Friday, October 17, 2014

John 6:28

The crowd responds, “What would you have us do in order to act in such a way that honors God’s will for us?”  John 6:28 EFP

There seems to be a genuine question from the people whom Jesus has challenged. “What do you want us to do, Jesus?”  When I have found myself convicted by a sermon or a passage of Scripture, I often ask the same question, “What should I do to honor you will for me?”

It’s a critical juncture in this passage.  They have opened the door for Jesus to respond to them and give counsel.  What will he answer?  It’s interesting to note their question is couched in a similar way as other biblical characters who have come to a point of decision in their lives: Paul (Acts 22:10) and the Rich Young Ruler (Matthew 19:16) come to mind.  Conviction is a work of God.  I can’t manufacture it or feign in for the benefit of God.  Jesus sees right through me when I attempt it. It’s pointless.

Questions: Was there a spokesman or spokespersons?  Did this come as a result of consensus?  Did it reflect the feeling of the entire mass of humanity?  I often wonder about casting a crowd as some monolithic group of like-thinkers. Such a group is so hard to find.  Perhaps the text will shed some light on this dynamic as we proceed.

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