John 5:39-47 is about Jesus warning the religious leaders that their diligent study of scriptures will not lead to eternal life unless they recognize that the scriptures point to Him as the fulfillment of God’s plan for salvation and believe in Him.
39 You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me,
40 yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life.
41 I do not receive glory from people.
42 But I know that you do not have the love of God within you.
43 I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not receive me. If another comes in his own name, you will receive him.
44 How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?
45 Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father. There is one who accuses you: Moses, on whom you have set your hope.
46 For if you believed Moses, you would believe me; for he wrote of me.
47 But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?”
Setting the Scene for John 5:39-47
In John chapter 5, Jesus is speaking to a group of Jewish religious leaders in Jerusalem. The scene is set in the temple, a place of great significance for the Jewish people. The religious leaders have gathered to question Jesus about his teachings and actions, as they are skeptical of his authority and claim to be the Son of God.
Among the religious leaders present are Pharisees, scribes, and other prominent figures in the Jewish community. They are well-versed in the scriptures and are known for their strict adherence to religious laws and traditions. They have come to challenge Jesus and test his knowledge of the scriptures, hoping to find fault with his teachings.
Jesus, aware of their intentions, confronts them about their lack of true faith and understanding of the scriptures. He points out that they diligently search the scriptures for eternal life, yet fail to recognize that the scriptures testify about him. Jesus urges them to believe in him and his teachings, as he is the fulfillment of the prophecies and promises found in the scriptures. The scene is tense as Jesus rebukes the religious leaders for their hardened hearts and refusal to accept him as the Messiah.
What is John 5:39-47 about?
This verse from the Bible sheds light on the profound frustration Jesus felt towards religious leaders who were steeped in knowledge of the Scriptures but failed to recognize Him as the fulfillment of those very prophecies. It serves as a poignant reminder that knowledge alone is not enough; true faith requires a humble and open heart to truly understand and accept the teachings of Jesus. We are encouraged to examine our own lives as we reflect on this verse. Are we like the religious leaders, consumed with knowledge but lacking in true faith and understanding? Do we allow pride and preconceived notions to blind us from recognizing Jesus in our midst? This verse challenges us to go beyond mere intellectual understanding and to truly seek a personal and transformative relationship with Christ. Let us heed the warning in this verse and strive to cultivate a deep and genuine faith in Jesus, surpassing mere knowledge and permeating every aspect of our lives. May we approach the Scriptures with humility and an open heart, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us in recognizing and following the true teachings of Christ.
Understanding what John 5:39-47 really means
In John 5:39-47, we find Jesus addressing the Jewish leaders who are questioning His authority and identity. The main theme revolves around the testimony of Scripture regarding Jesus and the failure of the Jewish leaders to recognize Him. Jesus starts by pointing out that the Jewish leaders diligently study the Scriptures, believing that through them, they can attain eternal life. However, He emphasizes that these very Scriptures testify about Him, indicating that He is the fulfillment of the law and the prophets.
Despite their deep knowledge of the Scriptures, the Jewish leaders refuse to come to Jesus to receive the life He offers. Jesus highlights the connection between belief in Him and belief in Moses, a revered figure in Jewish faith. He asserts that Moses wrote about Him, indicating that true faith in the writings of Moses should lead them to believe in Jesus as well. This challenges the Jewish leaders to move beyond mere intellectual understanding of the Scriptures to a personal acceptance of Jesus as the promised Messiah.
In Luke 24:27, Jesus explains to the disciples how all Scriptures point to Him, reinforcing the idea that He is the central figure in God’s redemptive plan. Deuteronomy 18:15, where Moses speaks of a prophet like him whom the people should listen to, is interpreted by Christians as a reference to Jesus, further solidifying the connection between Jesus and the Old Testament. John 1:45 shows Philip recognizing Jesus as the one Moses wrote about in the law, underscoring the continuity between the Old and New Testaments.
The relevance of this passage to people today lies in its call to understand Scripture not just for knowledge’s sake but to grasp its true message about Jesus. It challenges readers to recognize Jesus as the fulfillment of the Scriptures and to seek Him for eternal life. The passage emphasizes the importance of faith that goes beyond intellectual comprehension to a personal relationship with Jesus, echoing the need for a transformative encounter with Him.
To illustrate this point, consider a person who meticulously studies a map in search of treasure but, upon reaching the destination, fails to dig because they are fixated on the map itself. Similarly, the Jewish leaders, engrossed in the Scriptures, missed the treasure they pointed to—Jesus. In conclusion, John 5:39-47 urges readers to delve deeper into Scripture, moving beyond surface-level understanding to encounter the living Word, Jesus Christ. It serves as a poignant reminder that true life and comprehension stem from a vibrant relationship with Him, transcending mere knowledge of the law.
How can we truly believe in God’s word?
To truly believe in God’s word as described in John 5:39-47, we must recognize that the Scriptures point to Jesus as the source of eternal life. We ultimately place our faith in God’s Word by believing in Jesus. This means understanding that the writings in the Bible are not an end in themselves but are meant to lead us to a deeper relationship with Christ.
Believing in God’s word also entails understanding that the Scriptures testify about Jesus and His message of salvation. We can experience the transforming power of God’s Word in our lives by studying the Bible with a heart open to receiving and following the teachings of Jesus. This belief is not just about intellectual acknowledgment but about actively living out the truths found in the Bible through faith. Recognizing Jesus as the fulfillment of the Scriptures truly involves believing in God’s word. We should seek to align our lives with the values and principles taught by Jesus as we read and meditate on the Word of God. This kind of genuine belief requires a personal commitment to living according to God’s Word and trusting in His promises for our lives.
Application
Think of the Scriptures as your personal roadmap to understanding Jesus. Just like you strive to succeed at work or nurture your family, dedicate yourself to delving into God’s Word. Approach it with an open heart, ready to be transformed. Are you willing to truly know Jesus and live out His teachings by committing to study the Scriptures today?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.