John 6:38 – “For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Jesus clearly states His mission—He did not come to follow His own desires or plans but to fulfill the will of God the Father. This statement reveals several important truths:

1. Jesus came from heaven.
   • This is a bold declaration of His divine origin. He was not just an ordinary man or a prophet—He came from God.
2. Jesus’ purpose is to do the Father’s will.
   • Everything He did—His teachings, miracles, and ultimately His sacrifice—was done in obedience to God’s plan.
   • He did not act on His own authority but submitted completely to the Father’s will.

This verse is part of a larger conversation where Jesus is explaining that He is the Bread of Life, the one who provides eternal salvation. He wants the people to understand that He is on earth for a divine purpose—to carry out God’s plan for salvation.

Historical Context

To the Jewish people, obedience to God’s will was a central theme in their faith. The religious leaders emphasized following God’s commands, and prophets throughout the Old Testament spoke about submitting to God’s purpose.

However, Jesus’ claim went beyond what they expected. He was not just another prophet doing God’s work—He was God’s Son, sent directly from heaven.

This also ties back to the manna in the wilderness (Exodus 16), which Jesus had been discussing. Just as manna came from heaven to sustain Israel, Jesus came from heaven to give eternal life. But unlike the temporary provision of manna, Jesus would accomplish something permanent—eternal salvation.

Theological Implications

This verse reveals three major theological truths:

1. Jesus is not just a man—He is from heaven.
   • Many people saw Jesus as a teacher, a prophet, or even a miracle worker. But He was much more than that—He came from God Himself.
2. Jesus was fully obedient to the Father.
   • This verse shows the perfect unity between the Son and the Father. Jesus did not come to promote His own agenda but to carry out God’s plan.
   • This obedience led all the way to His death on the cross (Philippians 2:8).
3. God’s will is to provide salvation through Jesus.
   • Jesus’ mission was not just to teach or perform miracles—it was to save sinners.
   • His obedience to the Father ultimately led to His sacrifice on the cross, which made eternal life possible for all who believe.

Literary Analysis

John’s Gospel often emphasizes the relationship between the Father and the Son. This verse highlights:

• Jesus’ divine origin – “I have come down from heaven.”
• His submission to the Father – “Not to do my will but to do the will of Him who sent me.”

This pattern is seen throughout John’s Gospel, where Jesus repeatedly points to His dependence on the Father:

• John 5:19 – “The Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing.”
• John 8:28 – “I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me.”
• John 12:49 – “I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken.”

This verse is also a foreshadowing of Jesus’ ultimate act of obedience—His death on the cross.

Biblical Cross-References

• Philippians 2:6-8 – Jesus humbled Himself and was obedient to death on a cross.
• Matthew 26:39 – In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prays, “Not my will, but yours be done.”
• John 4:34 – “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.”
• Hebrews 10:7 – “I have come to do your will, my God.”

These verses all emphasize Jesus’ submission to the Father’s plan.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

1. Jesus is the model of perfect obedience.
   • Just as Jesus submitted to the Father, we are called to follow God’s will rather than our own.
2. God’s plan is greater than our own desires.
   • Sometimes we want to follow our own path, but Jesus teaches us that true purpose comes from surrendering to God’s will.
3. Salvation is the result of Jesus’ obedience.
   • If Jesus had not submitted to the Father’s plan, there would be no cross, no resurrection, and no salvation.
   • Because of His obedience, we have the opportunity for eternal life.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

1. God’s love is seen in sending Jesus.
   • The Father’s will was to send His Son to save the world (John 3:16).
2. Jesus’ obedience shows His love for us.
   • He willingly left the glory of heaven to rescue us from sin.
   • His obedience was not forced—it was an act of love.
3. God’s will is always for our good.
   • Just as Jesus followed God’s will, we can trust that God’s plan for our lives is always best.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse reveals who Jesus is and why He came:

1. Jesus is from heaven.
   • He is not just a man—He is the Son of God, sent with a purpose.
2. Jesus is completely obedient to the Father.
   • His mission was not about His own agenda but about fulfilling God’s plan for salvation.
3. Jesus’ obedience led to our salvation.
   • If Jesus had not submitted to the Father’s will, we would still be lost in sin.
   • His willingness to follow God’s plan—even to the cross—made eternal life possible.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does Jesus’ obedience to the Father teach us about trusting God’s plan?
2. How can we follow Jesus’ example of putting God’s will above our own?
3. Why is it important that Jesus came from heaven and not just as a human teacher?
4. How does Jesus’ obedience affect your understanding of His love for you?
5. What are some areas in your life where you need to surrender to God’s will instead of following your own desires?