“And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not.”– John 5:38 (KJV)
“And you do not have his message in your hearts, because you do not believe me—the one he sent to you.”– John 5:38 (NLT)
“But you do not have his message in your hearts, because you do not believe me, the one he sent to you.”– John 5:38 (MSG)
What Does John 5:38 Mean?
In this verse, Jesus is speaking to the Jewish leaders who are questioning him. He is highlighting the lack of belief they have in him and, by extension, in the scriptures that testify about him. It is a powerful statement, showing that the religious leaders, despite their knowledge of the law and the prophets, have not truly accepted the word of God in their hearts. This verse encourages us to ponder our own beliefs and the extent to which we allow God’s word to influence our lives, prompting us to interrogate our hearts about what we truly believe.
We might think we know the scriptures well, but this verse challenges us to not merely recite them but to embrace and live by them. Jesus calls on us to cultivate a relationship with him that goes beyond surface-level understanding. It reminds us that having the word in our hearts is essential for genuine faith. This is not just about head knowledge; it’s about transformation from within that comes through genuine belief in Jesus Christ and his teachings. When we accept Jesus, we also embrace the truth of God’s word, allowing it to permeate every aspect of our lives.
John 5:38 Explanation and Commentary
In John 5:38, we see Jesus confronting the religious leaders about their disbelief. He diagnoses a spiritual problem that echoes throughout the scripture—people failing to accept the truth that is right in front of them. These leaders prided themselves in their knowledge and adherence to the law, yet they missed its true purpose. They clung tightly to their traditions and interpretations, forgetting that the law was meant to point them toward the Messiah.
This is significant for us today. We can often fall into the same traps as the Pharisees and scribes of Jesus’ time, thinking that merely knowing scripture is enough. But the essence of faith is not just intellectual acknowledgment. It requires a heartfelt acceptance of the message that Jesus brings. Jesus calls us beyond knowledge. He urges us to actively believe in him—the one whom God has sent, who fulfills the Law and the Prophets. When we practice faith in relation to God’s word, it brings about a transformation within us, allowing the truth to come alive in us.
We can also draw parallels to other scripture passages like Hebrews 4:12, which states that the word of God is alive and active, sharper than any two-edged sword. This emphasizes that God’s message is not just ink on paper. It is powerful and can penetrate our hearts to bring about change. Engaging with God’s word should lead us to a deeper relationship with Him. So, the question naturally arises: Are we truly allowing the word of God to take root in our hearts? Are we genuinely believing, or are we just going through the motions?
It’s vital to not just hear his words but to internalize them—letting them shape our actions, our minds, and our very lives. Jesus points out that these leaders do not possess the word because they do not believe in him. Our belief should lead us to have the word of God actively residing within us, shaping who we are and how we live day by day.
Context of John 5:38
As we consider the context of John 5:38, it’s essential to remember that it is part of a larger chapter where Jesus is healing on the Sabbath, which angers the Jewish authorities. They confront him not just for the healing but for claiming equality with God in his relationship as God’s Son. John writes this passage to show his audience the rejection Jesus faces from the very people who should recognize him as the Messiah.
The cultural and religious background of Jesus’ audience cannot be overlooked. The Pharisees and Sadducees were passionate about the law, yet their adherence has become legalistic. Jesus’ response exposes their heart issues—it’s not enough to know the scriptures merely; one must lead a life that reflects a relationship with God. Jesus highlights that they search the scriptures thinking that in them they have eternal life while missing the point that these scriptures testify about him (John 5:39).
This context challenges us to examine our own attitudes toward faith and righteousness. Are we more concerned about following rules than knowing God? Are we more like the Jewish leaders—knowledgeable but lacking in real relationship with God? The challenge is to not miss who Jesus is and what he offers us through this intimate relationship.
As we take in the meaning of this verse and its surrounding context, we are welcomed into a deeper understanding of Jesus’ mission—one defined by relationship and salvation—not by blind adherence to the law. In our devotion and worship of God, we should prioritize knowing him through the living word and allowing it to shape our beliefs and behaviors.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of John 5:38
The key parts of John 5:38 reveal layers upon layers of meaning. “Ye have not his word abiding in you,” indicates that the Jewish leaders have not allowed God’s message to take root in their hearts. This critical condition points out a significant discrepancy; they are experts in the text but devoid of a living faith. We all must ask ourselves—are we in a similar situation with our own faith walks?
The phrase “for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not,” highlights the ultimate rejection of Jesus. Here, Jesus points out their specific disbelief in him, the one sent by God. It’s a direct call for self-assessment—what do we truly believe? If we struggle with areas of faith, Jesus beckons us to come closer, investigate, and adjust our hearts. Belief is a process, often involving questioning, examining evidence, and seeking understanding.
Moreover, we should understand that Jesus’ call to believe is as much about action as it is about thought. Belief in Jesus is transformative. Our faith is not passive; it should motivate us to live out the message in our day-to-day lives. The word ‘abiding’ calls for a commitment, suggesting a need for us to experience a continual relationship with God’s word, allowing it to influence our lives significantly.
This verse ultimately invites us to reflect on how we engage with God’s word. Is it alive in us? Are we allowing it to change us? Reflecting on these questions can help us grow in our faith and our ability to connect deeply with God.
Lessons to Learn From John 5:38
From John 5:38, we comprehend various lessons that can be applied to our lives today. One major lesson is that intellectual knowledge of God’s word does not equate to faith. We can absorb all the biblical knowledge available, but if that knowledge does not lead us to a relationship with Jesus, it is incomplete. We should actively seek to allow the scriptures to influence every part of our lives, contributing to a deeper understanding of God.
Another lesson is that faith requires action. John 5:38 conveys that belief involves more than just recognition; it calls for a genuine commitment and willingness to walk in the light of that belief. Just as the Jewish leaders were stuck in their inability to see Jesus, we can also find ourselves trapped in doubt or skepticism. The challenge is to choose to accept Jesus and embody his teachings in our lives. By doing so, we not only honor God but also enrich our spiritual journeys.
The importance of open hearts to God’s truth cannot be emphasized enough. When we possess hearts that remain receptive to God’s word, we foster growth and transformation in our relationship with Him. Acts 17:11 tells us about the Berean believers, who examined the Scriptures daily to see if what they were taught was true. They serve as an example of how we should approach our faith—checking to ensure it lines up with God’s word and allowing it to shape our understanding of life and faith.
Additionally, it’s essential to be mindful of who we place our faith in. Jesus calls us directly to him, and that’s where our focus should be. In a world filled with distractions and differing ideologies, maintaining our eyes on Jesus as our ultimate source of truth is crucial for grounding our beliefs. In doing so, we not only grow spiritually but also effectively share that hope with others.
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on John 5:38, let’s think about our relationship with both scripture and Jesus Christ. The challenge is to move from a mere intellectual acknowledgment of God’s word to allowing it to dwell in us richly. We should strive to live out our beliefs with authenticity. In this way, we unite the truths that Jesus speaks with our hearts, allowing us to flourish spiritually.
We can take heart in knowing that Jesus is gentle and patient with us. He invites us to a deeper understanding and to fully engage with the message he has for us. By nurturing our relationship with him, we can experience life in abundance that He promises through the fullness of the gospel. If you find yourself yearning for more, consider exploring topics related to the law and the prophets in Leviticus or learning about Jesus’ teaching in Luke. Dive into these topics and allow God’s word to transform your life!