Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.” 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 6:26-29
Work That Is No Work at All
Daily Devotion – August 15, 2024
Devotion based on John 6:26-29
See series: Devotions
Religions made up by human beings always include something for a person to do in order to advance to the next level or earn salvation. It’s just a natural way to think about life improvements. Do the right thing, and you’ll be rewarded.
So when Jesus talks about working for food that endures to eternal life, the people listening to him understand him to be revealing some secret set of works that might lead to salvation. They ask Jesus to explain what work God requires.
Jesus corrects their misunderstanding. He invites them simply to believe in him. He identifies himself as the Son of Man who will accomplish everything necessary for salvation. He explains that the miracles he performs are simply to validate that he is the Savior, the one whom God the Father sent.
Do you want to go to heaven? Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved. Whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. When you understand that a person is not rescued from God’s punishment by doing good works but by faith in Jesus Christ, you’ll realize that the work of God is no work for you at all.
Prayer:
Lord, keep me from trusting my own works for salvation. Lead me to instead trust in my Savior, Jesus. Amen.
