John 6:29 Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the One he has sent.”

My goodness, that’s it? Yes. If you ever become confused as to what God requires of you, read this verse over and over again. The life you live as a believer, flows from this one fact.

Jesus’ disciples walked with him from day to day.  He was always behaving in ways they did not expect or understand. What was he doing talking with that Samaritan woman at the well, for instance? (John 4). Didn’t he know that Jews have no dealings with Samaritans? And why wasn’t he hungry when they were? When they urged him to eat something, he responded:  “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.”  This left them pondering, could someone have brought him food while they were away?  So Jesus continued to explain: “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.”  More mystery!

He taught them how to pray. (Matthew 6: 5-14). They saw him do amazing things (recorded in John 5 and 6) like healing the sick and feeding the hungry masses with a few fish and a few loaves. He even walked on water to come to them in the dark. No sooner had they taken him on board, they reached the shore where they were heading.  The crowd took note the next day that only one boat had been available and the disciples had left on it earlier that evening. How then was Jesus now on the other side with the disciples?

They got on other boats and went after Jesus because they had questions for him. Most importantly: “Rabbi, when did you get here?”  Jesus answered: “I tell you the truth, you are looking for me, not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. On him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.”  Next question: “What must we do to do the work God requires?” Jesus answered: “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”  This is the basis on which God will judge humanity. “For God so love the world that he gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16).