“What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?”– John 6:28 (KJV)
“They replied, ‘We want to perform God’s works, too. What should we do?'”– John 6:28 (NLT)
“The people asked, ‘What do we do now to get in on God’s works?'”– John 6:28 (MSG)
What Does John 6:28 Mean?
When we read John 6:28, we see a powerful question that seeks to understand the essence of our actions in relation to God’s will. The verse captures a moment when the people ask Jesus what they must do to perform the works of God. This inquiry is important for us today because it challenges us to reflect on our faith and what it truly means to follow Him.
As Christians, we often want to do good, to please God, and to make an impact in the world around us. Often, we may feel overwhelmed by the tasks at hand or unsure of what specific actions we need to take. This verse, however, offers clarity. It begins with a question about ‘works.’ The word ‘works’ signifies actions or deeds that derive from a heart aligned with God’s desires. Therefore, we can interpret this verse as a call to examine the types of actions we engage in daily.
John 6:28 Explanation and Commentary
The focus of John 6:28 revolves around the concept of works, specifically the ‘works of God.’ This phrase invites us to consider what God defines as good works and how we can align our lives with His will. The question the crowd poses reflects a genuine desire for understanding, showcasing their eagerness to engage in God’s mission.
In our day-to-day lives, we might find it easy to perform acts that are considered good or charitable. However, the works of God are not limited to outward appearances; they also involve a changed heart and a willingness to serve others out of love. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that we are created for good works, which God prepared in advance for us. Hence, our focus should also be on what we believe and how we act accordingly.
In asking this question, the people demonstrate a desire for relationship and connection with God. This reflects our need for purpose — to know that our efforts in the world carry significance. When seeking to perform God’s works, we also need to remember the importance of our motivation. Acts borne from love and compassion hold greater significance than those done out of obligation.
Jesus’ answer to this question, which follows in later verses, clarifies that faith in Him is fundamental to doing God’s work. This revelation indicates the significance of believing in Jesus as the one sent by God. It reveals that the starting point of our good works hinges on recognizing and receiving God’s grace through faith. As believers, we are called to build our lives on this truth and extend it to others in love and service.
Context of John 6:28
To understand John 6:28 better, we need to look at its surrounding context. This verse is part of a larger narrative where Jesus has just fed the 5,000 with five loaves and two fish, demonstrating His miraculous power. The crowd follows Him across the sea of Galilee, intent on finding Him after this miraculous event.
In John 6:26-27, Jesus tells the crowd they seek Him not because they saw signs but because they ate and were filled. This observation points out how often we can be drawn to Jesus for our immediate needs rather than for who He truly is. By the time we reach verse 28, the crowd’s question reveals a turning point — they want to know how to engage in God’s work beyond their physical needs.
By understanding this context, we can see that the crowd’s desire to perform God’s works emerges from a place of fascination and excitement, stemming from witnessing Jesus’ miracles. Their question is not just about the need for filling their bellies; it reflects a yearning for purpose in their spiritual journey. This notion resonates with us today, pushing us to step out of our comfort zones and actively seek a deeper relationship with God.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of John 6:28
When we break down John 6:28, we can focus on a few key elements that hold great significance. Initially, the phrase ‘What shall we do?’ is crucial. This signifies a sense of urgency and a desire for action. It shows that the crowd is not merely seeking information but is eager to engage in meaningful work. Their question presents a model for us; we too should be eager to participate in God’s work.
Next, the phrase ‘the works of God’ is essential. It leads us to consider what qualifies as God’s work. The works of God often encompass acts of service, love, and compassion, aligning with the life and mission of Jesus. When we participate in these works, we reflect God’s character and engage in activities that draw others closer to Him.
Furthermore, the verse does not specify a singular action but emphasizes a willingness to work toward God’s purposes. This invites us to remain open to His leading, be it in our families, schools, workplaces, or communities. When we approach our lives as opportunities to do God’s works, we recognize that He is at work in us and through us in various ways.
The heart behind the question also invites reflection. A genuine desire to understand how we can contribute reveals the importance of intention. As we engage in our faith on a daily basis, it’s essential to align our intentions with God’s will. This can help us recognize the importance of reflection, prayer, and seeking guidance through the Word, which can inspire the works He wants us to undertake.
Lessons to Learn From John 6:28
From John 6:28, there are numerous lessons we can take to heart. The primary one is the importance of seeking to do God’s work. Just as the crowd expressed their desire, we too should strive to ask ourselves what we can do to make a positive impact in the world. This ethos cultivates in us a mindset of service that echoes through our day-to-day lives.
Another noteworthy lesson involves differentiating between physical needs and spiritual ones. While the crowd was initially motivated by their immediate need for food, Jesus redirected their focus toward spiritual sustenance. This illustrates the importance of valuing spiritual growth over merely addressing material desires. We should prioritize building our relationship with God over seeking merely worldly gains.
We can also learn about the significance of asking questions. The crowd’s inquiry reflects a proactive approach to faith. In our spiritual journeys, curiosity should be encouraged. We are invited to ask questions and seek deeper understanding, especially regarding our purpose in God’s plan. This leads us closer to Him as we seek answers and grow in wisdom.
Moreover, it is vital to be receptive to Jesus’ teachings. His invitation to have faith in Him as the essence of doing God’s work serves as a reminder. This teaches us that through faith, we can unleash our potential to make a difference. Our capacity to perform good works stems from recognizing our need for His grace, which empowers us to act.
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on John 6:28, we find ourselves invited into a deeper understanding of our faith and mission. This verse challenges us to engage in our spiritual journeys actively while ensuring that our motivations align with God’s desires. By approaching our faith with curiosity and determination, we can embody the love and service Jesus modeled throughout His earthly ministry.
If we were to encapsulate the essence of this verse into our daily routines, it would inspire us to be proactive in asking, “What can we do for God today?” This perspective transforms our mundane tasks into sacred opportunities for service.
Let us continue to explore and deepen our understanding of God’s word by looking into other biblical texts. We might find inspiration by studying places like Luke 14:1-2 or the insights from Leviticus 25:10. Each verse we read helps us grow and align our lives more closely to His purposes.