Daily Devotions
John
An invitation to believe and find eternal life
Text: John 6:22-71
AN INVITATION TO BELIEVE AND FIND ETERNAL LIFE
Jesus was not unkind when He spoke so candidly to the multitudes. He was trying to teach them how to be honest with themselves. Their focus of attention was wrong. There was much more to life than physical existence on earth. What if they were able to crown Jesus as their King? If they were only focused on things of the earth, all their efforts would amount to very little at the end of life’s day. They had laboured hard to find Jesus. They had stayed out the whole night through waiting for Jesus to appear. When they couldn’t find Him, they came across the Sea of Galilee to seek Him. Why would they not put in the same kind of labour for eternal things?
“Do not labour for the food which perishes,
but for the food which endures to everlasting life,
which the Son of Man will give you, because
God the Father has set His seal on Him.”
John 6:27
Jesus saw the multitudes working towards earthly goals. They were caught up with the mundane things of life. They were only seeking Jesus to see if He would be their leader and look after all their physical needs! Surely they must realize that there were more important things in life than meeting mere physical needs! All physical things lead to one end – death!
There was such a thing as “everlasting life”. Surely eternal things should count for much more! If they were going to labour, why not pour that energy into things that endure? Eternal things are the only things that really matter at the end of life’s day.
Jesus gave them a head start. They could begin with Him – the Son of Man. Had they not partaken of the food He gave them? What did they think that meant? Jesus explained. The fact that He had such powers on earth meant that God had set His seal on Him! Could they understand such deep truths?
If only they had sought Jesus because they wanted eternal life. If only they had sought Him because they recognized that He was the eschatological Son of Man and that God had set His seal on Him to authenticate His ministry! If they had sought Jesus because they understood Him and had faith in Him, they would be granted everlasting life immediately!
Had they not said among themselves that He was “a prophet” (John 6:14)? Had they not also called Him “Rabbi” (John 6:25)? Did they really mean what they said, or were these terms used insincerely?
AN INTERESTING DIALOGUE
An interesting discussion ensued. Even as Jesus declared these great and solemn truths, the representatives of the multitudes replied.
“What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?”
John 6:28
The multitudes apparently did not fully agree with Jesus in His assessment of their spiritual state. They were not as unspiritual as Jesus made them out to be. Though they did not interact with Jesus concerning any of His statements, nevertheless, they raised a good question. What were the works of God? How may one “work the works of God” ? Could Jesus interact with them with reference to this topic?
Without hesitation, Jesus answered them. He knew that what He had said to them, though it was of great importance, was not well received. The multitude had sought instead to shunt Jesus away from His approach to God. They wanted Him to make a reply to their understanding of what they considered important. Jesus graciously set aside what He had begun to teach them and answered their question.
“This is the work of God, that you believe
in Him whom He sent.”
John 6:29
Jesus was aware of what the Old Testament taught concerning the good works that God required of men. For example, there was that famous passage found in the prophetic book of Micah,
“He has shown you, O man, what is good;
And what does the Lord require of you
But to do justly, to love mercy,
And to walk humbly with your God?”
Micah 6:8
However, the context of this passage was not given with reference to salvation and everlasting life. This passage was good and important. But the question of eternal salvation must first be settled. Then can a person plan to live for God in His grace and power!
The more fundamental question must first be raised and then answered. The first piece of work that must be considered was the question of “belief” or “faith”. Did the people really want to do the works of God? They would make a very good start if they began with faith in the One whom God had sent! That Person was the One talking to them!
HIDDEN DOUBTS CONCERNING JESUS UNEARTHED
As Jesus spoke to them about having faith in Him, the multitudes began to display their unbelief.
“What sign will You perform then, that we may see it
and believe You? What work will You do?”
John 6:30
Just the day before, they declared that Jesus was a prophet from God. They were even planning to make Him their King. They had politely addressed Him as “Rabbi” and suddenly they questioned the authority of Jesus. They demanded a sign from Jesus before they would speak of placing their faith in Him.