John 4:34
Verse
Context
The Disciples Return and Marvel
33So the disciples asked one another, “Could someone have brought Him food?”34Jesus explained, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work. 35Do you not say, ‘There are still four months until the harvest’? I tell you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are ripe for harvest.
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
My meat is to do the will of him that sent me - In these words, our blessed Lord teaches a lesson of zeal and earnestness to his apostles, and to all their successors in the Christian ministry. Let the salvation of souls lie nearer your heart than life itself. Let eating and drinking, labor and rest, reading, thinking, study, prayer, and all things, be directed to the accomplishment of this great work. Ministers of Jesus! imitate your Lord! Souls are perishing for lack of knowledge - God has given you the key of the kingdom, the knowledge of his word - O open unto them the gate of life! They are dropping by thousands into hell! O pluck the brands out of the burning!
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
My meat is, &c.--"A Servant here to fulfil a prescribed work, to do and to finish, that is 'meat' to Me; and of this, while you were away, I have had My fill." And of what does He speak thus? Of the condescension, pity, patience, wisdom He had been laying out upon one soul--a very humble woman, and in some respects repulsive too! But He had gained her, and through her was going to gain more, and lay perhaps the foundations of a great work in the country of Samaria; and this filled His whole soul and raised Him above the sense of natural hunger (Mat 4:4).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Jesus saith unto them,.... His disciples: my meat is to do the will of him that sent me. The Ethiopic version reads, "of my Father that sent me", and who is undoubtedly intended. Now as food is pleasant, and delightful, and refreshing to the body of man, so doing the will of God was as delightful and refreshing to the soul of Christ: he took as much pleasure in it, as an hungry man does in eating and drinking. One part of the will of God was to assume human nature; this he had done, and with delight and pleasure: another part of it was to fulfil the law; and this was in his heart, and was his delight, and he was now doing it: and another branch of it was to suffer and die, in the room and stead of his people; and as disagreeable as this was in itself to the human nature, yet he cheerfully agreed to it; and was sometimes, as it were, impatient till it was accomplished; and he voluntarily became obedient to it: no man could, with greater eagerness, fall to eating, when hungry, than Christ went about his Father's will and work, even that which was most ungrateful to him, as man. And to finish his work; one part of which was to preach the Gospel, and for, which he was anointed and sent; and which he did with great assiduity and constancy: and another part of it was the conversion of sinners by it, whom he was sent to call, and with whom he delighted to be; and was the work he was now about, and took the pleasure in, the text expresses: and beside these miracles were works his Father gave him to finish; such as healing diseases, and dispossessing of devils, and which he went about doing continually, with great delight: but the chief, work of all is, that of redemption and salvation of his chosen ones: this was a work his Father called him to, and sent him into this world to perform, which he gave unto him, and Christ accepted of, and agreed to do; and though it was a very toilsome and laborious one, there being a righteous law to be fulfilled, justice to be satisfied, the sins of all his people to bear, as well as the wrath of God, and the curse of the law, and numerous enemies to grapple with, and an accursed death to undergo; yet with pleasure he performed this: for the joy of his Father's will, accomplishing his counsels and covenant, and his own engagements, and procuring the salvation of his people, he endured the cross patiently, and despised the shame of it. The whole of the and work of God was done by him, just as the Lord commanded it; exactly, according to the pattern given him, with all faithfulness and integrity; with the most consummate wisdom and prudence; with all application, diligence, and constancy, and so as to finish it, and that without the help of any other; and in such a manner that nothing can be added to it to make it more perfect, or that it can be undone again by men or devils: and that the doing and finishing of this were his meat, or as delightful and refreshing to him as meat is to the body, appears from his ready and cheerful engaging in it in eternity; from his early and industrious entrance on it in time; from his constancy in it, when he had begun, insomuch that nothing could deter him from it; nor did he sink and fail under it, nor left it till he had finished it.
John 4:34
The Disciples Return and Marvel
33So the disciples asked one another, “Could someone have brought Him food?”34Jesus explained, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work. 35Do you not say, ‘There are still four months until the harvest’? I tell you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are ripe for harvest.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Preachers in the Last Days
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Christians Must Perform the Truth - Part 1
By Stephen Olford2.0K53:56TruthMAT 22:37JHN 4:34JHN 13:341CO 13:41JN 2:72JN 1:5In this sermon, the preacher presents two main propositions. The first proposition is that obedience to truth indicates the authority of God in our lives. The second proposition is that obedience to truth demonstrates the activity of God in our lives. The preacher emphasizes the importance of love for our neighbors and highlights a story of a girl who came to Christ and became a leading officer in the Salvation Army. The sermon also emphasizes the need to love God with all our heart and soul, expressing our love for Him with intensity and emotion. The preacher encourages the congregation to live out their faith by actively helping those in need and by embodying the teachings of the Bible.
Crisis-02 Crisis of Consistency
By Stephen Olford1.9K51:29LUK 2:49JHN 4:34GAL 5:23JAS 4:17In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the crisis of consistency in the lives of believers. He begins by referencing James 4:13-17, where James warns against making plans without acknowledging God's will. The preacher emphasizes the importance of having a belief that behaves, meaning that faith should be accompanied by actions. He also highlights the dangers of worldliness and the need to resist conforming to the ways of the world. The sermon concludes with a reminder that failing to do good when we know we should is considered sin.
(Pdf Book) How to Find God's Will
By Bakht Singh1.7K00:00Finding God's WillEbooksSpiritual GrowthPSA 29:3PRO 3:5ISA 46:10MAT 12:48JHN 4:34JHN 7:17ROM 8:14ROM 12:1EPH 5:171JN 5:14Bakht Singh emphasizes the significance of understanding and following God's will, asserting that it is a believer's privilege and responsibility. He shares his personal journey of learning to seek God's will, highlighting the importance of prayer, willingness to learn, and the conditions necessary to discern God's guidance. Singh outlines the sevenfold importance of knowing God's will, including spiritual growth, effective prayer, and experiencing God's love. He also discusses the conditions required to find God's will and the evidences that confirm one has found it, such as peace, the Word of God, and the witness of fellow believers. Ultimately, he encourages believers to make seeking God's will a daily practice in their lives.
(Genesis #10) Symbol of Revolt
By J. Glyn Owen1.5K47:17Rebellion Of ManJER 31:34EZK 36:26MAT 25:34MAT 25:41JHN 4:34HEB 8:12REV 18:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the greatness of God and His sovereignty. He warns about the spiritual influence of Satan that unites sinners in an evil course, using the story of Babel as an example. The preacher also discusses God's judgment and how it can take different forms. Sometimes, God frustrates the purposes of evil men, as seen in the story of Babel. Other times, He allows people to have what they want, but sends a leanness of soul as a form of judgment. The sermon highlights the importance of recognizing God's authority and seeking righteousness.
Perfect Love Casts Out Fear
By John Piper1.5K35:15Perfect LoveJHN 4:34JHN 19:28JAS 2:221JN 3:141JN 4:17In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of approaching the day of judgment with fearlessness and confidence. He uses the example of a man named Wallace Blom who received a cancer diagnosis to illustrate this point. The preacher explains that when we yield to the power of the Holy Spirit and engage in acts of kindness and love, we feel confident before God. On the other hand, when we are self-centered and focused on worldly comforts, we become weak and insecure. The main message of the sermon is that we should strive to have confidence and boldness for the day of judgment, and to eliminate fear through acts of love and selflessness.
Secret Food
By Jim Cymbala1.4K26:16Will Of GodPRO 3:5ISA 50:7MAT 6:33LUK 9:23JHN 4:34JHN 6:38PHP 3:13In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of "food" that Jesus refers to in the Bible. He explains that Jesus' food is to do the will of God and to finish His work. The speaker emphasizes that Jesus' ministry and preaching were part of God's plan for His life, and that each person has a unique plan and purpose from God. The sermon encourages listeners to seek and follow God's will in their own lives, and to have faith and boldness in carrying out their calling.
God's Glory and Our Motives
By Rolfe Barnard1.4K49:58God's GloryJHN 4:34JHN 5:25ROM 8:29ROM 10:17HEB 2:10HEB 9:12HEB 12:1In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of having the right motives in our service to God. He refers to a text in the Gospel of John where Jesus speaks about doing the will of God. The preacher emphasizes that our motive should be to bring glory to God and to fulfill His purposes. He also mentions the need for personal holiness and a desire to be like Jesus. The sermon concludes with a reminder that God is at work in the world, saving people by His grace and power.
Yosemite Bible Conference 1996-03 More Like Christ
By William MacDonald1.3K46:38Christ LikenessMAT 6:33MAT 11:20LUK 9:51JHN 4:34ACT 20:35The sermon transcript discusses the importance of living a life that reflects the character of Jesus Christ. The speaker emphasizes the need to be more like Jesus in both our actions and words, so that others may be drawn to Him. The sermon also highlights the significance of giving and serving others, as Jesus taught that it is more blessed to give than to receive. The speaker encourages believers to live with integrity and to prioritize kindness and courtesy, even if it means sacrificing personal gain or a good story.
Living as Christ Am Service - Peoples Church
By K.P. Yohannan1.2K33:18Living As ChristMAT 6:33JHN 4:4JHN 4:341JN 2:6In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his personal journey of seeking to understand the humanity of Jesus by reading the four gospels. He emphasizes his desire to live like Jesus and be his disciple. The speaker shares a specific passage from the Gospel of John where Jesus, tired and weary, encounters a woman at a well. This encounter leads the speaker to a realization about his own self-centeredness and the need to repent. He concludes by highlighting the importance of knowing Jesus not just through doctrines, but by understanding his life and offering our own lives to him.
An Invitation to Follow Him
By K.P. Yohannan1.2K20:29Following JesusIntimacy With GodGEN 1:26PSA 42:7ISA 40:31EZK 22:30MRK 1:17JHN 4:34JHN 5:19JHN 15:4ACT 1:41CO 3:13K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the profound invitation from Jesus to follow Him, which transcends mere evangelism and calls for a life of obedience and surrender to God's will. He reflects on how Jesus lived in total dependence on the Father, demonstrating that our actions should stem from a deep relationship with God rather than mere duty or need. Yohannan illustrates this with the story of three stonecutters, highlighting the importance of understanding the 'why' behind our actions. He urges believers to prioritize intimacy with God, as true ministry flows from a life that reflects Christ's love and purpose. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to live as Jesus did, focusing on eternal values rather than worldly distractions.
Pressing on Passing On
By K.P. Yohannan1.1K40:24JHN 4:34This sermon emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God's will and mission, focusing on the story of the Samaritan woman in John 4 and the disciples' journey of understanding Christ's heart for the lost. It challenges listeners to prioritize prayer, fasting, simplicity, and supporting missions as ways to align with God's heart for the world.
Prayer (Compilation)
By Compilations1.0K07:16CompilationMAT 6:33MAT 14:23LUK 5:16LUK 6:12LUK 18:1JHN 4:34In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer in the life of Jesus Christ. He highlights how Jesus would often slip away to the wilderness to pray, showing his deep desire to be in communion with God. The speaker emphasizes that a person's prayer life reveals more about their relationship with God than their preaching does. Jesus taught about prayer, emphasizing the need to pray at all times and not lose heart. The speaker encourages listeners to examine their own prayer lives and strive to be like Jesus, who was a man of prayer.
Challenge of Europe
By George Verwer99743:19EuropeMAT 6:33JHN 4:34In this sermon transcript, the speaker begins by discussing the importance of relaxation and taking breaks in the life of a committed Christian. They mention a book called "Paste of New Wine" by Keith Miller, which emphasizes the continual commitment of oneself and one's problems to God. The speaker also mentions Paul Turnier and his plea for the body of Christ to prioritize prayer for the 50-70 window, which covers Europe. They highlight the presence of nominal Christians in Europe and the potential for rapid conversion and church growth among them. The sermon concludes with quotes from Stanley Jones, emphasizing the opportunity for God to use our circumstances to make us creative.
Ye Are Not Your Own
By Tanner Leibee94644:16Gods PossessionMAT 6:10MAT 6:33LUK 22:42JHN 1:9JHN 4:34JHN 12:491CO 6:19In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing gratitude for the prayers offered for Rebecca and their family. The sermon takes place on the last day of Youth Bible School, and the speaker emphasizes that our outer life is a reflection of our inner life. The speaker then directs the audience to 1 Corinthians 6, where it is stated that believers are bought and owned by God. The sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing God as the captain of our lives and surrendering our rights to Him.
Having a Passion to Reach the Lost World
By K.P. Yohannan94226:19MAT 9:37JHN 4:34This sermon delves into the life of Jesus on Earth, emphasizing the challenges and temptations he faced as a man, and how he prioritized doing the will of the Father above all else. It highlights the importance of seeing the world through God's eyes, praying fervently even when we don't feel like it, and being willing to go wherever God calls us. The message encourages a deep, heartfelt connection with God's love and compassion for the lost, urging believers to actively participate in spreading the Gospel and building God's kingdom.
Examining Your Motives
By Rolfe Barnard87639:23MotivesJHN 4:34In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the importance of doing the will of God and finishing His work. He references a Bible verse from the fourth chapter of the Gospel of John, verse 34, which states that doing God's will brings satisfaction and fulfillment. The speaker also shares a story about Mr. Burns, who experienced a revival while working in Mr. McChain's parish in Scotland. The sermon emphasizes the need for the church to produce people who reflect the character of Christ and highlights the key purpose of God, which is to promote and display the glory of Jesus.
Jesus Christ Is Lord - Lord of the Will
By J. Glyn Owen84346:03Will Of ManMAT 4:10MAT 6:33MAT 11:28MAT 16:23MRK 1:32LUK 4:1JHN 4:34In this sermon, the speaker shares a story about a young boy who set his school on fire because his bubblegum was taken away. The speaker then mentions a famous statue of Jesus in Copenhagen Cathedral and emphasizes that seeing it from a distance does not capture its true glory. The main message of the sermon is that true discipleship involves total dedication to doing the Father's will, just as Jesus exemplified in his life. Jesus refused every alternative to the Father's will and called people to follow him without compromise, acting as Lord.
(Colossians) the Body and the Head
By Brian Brodersen8381:00:37JHN 4:34COL 1:18In this sermon, the speaker reads and discusses John 4:34-38, where Jesus talks about doing the will of God and the harvest being ready. The speaker relates this passage to their own experience of being called to preach on revival and how God has given them a vision for ministry. They mention that their church has a reputation for being focused on missions and planting churches. The speaker also shares a personal testimony of how God challenged them to grow up and take their calling seriously.
The Power of Obedience
By Basilea Schlink76404:35Radio ShowMAT 16:24JHN 4:34ROM 12:2EPH 6:6JAS 1:221PE 2:181JN 2:17In this sermon transcript, Basilia Schlink discusses the power of obedience in our lives. She acknowledges that obedience is often seen as unpopular, especially among young people who strive for independence. However, she emphasizes that obedience to God's will is the way to experience joy and glory. Jesus' life serves as an example of loving, trusting, and complete surrender to the will of God. Schlink encourages listeners to follow Jesus' example and surrender to God's will, even in difficult circumstances, as this will bring strength and fulfillment to their lives.
Diety of Christ 02 the Only Begotten
By Worth Ellis74443:26MRK 13:31JHN 4:34JHN 6:38JHN 8:26JHN 8:281PE 3:152PE 3:15In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of accepting and believing the truth found in the Word of God without trying to explain it. He encourages the audience to trust in the transcendental and transcendent nature of God's truth. The preacher also highlights the deity of Jesus Christ, stating that he is the one who died for our sins and is God in human form. He references Bible verses such as 1 Peter 3:15 and 2 Peter 3:15 to support his points and urges the audience to be ready to defend their faith with meekness and fear.
(Isaiah) the Glory of the Messiah’s Character
By David Guzik73754:44ISA 11:1ISA 11:6JHN 4:34REV 19:15In this sermon, the speaker discusses the power of Jesus' words to judge the wicked. The righteousness and justice of Jesus are described as being like belts around his waist. The sermon also mentions the glorious reign of the Messiah, where there will be a transformation in the relationship between animals and humans. The speaker references Romans 8:19-22, which talks about the creation eagerly waiting for the revealing of the sons of God and being delivered from corruption into the liberty of the children of God. The sermon concludes by emphasizing the transformation of the mind and heart of man, where the knowledge of the Lord will cover the earth completely.
(Through the Bible) John - Part 1
By Zac Poonen52358:16JHN 4:34This sermon delves into various passages from the Gospel of John, highlighting the significance of Jesus as God's Word made flesh, the importance of surrendering to God's will, the need to work in alignment with the Holy Spirit, and the power of faith over seeking honor from men. It emphasizes the principles of waiting on God's initiative, not seeking glory from people, and trusting in God's timing for healing and guidance.
Jacob's Well
By Bakht Singh3981:54:33JacobMAT 6:33JHN 3:3JHN 4:6JHN 4:31JHN 4:34JHN 4:36In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well in John chapter 4. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the concept of harvest and how it relates to our spiritual lives. The preacher highlights that Jesus came to the well not only to open the disciples' spiritual eyes but also to teach them how to worship. He emphasizes that true worship is a crucial need among believers today and that coming to the well can satisfy our hunger and thirst.
(Radical Jesus) 40 Radical Discipleship
By Glenn Meldrum30924:53DiscipleshipPRO 27:17MAT 6:33JHN 4:34JHN 6:38In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of relationships in the Christian life and discipleship. He uses a parable about a deformed man and a village of hunchbacks to illustrate the fallen state of humanity and the perfection of Jesus. The preacher highlights that discipleship is hindered if relationships with God and others are not properly established or maintained. He also emphasizes the need for preaching the Gospel and learning God's Word in order to grow in discipleship. The sermon concludes by emphasizing the importance of having a deep and obedient relationship with Christ, mirroring the perfect relationship between the Father, Son, and Spirit.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
My meat is to do the will of him that sent me - In these words, our blessed Lord teaches a lesson of zeal and earnestness to his apostles, and to all their successors in the Christian ministry. Let the salvation of souls lie nearer your heart than life itself. Let eating and drinking, labor and rest, reading, thinking, study, prayer, and all things, be directed to the accomplishment of this great work. Ministers of Jesus! imitate your Lord! Souls are perishing for lack of knowledge - God has given you the key of the kingdom, the knowledge of his word - O open unto them the gate of life! They are dropping by thousands into hell! O pluck the brands out of the burning!
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
My meat is, &c.--"A Servant here to fulfil a prescribed work, to do and to finish, that is 'meat' to Me; and of this, while you were away, I have had My fill." And of what does He speak thus? Of the condescension, pity, patience, wisdom He had been laying out upon one soul--a very humble woman, and in some respects repulsive too! But He had gained her, and through her was going to gain more, and lay perhaps the foundations of a great work in the country of Samaria; and this filled His whole soul and raised Him above the sense of natural hunger (Mat 4:4).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Jesus saith unto them,.... His disciples: my meat is to do the will of him that sent me. The Ethiopic version reads, "of my Father that sent me", and who is undoubtedly intended. Now as food is pleasant, and delightful, and refreshing to the body of man, so doing the will of God was as delightful and refreshing to the soul of Christ: he took as much pleasure in it, as an hungry man does in eating and drinking. One part of the will of God was to assume human nature; this he had done, and with delight and pleasure: another part of it was to fulfil the law; and this was in his heart, and was his delight, and he was now doing it: and another branch of it was to suffer and die, in the room and stead of his people; and as disagreeable as this was in itself to the human nature, yet he cheerfully agreed to it; and was sometimes, as it were, impatient till it was accomplished; and he voluntarily became obedient to it: no man could, with greater eagerness, fall to eating, when hungry, than Christ went about his Father's will and work, even that which was most ungrateful to him, as man. And to finish his work; one part of which was to preach the Gospel, and for, which he was anointed and sent; and which he did with great assiduity and constancy: and another part of it was the conversion of sinners by it, whom he was sent to call, and with whom he delighted to be; and was the work he was now about, and took the pleasure in, the text expresses: and beside these miracles were works his Father gave him to finish; such as healing diseases, and dispossessing of devils, and which he went about doing continually, with great delight: but the chief, work of all is, that of redemption and salvation of his chosen ones: this was a work his Father called him to, and sent him into this world to perform, which he gave unto him, and Christ accepted of, and agreed to do; and though it was a very toilsome and laborious one, there being a righteous law to be fulfilled, justice to be satisfied, the sins of all his people to bear, as well as the wrath of God, and the curse of the law, and numerous enemies to grapple with, and an accursed death to undergo; yet with pleasure he performed this: for the joy of his Father's will, accomplishing his counsels and covenant, and his own engagements, and procuring the salvation of his people, he endured the cross patiently, and despised the shame of it. The whole of the and work of God was done by him, just as the Lord commanded it; exactly, according to the pattern given him, with all faithfulness and integrity; with the most consummate wisdom and prudence; with all application, diligence, and constancy, and so as to finish it, and that without the help of any other; and in such a manner that nothing can be added to it to make it more perfect, or that it can be undone again by men or devils: and that the doing and finishing of this were his meat, or as delightful and refreshing to him as meat is to the body, appears from his ready and cheerful engaging in it in eternity; from his early and industrious entrance on it in time; from his constancy in it, when he had begun, insomuch that nothing could deter him from it; nor did he sink and fail under it, nor left it till he had finished it.