“And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.”– John 5:40 (KJV)
“Yet you refuse to come to me to receive this life.”– John 5:40 (NLT)
“But you refuse to take me up on it; you refuse to come to me so I can give you this life.” – John 5:40 (MSG)
What Does John 5:40 Mean?
In the Gospel of John, we witness Jesus revealing profound truths about himself and His purpose. When we read John 5:40, we encounter Jesus addressing the religious leaders of His time. This verse captures a significant moment where Jesus identifies a serious issue: the unwillingness of the people to come to Him for spiritual life. This refusal isn’t just a lack of interest; it is an open invitation to receive life from Him that they are choosing to ignore.
At the heart of this verse is the concept of life, particularly the eternal life that Jesus offers. He desires to offer us something incredibly precious — a relationship with Him that leads to everlasting life. However, the tragedy comes in realizing that many people, despite hearing about Him and witnessing His miracles, still choose not to accept this gift. This is a reality that resonates even today, as we see many people around us who refuse this life-giving relationship.
John 5:40 Explanation and Commentary
When Jesus states, “Ye will not come to me,” it articulates a willful rejection. He does not force Himself upon anyone; instead, He offers life freely, waiting for us to accept it. This is incredibly important because the choice lies within us. Jesus desires that none should perish but have everlasting life (2 Peter 3:9). Here, He repeats the invitation yet also expresses heartbreak over the refusal from those to whom He speaks.
This sentiment is echoed throughout scripture, where God extends His hand to His people, desiring their return to Him. In Luke 14:18-20, we see a similar reluctance where people make excuses about why they cannot come to the feast the master has prepared. Also in Matthew 23:37, Jesus laments over Jerusalem, expressing a desire to gather them like a hen gathering her chicks but highlighting their unwillingness. This illustrates a recurring theme: God’s heart desires relationship with us, yet many choose to turn away.
As followers of Christ, we find ourselves in a unique position. We have tasted and seen that the Lord is good (Psalm 34:8), and we are called to share this hope with others. We should view people who are resistant as opportunities to show God’s love, understanding that their journey might be influenced by past experiences, doubts, or fears. Our objective should not simply be about convincing but about love and relationship.
Recognition of God’s grace brings freedom, as we understand that our worthiness is not determined by anything we have done but is rooted in Christ’s sacrifice. Yet, it is vital for us to come to Him, to seek His presence and submit our lives to His will. The life He offers is transformative, filling the void that nothing else can.
Context of John 5:40
To gain a fuller understanding of John 5:40, we must consider its immediate context. Jesus had just performed a miracle by healing a man who was paralyzed for thirty-eight years (John 5:1-9). This act of compassion unveiled His authority and power as the Son of God. However, this miracle took place on the Sabbath, causing controversy and leading to an intense confrontation with the Jewish leaders.
Jesus uses this moment to explain His relationship with God the Father, stating that He works just as the Father works (John 5:17). With this assertion, He claims equality with God, which deeply angers the religious leaders. In their eyes, the laws of the Sabbath were being undermined, and they were unwilling to see the true nature of Jesus’s identity and mission. Here lies a crucial point: the leaders were so wrapped up in the rituals and rules that they missed the very purpose of these laws, which was to lead them to a relationship with God.
Reflecting on this situation can lead us to ask ourselves whether we might ever be guilty of missing the big picture in our faith. Are there aspects of tradition or religious practice that distract us from truly experiencing God’s love? Life in Christ is not just about rules; it is about relationship, connection, and transformation through Him. Recognizing how the religious leaders failed helps us to approach our faith with new perspective, ensuring that we are responsive to God’s call.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of John 5:40
We see two fundamental elements in this verse: the invitation from Jesus and the response from the people. “Ye will not come to me” indicates a deliberate choice. This makes it clear that Jesus respects our free will; He does not impose Himself on us. God longs for us to voluntarily seek Him out, to desire a relationship with Him. The choice to come or not is ours alone.
Understanding the word “come” is essential. Jesus invites us to bring our burdens, our fears, and our doubts to Him (Matthew 11:28-30). To “come” signifies an act of faith and trust in Him. It means stepping out of our comfort zones and entering a new life that He promises — one filled with purpose and direction.
Next, we must consider the implications of not coming to Him. The verse states “that ye might have life.” This highlights the reality that without Him, we lack true life. Many of us may chase after worldly pleasures, accolades, or connections, believing that they will bring us satisfaction. However, only Jesus can provide the abundant life that our souls crave (John 10:10). Our desire for significance and fulfillment can only be found in Him.
In a world filled with distraction, we must be mindful of keeping our hearts aligned with Christ. Let’s think about how we can encourage others to explore their faith. Are we creating environments of acceptance and understanding that allow others to feel safe while they wrestle with their beliefs? We carry the responsibility to represent Christ’s love to a world desperate for hope.
Lessons to Learn From John 5:40
The primary lesson that emerges from John 5:40 is significant. It brings us to reflect on our willingness to seek Jesus. As we engage with the verse, we see that we often have opportunities to connect with God throughout our lives. The invitation for a deeper relationship with Him is always present, but we are called to respond.
From the example of the religious leaders, we learn that knowledge doesn’t equate to faith. We can know a lot about scripture, attend services, and engage in religious activities, yet still miss the heart of the Gospel. Thus, genuine faith comes from a heart open to receiving Jesus and an understanding of His grace. Our faith should lead to action, compelling us to share the love of Christ with others.
As we recognize God’s longing for relationship with us, it reshapes our understanding of grace. We do not earn our way into God’s favor; instead, it is freely given through belief in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9). This releases us from the burden of perfectionism and reminds us that we are beloved children of the King.
Furthermore, John 5:40 serves as motivation to reach out to those around us who have yet to accept the invitation of Christ. It ought to inspire compassion, pushing us to reflect on how we can engage others in meaningful conversations about faith. We are messengers of hope, reminding others that life is found in choosing to follow Jesus.
Final Thoughts
As we wrap up our exploration of John 5:40, we are reminded of the importance of coming to Jesus for true life. His invitation stands, waiting for our response. Each day offers us new opportunities to draw closer to Him, to receive His love, and to offer that love to others. It’s a continuous journey, one that we undertake together as a community of believers.
While navigating our own faith, let us be aware of the opportunities to encourage others to come into a relationship with Him. Let us embody Christ’s love, proving that the life He offers is transformative and worth sharing. For more insights on faith lessons, you might be interested in exploring what Leviticus teaches us or examining the powerful narratives in Luke. Let us keep encouraging one another and walk this beautiful path of faith together.