Come To Me So That You May Have Life
In John 5:39-40, Jesus delivers a poignant message to the religious leaders of his time, unveiling a profound truth about the purpose of Scripture and the pathway to eternal life. He admonishes them, saying, "You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me; and you are unwilling to come to Me so that you may have life."
Jesus's words were specifically directed at the Pharisees and religious leaders, a group known for their strict adherence to the Jewish law and their emphasis on religious rituals and traditions. They had become preoccupied with the outward observance of religious practices, including the study of Scripture, while missing the heart of God's message. This rebuke serves as a reminder to all believers of the importance of approaching Scripture with a heart open to encountering Jesus, rather than merely seeking knowledge or religious fulfillment.
Jesus unveils a crucial misconception held by many: the belief that eternal life can be attained solely through diligent study of the Scriptures. While Scripture indeed holds great importance as the written revelation of God's will and character, Jesus emphasizes that its ultimate purpose is to bear witness to Him—to point humanity to the source of true life, which is found in Him alone. This passage challenges us to reevaluate our approach to Scripture, urging us to read it not merely for intellectual knowledge or religious rituals, but with a heart open to encountering the living Word of God, Jesus Christ.
Supporting this pivotal truth, Jesus unequivocally declares in John 14:6, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me." This statement reaffirms that Jesus is not just a means to an end, but the very embodiment of life itself.
Furthermore, the apostle Paul, in his letter to Timothy, underscores the life changing power of Scripture when he writes, "and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 3:15). Here, Paul emphasizes that the Scriptures, when rightly understood considering Christ, have the capacity to lead us to salvation by nurturing faith in Jesus.
Therefore, in John 5:39-40, Jesus urges us to approach Scripture with a renewed perspective, seeking Him earnestly within its pages, and understanding that true and abundant life is found in Him alone for those who come to Him in faith, a message that resonates with religious leaders of today, reminding them of the essence of genuine spiritual pursuit.
Fifty years ago, I committed my life to serving the Lord. I hold an associate’s degree in Christian Education and a bachelor’s degree in Christian Counseling. In my retirement, I focus on studying and sharing the teachings of God’s Word with others. I maintain 3 Facebook pages dedicated to spreading the Word of God. Email Dean: hopeinchrist2024@yahoo.com