Q&A: Doing God's Will

Question

What did Jesus mean when he said spoke of "those who do the will of my Father"? Was he talking about works?

Answer

When Jesus talks about the will of his Father, he refers in part to good works, and in part to belief. For example, in Matthew 7:21-23, those who did not do the will of the Father are those who practice lawlessness -- a clear reference to works. The context of Matthew 12:50, however, includes works (Matt. 12:30-32,35-37,41) and suggests faith (Matt. 12:34,41). John explicitly equated works with faith (John 6:29), so that we may say that the will of God includes both works and faith. Those who do the will of the Father are those who believe, and who, from their believing hearts, produce the fruit of good works.