Jesus’ Answer to a Vital Question
The question we are focussing on today, is the question that arises in the gospel reading when Jesus challenged the leaders of the Jews after the feeding of the five thousand to look towards eternal food rather than more earthly food that perishes. The leaders in the crowd then asked Jesus,
“ “What must we do to do the work God What must we do to do the work God
requires?” or “What is God’s work for us?” requires?” or “What is God’s work for us?”
I wonder what your answer to that question might be. There can be many answers. Some answers are common to all of us as God’s people, and other answers specific to God’s call on our individual lives. But here Jesus is presenting one answer that applies to all of us.
Jesus surprises us once again in the way he teaches and the way he makes us think rather than give us a simple black and white answer. Yet his answer to this vital question is so simple and focussed that it surprises us. In the reading and in the message today look out for the answer Jesus gives.
His answer brings us joy when we understand the incredible breadth of its meaning. It can be a revelation to us and impact our everyday lives.
To not understand his answer can be tragic.
Fred Gollasch
