| OtNt설교노트 | 성경청사진 | 성경공부장르 | 생활신학 | 성경과영어 | 새벽말씀 | 간증과기도 | 홈 |

| 설교목록 | 새벽말씀 |

6:25-29
Work for food that endures to eternal life

 

Rev. Daehyun Shin[2005/11/13]
Lord's day Morning Service

Sierra Vista United Korean Presbyterian Church

 

Jesus fed 5,000 people with five small barley loaves and two small fish. People call it a ‘miracle’. The word ‘miracle’ is defined as “an event that appears inexplicable by the laws of nature and so is held to be supernatural in origin or an act of God”. But the apostle John who wrote this gospel calls it “a miraculous sign”. ‘Sign’ is “thing representing something else: something that indicates or expresses the existence of something else not immediately apparent”. John wants to teach us something other than ‘the miracle’. 

In fact, Jesus never did any miracles unless they taught certain characters of God. For instance, he did not throw himself down on the highest point of the temple, for it was nothing but to show him off and even to put God to the test. Every miracle that Jesus did points to ‘Who God (Jesus) is’. Thus, his miracles are actually ‘miraculous signs’ to indicate something about God. 

Satan does miracles, too. He even does signs through his workers (cf. 2 Thess 2:9). But his intention is to confuse people and to steal their hearts away from God. Satan stimulates their curiosity, ‘How did he do that?’ Satan’s miracles and signs make people’s attention digress from the truth into deception. The Bible calls those who perform the miracles as ‘sorcerers’.

How can we know whether any miracles are God’s miraculous signs or satanic works? They can be distinguished by raising one simple question, ‘Does the miracle lead people to the truth or does it simply stimulate people’s curiosity?’ In other words ‘Does it lead you to Jesus or do its performers be applauded?’ This question is very important for everyone who is looking for Jesus. 

Do you need ‘supernatural power’ of God (Jesus) in all kinds of emergencies like in hospital, accidents, business crisis? Do you need ‘supernatural help’ to make the impossible possible like in the case of Lotto? Do you ask God’s miracle in exam for which you have not prepared, which is the avoidance of responsibility? Do you need God’s power to achieve your desires to marry a beautiful woman you cherish? Do you pray God to intervene in the World cup game to make your country win?

Even though you got what you want in those requests, anything that does not lead you to the truth, but only satisfies your physical appetites will eventually spoil. Jesus warns us “not to work for food that spoils”. Instead, he commands us “to work for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you” (v 27). Please note that food that endures to eternal life is not something that you ask from God, but that Jesus gives you. Have you ever waited for God to act for you in your ordinary life, instead of you being rushing into His miraculous help in urgent situations? Are you the servant of God or is God the servant of yours?

After having heard of Jesus’ warnings people ask him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?” (v 28) Jesus’ answer is that “the work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.” (v 29) The work of God is not a miracle or something that man toils for. It is not the matter of doing this or that, but of whether Believing in Jesus or not. The work of God is a very ordinary request of God to the people who are seeking God’s extraordinary miracles. Believing in Jesus should be as usual as breathing the air. Do not end up with a miracle as you profess to follow Jesus, but continue to believe in Jesus, who is certainly doing God’s extraordinary works in you life. So, your believing in Jesus would finally be as spiritual as living in God’s kingdom.