John 6:28

28 Then they said unto him, What shall we do that we might work the works of God?

John 6:28 Meaning and Commentary

John 6:28

Then said they unto him
Understanding by what he said, that they must labour and work, though not for perishing food, yet for durable food; and as they imagined, in order to obtain eternal life by working:

what shall we do that we might work the works of God?
Such as are agreeable to his will, are acceptable to him, and well pleasing in his sight: they seem to intimate, as if they desired to know whether there were any other works of this kind, than what Moses had directed them to, or than they had done; and if there were, they suggest they would gladly do them; for this was the general cast and complexion of this people; they were seeking for righteousness, and life not by faith, but, as it were, by the works of the law.

John 6:28 In-Context

26 Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye have seen the signs, but because ye ate of the loaves and were filled.

27 Labour not for the food which perishes, but for the food which abides unto eternal life, which the Son of man shall give unto you, for him has God the Father sealed.

28 Then they said 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 in him whom he has sent.

30 They said therefore unto him, What sign showest thou then that we may see and believe thee? what dost thou work?