What does John 6:28 mean?

Explanation

John 6:28 arises in the context of a conversation between Jesus and the crowd that had followed Him after the miracle of the feeding of the five thousand.

The people had seen the signs Jesus performed and sought Him out, intrigued by His teachings and miracles.

When they find Him across the lake in Capernaum, they ask Him, "Rabbi, when camest thou hither?" (John 6:25 KJV).

After a brief discussion where Jesus admonishes the crowd for seeking Him not for His teachings, but for the food he provided them, they ask Him what they must do to perform the works that God requires.

In this verse, the question posed by the crowd, "What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?" represents a literal inquiry into the actions or tasks that they should perform to be aligned with God's will.

On a deeper level, this question carries existential weight , it reflects the human quest for meaning through divine connection and purpose through alignment with higher laws or principles.

Historical Context

During the time when the Gospel of John was written, Jews were accustomed to a system of law prescribed by the Old Testament, which detailed a multitude of religious rituals and moral laws as pathways to righteousness.

The quest for salvation and alignment with God's will was inseparable from the performance of specific works, encompassed by the Mosaic Law.

Therefore, it would have been natural for the crowd following Jesus to comprehend religiosity and favor from God in terms of actions or works.

However, the time of Jesus marks a pivotal point in religious understanding, shifting from a strict adherence to the Law towards a new covenant centered on faith and the teachings of Christ.

This verse and the ones that follow reflect this transformative period in religious thought.

Theological Insights

Different theological perspectives shed varied light on John 6:28:

• Protestant Viewpoint: Martin Luther and the Reformers placed heavy emphasis on salvation through faith alone (sola fide), to the exclusion of works as a means of achieving righteousness or salvation.

This viewpoint may see the question posed in John 6:28 as echoing the common misunderstanding that one can 'earn' God's favor through works, which they would argue is corrected by Jesus in the subsequent verse (John 6:29).

• Catholic Perspective: The Catholic tradition acknowledges the necessity of faith but views it as inseparable from works.

The Catechism states that faith and works are both needed for salvation.

Catholics may see this passage as an opportunity for Jesus to expound on how faith is the foundation that leads to the 'works of God' , lived out through love and charity.

• Eastern Orthodox Interpretation: Similar to the Catholic view but with some theological nuances, the Eastern Orthodox Church believes that faith and works are two sides of the same coin, each incomplete without the other.

Practical Applications

The question posed by the crowd in John 6:28 can lead to personal introspection about what it means to live in accordance with God's will. Practical applications include:

• Spiritual Reflection: Individuals can meditate on their personal relationship with the divine and how their actions reflect their beliefs.
• Service to Others: The 'works of God' are often associated with acts of love and charity; thus, engaging in community service and helping those in need are practical applications of this verse.
• Cultivation of Faith: By realizing that 'works' without faith are empty, believers are reminded to cultivate their faith as the foundation of their actions.

Cross-References

• John 6:29: "Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent."
• Ephesians 2:8-9: "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."
• James 2:14-17: "What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? [...] Faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone."
• Galatians 5:6: "For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love."

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the phrase "work the works" (τὰ ἔργα ποιήσωμεν) contains the word "ποιήσωμεν" (poiēsōmen), which is derived from "ποιέω" (poieō), meaning "to do" or "to make." The emphasis is on action or production.

The use of this verb in the subjunctive mood suggests a seeking of possibility or potential , the crowd is inquiring about what they are able to do, or can possibly do, to achieve divine works.

The term "works" (ἔργα - erga) in Johannine literature often refers to the acts or signs Jesus performed as evidence of divine authority. Here, the crowd is using the same term, but their understanding of "works" may be more aligned with the Jewish concept of good deeds in line with the Law.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient religions, there was a common understanding that one's actions could curry favor with the gods.

For example, in pagan practices, offering sacrifices and performing rituals were considered essential for pleasing the gods and receiving blessings or avoiding calamity.

Within Judaism, the focus shifted more toward moral and ethical behavior as delineated by the Law of Moses.

The question in John 6:28 indicates a cultural context where doing 'good works' was perceived as a primary way to connect with the divine.

Scientific Perspectives

The scientific perspective might not directly apply to the interpretation of this verse since it is centered on religious faith and practice rather than empirical observation.

However, there are psychological and sociological studies that support the benefits of faith-based and altruistic behaviors for both individuals and communities.

Such research might provide a modern, secular validation for the ancient intuition that 'working the works of God' through acts of kindness and community service has tangible positive effects.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians provide various reflections on John 6:28:

• Matthew Henry's Commentary: Suggests that the people were ready to do anything to earn eternal life, but they missed the point that it is a gift of God and not a wage for their labors.

• The Expositor's Greek Testament: Notes that the crowd's question implies a desire to see religious life as a series of tasks to be performed, but Christ's response turns attention to internal faith rather than external works.

• William Barclay's Daily Study Bible: Emphasizes the revolutionary nature of Jesus' message that it is not the legalistic observance of the Law but the personal acceptance of Him that counts before God.

These commentaries showcase a consistent theme: the shift from a focus on ritualistic or law-based actions toward an emphasis on inward belief and faith in Christ as the definitive 'work of God.'