Norwegian 2018 (Bibelen - Guds Ord Hverdagsbibelen (Hermon Forlag))
Da sa de til Ham: «Hva skal til for at vi kan gjøre det Gud vil?» Jesus svarte dem: «Det viktigste Gud vil at dere skal gjøre, er å tro på Meg, som Han har sendt til dere.» Da svarte de: «Gi oss noen overnaturlige tegn så kan vi se dem og tro at Du er sendt fra Gud! Forfedrene våre fikk oppleve sterke tegn da Gud ga dem brød, manna, fra himmelen! Det står jo i Skriftene: Han ga dem brød å spise fra Himmelen.»
What Does This Mean?
In this verse from John 6:28, the people are asking Jesus what they need to do to perform works that God wants. They're seeking guidance on how to please God through their actions.
Explained for Children
Imagine you want to make your mom happy by cleaning up your room. The people here are like you—they want to know exactly what good things to do so God will be pleased with them, just like making your mom proud.
Historical Background
John's gospel was written by one of Jesus' disciples around 90 AD. This passage is part of a conversation between Jesus and the crowds who had seen him perform miracles. They were curious about how to follow God’s will through their actions in a world heavily influenced by Roman rule and Jewish religious practices.
Living It Out Today
A modern scenario could involve someone asking what specific steps they can take to lead a life that pleases God, similar to an employee seeking advice on how to excel at work. They might ask their mentor or look for guidance from others who understand the expectations of the job.
The people had seen Jesus perform miracles and wanted to know how they could align their lives with God's will, showing a desire for spiritual growth.
What is the significance of 'works' in this verse?
In this context, 'works' refer to actions that please God. The question implies that the people were seeking practical advice on living a life that conforms to divine expectations.
How does Jesus answer their question?
Jesus responds by emphasizing belief and trust in him as the way to do God's works (John 6:29), indicating that faith is foundational to pleasing God.
Can anyone do the 'works of God' mentioned here?
Yes, according to Jesus’ teachings, any person who believes in him can perform these divine works. It’s about aligning one’s life with the principles and will of God through faith.