John 6:28

¶ Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?

Then {G3767} said they {G2036} unto {G4314} him {G846}, What {G5101} shall we do {G4160}{G4160}, that {G2443} we might work {G2038} the works {G2041} of God {G2316}?

So they said to him, “What should we do in order to perform the works of God?”

Then they inquired, “What must we do to perform the works of God?”

They said therefore unto him, What must we do, that we may work the works of God?

In John 6:28, we encounter a pivotal question from the crowd who had just witnessed Jesus miraculously feed five thousand people (John 6:1-14). Their question, "What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?", reveals a common human inclination: to earn God's favor through religious effort or good deeds.

Context

This verse follows the feeding of the multitude and Jesus' subsequent crossing of the Sea of Galilee. The crowd, having been miraculously fed, pursued Jesus, not primarily for spiritual enlightenment, but for more physical sustenance. Jesus had just challenged them for seeking Him because they ate of the loaves and were filled, rather than for the spiritual bread that endures to everlasting life (John 6:26-27). Their question in verse 28 is a direct response to Jesus' emphasis on "that meat which endureth unto everlasting life," hinting at their desire to "do" something to obtain it, in line with their understanding of earning divine blessing through adherence to the Law and religious observances.

Key Themes

  • Human Effort vs. Divine Grace: The crowd's question highlights a fundamental tension between human striving to earn salvation and God's provision through grace. They are focused on what they can do, rather than what God has already done or provided. This sets the stage for Jesus' profound teaching on faith.
  • Misunderstanding of God's Will: The people genuinely want to "work the works of God," but their understanding of what those works entail is rooted in legalism and self-effort. They believe righteousness is achieved through adherence to a list of divine commands, rather than through a relationship of faith.
  • The Nature of True Work: Jesus' answer in the very next verse (John 6:29) will redefine "the work of God" as believing in the One whom God has sent, shifting the focus from human performance to divine initiative and faith.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "work the works of God" translates from the Greek erga tou theou (ἔργα τοῦ θεοῦ). The word ergon (work) refers to deeds, actions, or accomplishments. The crowd's use implies a set of religious duties or meritorious acts performed to please God. This contrasts sharply with Jesus' redefinition of the singular "work of God" in John 6:29, which is to believe in Him.

Practical Application

This verse challenges us to examine our own motives and understanding of our relationship with God. Do we approach God with a "what must I do?" mindset, seeking to earn His favor through our good deeds, religious rituals, or moral living? Or do we embrace the truth that the primary "work of God" for us is to believe in His Son Jesus Christ? True spiritual "work" flows from a heart of faith, not as a means to achieve it. This passage reminds us that God desires faith and relationship more than mere outward performance.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Luke 10:25

    ¶ And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

  • Acts 16:30

    And brought them out, and said, Sirs, what must I do to be saved?

  • Matthew 19:16

    ¶ And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?

  • Acts 9:6

    And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord [said] unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

  • Acts 2:37

    ¶ Now when they heard [this], they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men [and] brethren, what shall we do?

  • Deuteronomy 5:27

    Go thou near, and hear all that the LORD our God shall say: and speak thou unto us all that the LORD our God shall speak unto thee; and we will hear [it], and do [it].

  • Micah 6:7

    Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, [or] with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn [for] my transgression, the fruit of my body [for] the sin of my soul?

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