John 6:38-40 is about Jesus affirming his divine mission to do the will of the Father, who desires that all who believe in Jesus will have eternal life and be raised up on the last day.
38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me.
39 And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day.
40 For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.”
Setting the Scene for John 6:38-40
In John chapter 6, we find Jesus teaching a large crowd near the Sea of Galilee. The scene is set on a grassy hillside overlooking the sea, with the gentle waves lapping against the shore in the background. The sun is beginning to set, casting a warm golden glow over the gathering.
Among the crowd are Jesus’ disciples, including Peter, Andrew, James, and John, who have been following Him closely and witnessing His miracles. Also present are many other followers who have been drawn to Jesus by His teachings and the signs He has performed. The atmosphere is one of anticipation and awe as Jesus speaks with authority and compassion, captivating the hearts of those listening.
As Jesus speaks about His divine mission and the will of the Father, there is a sense of reverence and wonder among the crowd. His words are both challenging and comforting, drawing people closer to Him and stirring their hearts with a desire to know Him more deeply. In this moment, Jesus reveals His intimate connection to the Father and His purpose to bring salvation to all who believe in Him, offering eternal life to those who come to Him in faith.
What is John 6:38-40 about?
The verse speaks to the central purpose of Jesus’ ministry on Earth, which was to fulfill the will of God the Father. Jesus sought to bring salvation to those who believed in him by following this divine plan. His ultimate goal was to provide a pathway for believers to be reconciled with God and to grant them eternal life.
Have you ever contemplated the significance of Jesus’ mission and how it impacts your faith journey? Through his teachings and sacrifice, Jesus offers believers the promise of salvation and the hope of resurrection on the last day. This verse serves as a reminder of the profound love and sacrifice Jesus made for those who choose to follow him. It underscores the importance of faith in Jesus Christ as the means to eternal life and highlights the transformative power of his message for those who believe.
Understanding what John 6:38-40 really means
In John 6:38-40, we find Jesus speaking about His divine mission and the will of the Father. This passage is part of a larger discourse where Jesus explains that He is the Bread of Life, emphasizing His role in providing spiritual nourishment to believers. When Jesus says, “I have come down from heaven,” He is highlighting His divine origin and the purpose of His incarnation on earth. This statement underscores the profound nature of Jesus’ mission and His unique relationship with the Father.
Moreover, Jesus declares, “Not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me,” showcasing His obedience and humility in fulfilling the Father’s plan. This submission to the Father’s will serves as a powerful example for believers to align their lives with God’s purposes. The assurance that Jesus gives, “That I should lose nothing of all that he has given me,” speaks to the security of believers in Jesus and the promise of eternal life for those who trust in Him.
The phrase “Raise it up on the last day” points to the hope of resurrection and the fulfillment of God’s plan for believers to experience eternal life. Jesus further emphasizes the importance of faith in Him for salvation, stating, “Everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life.” This underscores the centrality of faith in Jesus as the pathway to eternal life and reconciliation with God.
When we consider related Bible passages such as John 3:16, John 10:28-29, Romans 8:38-39, and 1 Corinthians 15:20-22, we see a consistent theme of God’s love, assurance of salvation, and the hope of resurrection for believers. These passages reinforce the message of John 6:38-40, highlighting the unshakable security and eternal promises that come through faith in Jesus.
In today’s world, where uncertainty and challenges abound, the assurance of salvation offered in this passage brings comfort and peace to believers. It reminds us of the importance of aligning our will with God’s and seeking His purpose for our lives. The hope of resurrection and eternal life serves as a beacon of light in times of darkness, offering solace and encouragement to those facing loss and grief.
Reflecting on the profound truths conveyed in John 6:38-40, we are reminded of the unwavering love and faithfulness of Jesus towards those who believe in Him. Just as the promises in this passage brought comfort to many throughout history, may we also find assurance and hope in our faith, trusting in Jesus’ words and His eternal promises.
What does it mean to do the will of God?
To do the will of God, as expressed in John 6:38-40, means to fully align one’s actions, desires, and purpose with God’s plan and intentions. It signifies a complete surrender to God’s guidance and direction in one’s life, putting aside personal wants and ambitions to follow the path that God has set forth. One acknowledges God’s sovereignty and wisdom by doing the will of God, trusting in His purpose, and allowing Him to work through them for the fulfillment of His plans and for the ultimate good.
Furthermore, in the context of John 6:38-40, doing the will of God involves accepting Jesus Christ as the central figure and means of carrying out God’s will. It entails believing in Jesus as the sent Son of God, embracing His teachings, and committing to living a life that reflects the love, compassion, and righteousness that Jesus exemplified. Individuals demonstrate their commitment to God’s will and express their faith in His ultimate plan for salvation and eternal life by following Jesus and obeying His teachings. A deep and transformative relationship with Jesus Christ, the embodiment of God’s will and purpose for humanity, ultimately involves doing the will of God.
Application
Think about the countless hours you spend juggling tasks at work and home, striving tirelessly to succeed. What if you turned that energy towards aligning with God’s plan, just as you trust your family to support you? Imagine the peace of surrendering your personal ambitions to the One who sent His Son for you. Let’s trust in His purpose, knowing it’s perfect. Are you ready to let go and embrace the path He has set for you?
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.