John 6:27-30 Working the works of God
John 6:27 Labour (ergazomai - to work, labour, do work, to work for, earn by working) not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.
Jesus tells them not to labour for the meat which sustains life and perishes, but instead to labour for that meat which sustains life now and forever. They are undoubtedly instructed to labor for their salvation in the same manner in which they labored in seeking Him for more food. However, without proper understanding this can easily be grossly misunderstood. We must look at, and understand, the teachings from Ephesians 1 regarding the eternal inheritance before we can continue and rightly divide these passages.
Ephesians teaches that we obtain, or rather are bequeathed, an inheritance at the time we are adopted as children. 1 Peter 1:4 teaches that this inheritance is incorruptible, undefiled, and fades not away, being reserved in heaven for us. We become the righful owners of this inheritance without having possession of it. Ephesians then continues by teaching how God has provided a way for us to take possession of it now, in the present, as a means of power against the evil of this world. We must hear the gospel, trust in its message, believe in Christ, and thus receive the earnest of this same inheritance. This is provided to us in the form of the Holy Spirit, and is eternal life and eternal salvation, being derived from that which was freely given to us at adoption. Only now, we take possession by our works of righteousness, through faith, by setting ourselves apart, and distinguishing ourselves worthy to receive it by obedience.
John 6:28 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work (ergazomai - to work, labour, do work, to work for, earn by working) the works (ergon – works required and approved) of God?
This response to His previous statement gives clear meaning to the word “labour”. They have clearly understood Him to mean they must work for, or earn, this salvation. For those who have heard the arguments that this refers to God doing the work, take note of the Greek words from which these words derive. It cannot be the work of God, because the Greek word "ergon" does not refer to laboring. Instead, it refers to the "required works" of God. In a manner of speaking, it describes a list of things that must be done, not the labor it self. This is supported in Ephesians 2:10, and is refering to the works that God foreordained that we should do, if we are to be in obedience to Him.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
The commandments could be the - ergon - "works of God", a list of things that we are commanded to do. To believe means to believe from the heart. To believe from the heart means to love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, soul, mind, and strength. Thus the "works of God" are accomplished, for Jesus said, "this do, and thou shalt live".
John 6:29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work (ergon – required and approved work) of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
But as we see in Jesus’ reply, He directs the labor of which they inquire to that of believing. Jesus is well aware that it will be His work, His crucifixion, which secures their eternal salvation, not based on anything they may or may not do, for it is by grace and grace alone. He tells them that they must perform the work of trusting and placing confidence in Him, and not the world. Simply stated, “This is the required task of God to be completed, that you believe on me”.
The next question asked indicates they are now waiting for a miracle to take place.
John 6:30 They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work (ergazomai)?
Again, their reply is evident of what they have understood Jesus to say. Having now been told that they must believe in Him, they are looking for Him to perform a miracle, "Then what sign will you do, that we may see and believe you? What miracle will you perform?"
Thank you for taking the time to read this study. I hope you found this study to be a blessing, and that it has in some way increased your knowledge of our Lord and Savior. If you have questions, or would like to leave a comment, please do not hesitate to do so.
You may also email questions to barry@baptistcommentary.com
Grace to you,
Barry Laminack
Topical References: Children of God, Inheritance (Earnest/Reward), John, New Testament, Pauline Theology, Scripture Comment |
