Sermon 2: The Only Work Required Series

We are all tempted to ask God, "What must I do to earn your favor?" Jesus answers by shattering our religious checklists and reveals that the only "work" God requires is to stop "doing" and start believing in Him as the all-sufficient Bread of Life.

Introduction: The Obvious Next Question

Last week, we left the crowd with a powerful command from Jesus. He had just exposed their motives: "You seek me... because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled." (v. 26). Then He gave them this challenge: "Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life..." (v. 27).

Now, put yourself in their shoes. They just heard the word "Labour."

When you hear "labour" or "work," what comes to mind?

* A checklist.

* A set of instructions.

* A job description.

* Effort. Performance. Doing.

Their response, in verse 28, is the most natural human question in the world. It’s the question at the heart of every single religion man has ever invented.

I. Man's Question - "What Shall We Do?" (v. 28)

> (v. 28) "Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?"

>

"Okay, Jesus, you have our attention. You told us what not to work for—perishable food. Now, give us the new list. What do we work for? What are the 'works of God'?

* "Do we need to pray more?"

* "Do we need to fast twice a week?"

* "Do we need to give more to the temple? Obey the Law more perfectly?"

This is the human condition. We are born doers. We are born to earn. We want to achieve. We believe that our standing with God is based on our performance. "If I do enough good things, I'll be accepted. If I follow the rules, God will bless me."

They are asking for a new religious ladder to climb. And Jesus is about to take a sledgehammer to the whole ladder.

II. God's Answer - "Believe." (v. 29)

Jesus's response is revolutionary. It’s one of the most profound verses in the New Testament.

> (v. 29) "Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent."

>

They asked for "works" (plural). Jesus gave them "work" (singular).

And what is that singular work? Believe.

This is a "work" that is not a work. It is the end of works. Jesus is saying, "God isn't looking for your list of religious accomplishments. He is looking for your single act of absolute trust in the One He sent."

* They wanted a new task. Jesus offered a new trust.

* They wanted to do something for God. Jesus wanted them to receive someone from God.

* They wanted to know how to earn eternal life. Jesus was telling them they had to believe for it.

Application: We are just like them. We come to church, and we think, "What do I have to do this week?" We try to earn God's favor by "doing":

* "I'll have my quiet time every day."

* "I'll be nicer to my family."

* "I'll volunteer. I'll tithe."

These are good things! But they are the result of salvation, not the requirement for it. God's one and only requirement for salvation is to stop doing and start believing. It is to completely trust your entire standing before God to the finished work of Jesus Christ.

III. Man's Unbelief - "Show Us a Sign" (v. 30-34)

How does the crowd respond to this incredible, grace-filled answer?

You would think they'd be relieved! "You mean all we have to do is trust you? That's it? Thank goodness!"

No. That's not what they say. Look at their reply in verse 30. It is absolutely staggering.

> (v. 30-31) "They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work? Our fathers did eat manna in the desert..."

>

Are you kidding me?

* They are standing there, less than 24 hours after He fed 5,000 men (plus women and children) from a handful of bread and fish.

* The "perishable meat" from the miracle is likely still in their system.

* And they have the audacity to say, "Show us a sign... that we may... believe thee"!

They didn't see the feeding of the 5,000 as a sign. They saw it as an appetizer.

They even bring up their own "evidence." They play the "Moses card."

"You know, Moses... he gave us manna. Bread from heaven. Every day. For 40 years. You gave us one meal. If you want us to believe in you as the one sent from God, you've got to at least match Moses. What work are you going to do?"