What shall we do?
Introduction
Reading John 6:26-29
Overview of looking at questions in John’s Gospel (with explanation):
Do you want to be made well?
Where shall we buy bread?
Does this offend you?
Today: a question from the crowd (v28)
"What shall we do, that we may work the works of God"
The crowd had asked various questions:
Example of the rich young man
Example of the lawyer
It is good to come to God with questions
Are you seeking answers – ask of God
The context to this question
Jesus had fed the 5,000
Jesus has said they were following Him simply for the material blessings
Jesus advised the people not to pursue material things … but everlasting life given by Him
The people wanted to work the works of God – to perform miracles
Overview:
Its Irony
Its Implication
Its Answer
Its Irony
Because many people (disciples) turned away from Jesus
Because Jesus was criticised for working on the Sabbath day (John 5:16-17)
John 7:21-24 – their hypocrisy
Examples – Jesus called out their double standards
As human beings we can be like this
Like the people in v26
Example from James
Example from John
We must search our hearts – examples
Are we one thing in Church but another thing outside Church
Are there inconsistencies in our lives?
What are our motives?
Its Implication
The people were fascinated by miracles (John 6:30)
Their whole mindset was of a work-based religion
To please God by their hard efforts, their religiosity, their good, their deeds
This is true of religions the world over – works and striving
Christianity is about grace
Their pursuit of miracles
You may think this does not apply in the Church
False teachers on the internet
People often want to bypass Jesus – they simply want to be healed (Example of the Ten Lepers)
Examples
God can perform miracles but they do not often occur
The people felt they were worthy before God
We are not worthy – it is Christ who is worthy
Its Answer
To believe in Jesus – this is the work of God (v29)
It was hard for the people to see Jesus as the God Man
Despite His miracles
Despite His lack of sin
He was not just another prophet
Belief and faith – trusting your life and salvation to God
Example of Blondin
It is not of ourselves but of God – Eph 2:8-9
Christianity is not ‘do’ but ‘done’ – explanation
Rest in what God has done for us
Rom 4:4-5
Trust in Him for the promise of everlasting life
Why turn your back on Jesus Christ and lose out on heaven?
Believe in Jesus Christ