"Then they asked him, 'What must we do to do the works God requires?' Jesus answered, 'The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent'.”
(John 6:28-29)
The crowds continue to follow Jesus wherever he goes. This particular text follows after two powerful stories. The first is the feeding of thousands with the little boy's lunch. In the second story, the disciples have set out from shore only to encounter a storm. Jesus comes to them, walking on the water and soon they reach the other shore. The next day, the crowds realize that Jesus and the disciples have sailed away and they set out to find them. The stories about Jesus are spreading quickly and crowds relentlessly seek him. One can understand, for among this crowd were those he had miraculously fed and those he had miraculously delivered in one way or another. They are seeking, and Jesus offers life-giving words.
When they find Jesus, their questions begin. "What must we do to do the works God requires," they ask. Jesus responds, "...believe in the One he has sent me." On more than one occasion, Jesus makes this statement as he reminds those with ears to hear that he and the Father are one. Today people are still seeking, still asking, "What must we do..." The answer is still the same..."Believe in the One God has sent."
In a crowd, among a group of friends, or talking with another person one on one, the good news is that Christ still does powerful things in the lives of those who believe. You and I can tell them...you and I can show them.
Prayer: Gracious God, you have sent your Son into the world. Help us share that good news wherever we go. Amen.
Jim Abernathy
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