Tuesday 7 July 2026

Psalm 70

Background
When reading John 6, it is often the miracles that first catch our attention. The feeding of the crowd and Jesus walking on the water naturally draw the eye. Yet I wonder if we sometimes overlook the conversation that follows.

The crowd have crossed the lake looking for Jesus. Then they ask a question that sounds both sincere and familiar: "What must we do to perform the works of God?" (v. 28)

It is not a bad question. Most of us want to know what God expects of us. We want to serve faithfully and make a difference. It is a question asked by people who are trying to take faith seriously.

That is what makes Jesus' answer so surprising. (v. 29) The crowd ask about works. Jesus speaks about faith. They ask what they must do. Jesus points them towards someone they must trust. I wonder if Jesus is reminding the crowd that discipleship begins not with a task but with a relationship.

The crowd first seek Jesus because of the bread they have received. Now they want to know what they should do. In both cases, Jesus gently redirects them. The gift is not the point. The activity is not the point. He is.

There is nothing wrong with being grateful for God's gifts or wanting to serve. Both are important parts of the Christian life. Yet this passage makes me wonder what happens when those good things become our main focus.

Perhaps Jesus is inviting the crowd – and us – to look beyond the bread and the activity towards the relationship at the heart of discipleship. Faith is not simply about receiving from Christ or working for Christ. It is about knowing Christ.

That may be why Jesus' answer feels so surprising. The crowd ask what they must do. Jesus begins by speaking about trust. Before offering them a task, he offers them himself.

I wonder whether we sometimes need the same reminder. Before asking what we should do, do we first take time to consider whom we are following? Perhaps the invitation of this passage is simply to consider what lies at the centre of our discipleship. We are called to serve, but our service grows out of our relationship with Christ. The more we know him, the more naturally our lives begin to reflect him.

To Ponder:

• Why do you think the crowd found Jesus' answer so surprising?
• Why is it often easier to do something for God than to trust God?
• What helps you keep Christ at the centre of your discipleship?

Prayer
Lord Jesus, when we become distracted by activity and achievement, draw us back to yourself. Teach us to trust you, to spend time with you, and to serve from a place of faith and love. Help us to keep you at the centre of all we do. Amen.

Bible notes author: The Revd Stuart Reed
Stuart is Acting Superintendent Minister of the South East Cornwall Methodist Circuit and will become Superintendent Minister in September 2026. He lives in Looe with his wife and their labrador. He is father to two and grandfather to one, and enjoys walking the Cornish coast. He is still conducting extensive research into where to find the best pasties and ice cream in Cornwall.