28 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? 29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. 30 They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work? (John 6:28-30 KJV)
The Jews Asked for a Sign
Whether this conference was with the people of Capernaum, in whose synagogue Christ now was, or with those who came from the other side of the sea, is not certain or important; however, it is a sign of Christ’s humility that he allowed them to ask him questions and didn’t take the interruption as an insult, not even from ordinary listeners who weren’t his close followers. Those who would teach must be eager to listen and thoughtful in their answers. It is wise for teachers, even when asked irrelevant or unhelpful questions, to use the opportunity to speak something useful, rejecting the question but not the request.
Christ had told them they must work for the food he spoke of, and they asked what work they should do. He answered them plainly: the work of God is to believe. They asked, “What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?” Some take it as a prideful question—what more can we do beyond the law of Moses? But it seems more likely to be a serious question from those with a sincere interest in doing what is right. It suggests that they were aware that to receive eternal life, they needed to aim higher than earthly pursuits. Those who hope for eternal life must commit to doing what God requires. “What shall we do?” shows a willingness to obey, even when it is difficult.
Christ’s answer in John 6:29 is clear: “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.” Faith is the work God requires. They asked for many works; Christ points to one that includes all others—faith. Faith makes all other works acceptable and leads to them. It’s God’s work in us and connects us to his grace. Faith accepts Christ as sent by God, trusts in him, and commits fully to him.
Christ had told them that the Son of Man would give them this food, and they asked for a sign. “What sign will you show us?” they said, “What will you do?” Since he asked them to believe in him, it was fair that they ask for proof. Moses confirmed his mission with miracles; shouldn’t Christ do the same?
But they were wrong to ignore the many miracles Christ had already done. Especially in Capernaum, where he had performed many powerful works—how could they still ask for a sign? Some of them had just been miraculously fed by him. None are so blind as those who refuse to see.