In this message, we find Jesus still on the eastern side of the Sea of Galilee or the sea of Tiberius. This is after he had fed the 5000 with barley loaves and fish.
John 6:16-29 (ESVST)
16 When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, 17 got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them.
We know from reading Matthews that Jesus is the one who said that they must go across the sea to Capernaum. Jesus however did not go with them.
18 The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. 19 When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were frightened. 20 But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” 21 Then they were glad to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat was at the land to which they were going.
John does not dwell much on this event. We know from Luke and Matthew that more took place in this event but for John, it was enough just to tell us that Jesus walked on water which is now the fifth sign that Jesus did. We know that during this event, when Jesus came walking in water, Peter said to him that if it is indeed him, he must allow him to also walk on water and go to him. We know that Peter did walk of water but because of doubt, he almost drowned and Jesus caught him. Jesus then calmed the sea and they went to Capernaum.
22 On the next day the crowd that remained on the other side of the sea saw that there had been only one boat there, and that Jesus had not entered the boat with his disciples, but that his disciples had gone away alone. 23 Other boats from Tiberias came near the place where they had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. 24 So when the crowd saw that Jesus was not there, nor his disciples, they themselves got into the boats and went to Capernaum, seeking Jesus.
Now, John says on the next day, the crowd that remained at the place were Jesus had fed them, saw that the disciples had left with the only boat that was there and Jesus had not left with them. So, when the crowd saw that Jesus was not there as well, they used the boats that had come there to go to Capernaum to look for him
25 When they found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, “ Rabbi, when did you come here?” 26 Jesus answered them, “ Truly, truly, I say to you, you are seeking me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate your fill of the loaves.
The crowds could not understand how Jesus got to Capernaum since there were no other boats. Instead of Jesus answering their question, and since he knows what is in man, he answered the question that was in their hearts which was that they wanted Jesus to feed them again. They had supper last might and now they wanted breakfast. Jesus told them that they are not seeking him because of the signs he did but now, contrary to the initial reason why they followed him which, was because of the signs he did, now they follow him because they want food.
27 Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal.”
Jesus was saying that they are looking for the wrong food instead of looking for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give them. God has set his seal on him, that is, he has approved him of this. So all they wanted was the same bread he gave them yesterday.
28 Then they said to him, “ What must we do, to be doing the works of God?” 29 Jesus answered them, “ This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.”
After this, they then asked Jesus a very good question, what is it that they must do, to be doing the works of God. In other words, what does God want us to do. What is it that God expects of us. Now I can tell you that if you asked most of the so called “pastors and men of god” today this question, one common answer you will get from them, would be that they would quote these verses
2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (NLTse)
Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 7 You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 8 And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.
To these so called “pastors and men of god”, the above verses mean that God wants you to pay money to the church, the more you pay, the more God will bless you. What determines the amount of money you must pay, is the amount of problems that you want deliverance from. So, if you asked these men what God expects us to do, they will unanimously say, pay money to the church.
Now, let’s see how Jesus answers these questions, what does God want us to do. What is it that God expects of us. Jesus told them and tells you as well that this is what God expects you to do, God expects you to believe in him whom he has sent. In other words, God expects you to believe in Jesus. God expects you to have faith in Jesus. That is the only thing that God expects from you.
This answer is not complicated at all, I don’t know why people add extra stuff that Jesus did not say. Salvation by believing in Jesus Christ plus anything else is wrong preaching. You don’t need anything else. God doesn’t expect you to do anything else. Jesus just answered that question. Salvation is just by believing plus nothing. Salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus and not by anything else. I just don’t know why people complicate salvation so much. Look at how the new living translation shows this verse
John 6:29 (NLTse)
Jesus told them, “This is the only work God wants from you:Believe in the one he has sent.”
Note the word “ONLY”. This is the only work nothing else. If this is not clear then I don’t know what is.
Ephesians 2:8-9 (NLTse)
God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.
Note that from John 6:30-71, I have already addressed in my message called the bread of life. So, of you want to read the rest of John 6, please go to my blog and search for “bread of life” and you will find this 3 part message on John 6:30-71, verse by verse as we do it here on God’s Word Undiluted!
This then brings us to the end of chapter 6!
Father what a wonderful message to know that Jesus has done it all for us and we only have to believe and nothing else. We thank you for allowing your son to die for us because of your merciful heart so that we may be saved if we believe. In Jesus name, amen.