My Food is to Do the Will of the Father John 4:34 Devotional

In this John 4:34 devotional, we’ll take a good look at the meaning of Jesus’ words when He said, ” My food is to do the will of the Father”, and how we can do the work God has prepared for us this Thanksgiving and beyond.

The Meaning of John 4:34

A little while back, God told me, “Do the work.” And the funny thing is, it takes a lot of work to do the work! 😊 For Christians, it’s not enough to simply know the will of God. We must also carry it out. That’s exactly what Jesus was talking about in this inspiring scripture…

My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to accomplish His work.
John 4:34 NASB

In this passage, Jesus reveals the source of His fulfillment, doing the will of the Father and completing the work assigned to Him. He wasn’t focused on His physical hunger but on the spiritual nourishment that came from His obedience to God. Jesus knew the Father’s will, and His entire mission was centered around carrying out that divine purpose. He’s not only our Savior but our perfect example of obedience and faithfulness to following God’s plan for our lives.

As we gather for Thanksgiving, enjoying the abundant food and fellowship we’re sure to enjoy, we can also reflect on Jesus’ example. Just as He was focused on God’s work, we are also called to seek and accomplish the work God has given to each of us. The first step is to ask God what He desires from us, through prayer, reflection, and seeking His will. And then we must take action. While doing God’s work may not always be easy, we can be certain it will bring eternal rewards and deep spiritual fulfillment.

What Does it Mean to Do the Will of the Father?

In John 4:34, we see Jesus responding to His disciples after His conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well. They urged Him to eat, but His reply was powerful, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me.” Jesus wasn’t just talking about physical food. His true nourishment came from fulfilling the mission that God gave Him. Doing the will of the Father was His sustenance, the very thing that sustained Him spiritually.

For Jesus, accomplishing the Father’s work wasn’t just a task to be completed, it was His purpose on earth. Just as physical food keeps our bodies alive, doing God’s work fed His spirit. And as Christians, we’re called to follow that same path. The will of the Father should be our source of strength, joy, and our main focus in life.

Our spiritual eyes need to be open to the work God has prepared for us. This might mean sharing the gospel of eternal life in Jesus, bearing witness to the truth of God’s Word, or simply loving and serving others as Christ did. The world is just as ripe for harvest now as it was in the days when Jesus walked the earth. Jesus’ words in John 4:34 challenge us to step into the harvest field with great delight and great assiduity, knowing that the work we do for God is eternal. Just as Jesus found purpose and satisfaction in doing God’s will, we too will find fulfillment in the work He calls us to do. Here’s what Jesus said about this…

Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.

John 4:35 New International Version

John 4:34 Free Printable Scripture Art for Thanksgiving.

This free Bible Verse printable will remind you to follow God’s will for you and do the work this Thanksgiving. Use it for inspirational Autumn wall decor in your Christian home, fall-themed handouts, or encouraging Sunday school lessons!

To download this printable scripture, just click on the picture.

Seeking God’s Will

Before we can do the work, we must first understand God’s will for our lives. This isn’t always easy. Sometimes, it might feel like a puzzle, but God’s Word, the Holy Bible, offers us guidance.

In the Old Testament, God reveals His will to His people through commandments, laws, and prophecies. This righteous law, also called the Mosiac Law, provided a roadmap for them to follow. Likewise, the New Testament shows us how to live in the light of Christ’s teaching. Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promises, and His life gives us a blueprint for doing God’s work in the modern world.

When we open our Bibles and seek God’s wisdom, scripture quotations like John 4:34 remind us that doing the work of the Father isn’t an option but a calling. Jesus set the example. He knew the will of the Father and pursued it with greater eagerness than anything else.

Our role is to follow Him, to discern God’s will through prayer, reflection, and study of the Word. Like the Samaritan woman who discovered the Living Water of Jesus, we must seek also God with our whole hearts. Once we know His will, we can step out in faith and begin the work.

Doing the Work: God’s Hand in Your Life

We often talk about seeing God’s hand in our lives, but what does that look like when it comes to doing His work? God’s hand guides us, equips us, and sustains us as we labor in the kingdom of God. Just as He provided for Jesus in His ministry, He provides for us too.

Think of the times when you’ve felt inadequate or unsure about what God was calling you to do. Maybe you’ve questioned your ability to share the gospel or step into a leadership role. But it’s in those moments of doubt that God’s hand becomes evident. He strengthens us for the work ahead. The Samaritan woman’s testimony is a perfect example of this. She had no formal religious training, no great status, yet Jesus chose her to be a witness to her community. Through her, many people came to know the Savior of the world.

Many Samaritans from the village believed in Jesus because the woman had said, “He told me everything I ever did!”

John 4:39 New Living Translation

God’s hand is also at work in the harvest time. In harvest fields both literal and spiritual, God moves through His people to bring in a great yield. When we see numerous enemies or obstacles standing in our way, God’s hand clears the path. The salvation of His people is His ultimate goal, and we’re privileged to be part of that work.

Then He said to them, “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.

Luke 10:2 New King James Version

Jesus’ Example: Staying Focused on the Mission

Jesus never lost sight of His mission, even when distractions came. He knew that His purpose was to accomplish the will of the Father, and nothing, not even food or rest, could deter Him. His focus on the commandment of His lips was unwavering, even as He faced the most difficult parts of His journey, like the crucifixion. Jesus’ prayer, “Let this cup pass from me,” shows us that while the work may be hard, it’s always worth it.

And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.

Matthew 26:39 English Standard Version

Sometimes we feel pulled in many different directions. Our own will can get in the way, making us hesitant to pursue what God has placed in front of us. But by following Jesus’ example, we can press on with much pleasure, knowing that we are fulfilling the will of the Father.

Opening Our Spiritual Eyes to the Harvest Field

Jesus urged His disciples to lift their heads and see that the fields were ready for harvest. This is just as true today as it was then. The world is full of people searching for truth, for meaning, for the salvation that only Jesus Christ can offer. Our role is to open our spiritual eyes to the opportunities around us, to see where God is calling us to sow seeds of faith and reap the harvest.

When we look around, we might see brokenness and hurt. We may even feel the weight of our own engagements, busy schedules, and obligations pulling us away from our Kingdom work. But if we follow Jesus’ lead, we’ll realize that our greatest fulfillment doesn’t come from the busyness of life but from doing the will of God. His most consummate wisdom shows us that the harvest is indeed plentiful, and our part in it is vital.

The Satisfaction of Doing God’s Work

Just as Jesus found great delight in doing the will of His Father, we can also find satisfaction in fulfilling the work God has given to us. This satisfaction is deeper than any physical nourishment. It’s the portion of food that sustains us spiritually and gives us purpose. Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman reminds us that even in our daily lives, we can be part of something much greater, God’s redemptive plan for the world.

As you reflect on Jesus’ words in John 4:34, remember that the work God has given you is not a burden, it’s a blessing. Whether it’s sharing your faith with a friend, serving your church, or simply living out your testimony in daily interactions, you’re playing a crucial role in the kingdom of God.

Embracing the Work of God’s Kingdom

The will of the Father is clear, we’re to love God, love others, and share the Good News of Jesus Christ. In doing so, we’ll find true fulfillment, just like Jesus did. This Thanksgiving, as you sit around the table with your loved ones, take a moment to reflect on the work God has called you to. What role does He have for you in the harvest field? How can you see God’s hand guiding you in your daily life?

Remember, doing the will of God may require effort, but it also brings great joy and peace. As we follow the example of Christ, let’s commit ourselves to the work, knowing that it’s the most fulfilling thing we can do. The harvest is ready, and we’re called to work in it. So, let’s follow Jesus with great eagerness, finding great delight in doing the will of the Father.

I’m praying for you to have a rewarding and blessed Autumn as you follow Jesus and do the work!!! Happy Thanksgiving!