influenced by the Mosaic Law. Many followed rituals, sacrifices, and laws strictly, believing these efforts would earn them favor with God. Jesus enters this cultural and religious landscape and offers a new covenant, bringing a shift from the law-driven faith to a grace-filled relationship with God. This transition emphasizes belief over mere compliance to religious rules.
The timing of this conversation is also significant. It comes after Jesus’ challenge to the prevailing religious authorities, showcasing the growing tension between His teachings and the traditional understanding of religion. Throughout the Gospel of John, we see a consistent theme of revealing truths about Jesus’ identity and how that shapes our relationship with God. As He breaks bread and provides for the crowd, He sets the stage for deeper truths about spiritual nourishment and eternal life.
Another aspect of this context is its literary structure. The Gospel of John is distinct in its thematic approach to showing who Jesus is. Each chapter builds upon a revelation of His identity as the Son of God. The question posed by the crowd motif serves as a springboard for Jesus to redefine their understanding of God’s work and establish He is the fulfillment of all they seek.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of John 6:28
To fully grasp the weight of this verse, we can break it down into key components:
1. The Inquiry: “What must we do?”
This question highlights a natural human instinct for engagement. We inherently seek ways to be involved and contribute. Yet, it also reflects a deeper need to understand our position before God. Are we seeking Him to serve or to be served?
2. The Intent: “To do the works God requires?”
This portion of the question signifies their desire to follow God’s will. They are looking to meet the standards they believe exist. However, Jesus will soon redefine what these ‘works’ truly are, rooted in belief.
3. The Work of God: A Shift in Focus
Ultimately, this leads us to the heart of the matter, which is belief in Jesus. This transforms the concept of ‘works’ from performance to faith. By following this path, we embrace a new standard, showing that belief pushes transformative actions in our lives.
Theological Significance of John 6:28
The theological depth of John 6:28 reflects a fundamental Christian principle: the relationship between faith and works. In this interaction, Jesus teaches that our standing before God is not determined by our deeds but through our faith in Him. This points to the doctrine of justification by faith, crucial to understanding salvation.
As believers, understanding this principle is vital because it frees us from the bondage of performance-based acceptance. It assures us that we do not need to earn God’s love or approval. Rather, we can rest in the confidence that through faith, we are already accepted. Romans 5:1 feels relevant here: “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Having faith in Jesus allows us to come into a relationship with God, one based on love, grace, and acceptance.
Furthermore, the response to their question marks a shift in thought. It leads us to examine what true works are in the realm of faith. The concept of works in Christianity is rooted in our response to grace. Genuine faith produces authentic works. James 2:26 says, “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead.” This means that our actions should naturally flow from our faith, reinforcing that we are saved for good works, not by them. In essence, it confirms that our faith propels us into a life that mirrors Christ’s character.
This interaction also leads us to consider our motivations. What drives us to act? The true work of God calls for a heart response, leading us to seek holiness and righteousness but driven by our love and faith in Christ rather than fear or obligation. This acknowledgment helps to mature our faith journey. It invites us daily to engage in a life reflective of Jesus’ love.
John 6:28 Cross-References and Related Verses
Matthew 16:24
“Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” – Matthew 16:24
This verse underscores the act of surrender as a central aspect of discipleship. Surrendering to Christ requires self-denial, an intentional choice to put aside our own desires, ambitions, and plans.
Taking up the cross symbolizes embracing the challenges and sacrifices that may come with following Jesus. This verse highlights that surrender is not passive but involves actively choosing to follow Christ, even when it requires personal sacrifice.
Romans 3:28
“For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.” – Romans 3:28
This verse explicitly articulates the doctrine of justification by faith, emphasizing that our standing before God is not through adherence to the law but through our faith in Christ. It resonates well with John 6:28, reminding us that the work we are called to is rooted in belief.
Ephesians 2:10
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” – Ephesians 2:10
This verse connects beautifully with the teachings found in John 6:28 and reinforces that while we are not saved by works, we are created anew in Christ to partake in good works. God prepares us for our good works, which flow from our faith, demonstrating the transformative power of our belief in Him.
Practical Application of John 6:28
Finding practical ways to live out the teachings of John 6:28 can shape our everyday lives and how we relate to God and others. Here are some applications:
1. Cultivate Genuine Faith
Focus on developing a personal relationship with Jesus. Spend time in prayer and scripture, reflecting on who Jesus is and what your faith truly means. Ask yourself if you are living out your life based on your works or your faith in God’s grace.
2. Service from a Place of Faith
Engage in acts of kindness and service that stem from your faith. Understand that the good works we do should arise from our relationship with God rather than as a means to earn something. Reflect on ways you can serve in your community or church as an expression of your faith.
3. Find Freedom in Grace
Remember that you are not defined by how well you perform for God. Acknowledge His grace in your life. When we grasp that we are accepted by God because of Jesus, it frees us from living under the pressure of being perfect.
4. Reflect on Your Motivations
Consider what motivates your actions. Are they driven by a checklist mentality, or do they come from a heart transformed by Christ? Seek opportunities to share this transformative message with others.
5. Encourage Others in Faith
Find ways to encourage those around you to deepen their faith. Share the message of grace with someone who might be striving to earn God’s love through works. Introduce them to the beauty of grace that invites us to live a life of faith and good works as a natural outpouring.
Reflection and Devotional Thought on John 6:28
As we meditate on John 6:28, let us consider the beauty and complexity of faith and works. What does it mean to truly believe in Jesus? How does that belief influence our actions? Each day serves as an opportunity to deepen our faith and explore ways to reflect Christ’s love through our actions, not to earn our way into the kingdom, but as a response to the love already bestowed upon us.
In our quiet moments, let’s ask God to help us to be more aligned in our feelings, thoughts, and actions. How can we step forward boldly, believing that our faith drives how we interact with our family, friends, and community? God is faithful to guide and provide clarity. Remembering that He desires our hearts over our tasks opens up a world of grace and possibilities.
Final Thoughts
John 6:28 provides a profound insight into our relationship with God and reminds us of the importance of faith. We are invited into a loving relationship where our response is not to perform but to believe, to serve, to love in action, all flowing from a heart set free by grace.
As we conclude, let us reflect on how our faith shapes our lives every day. By grounding ourselves in Christ, we discover the ultimate purpose of our existence—aligning our desires with God’s and living out His works through us. To explore more on related topics, you might find these links interesting: Psalms 116:1-7, Luke 12:27, or Judges 11.