CHRIST ALONE

READING: JOHN 5:31-40

Verse 39: “You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.”
Verse 40: “But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.”

Jesus made the statement quoted in verse 39 above to the Jewish leaders of His time. The Lord had given the Law of God to the Hebrews so they could be instructed regarding relationship with Him. He wanted them to know Him and to have eternal life in relationship with Him. However, there was a problem. They had taken what was intended to be the means to that end, and made it an end unto itself. In effect, they regarded the Law of God with attitudes of regard, worship and expectation that should have been reserved for the Law-Giver, God Himself. The Church today is not free of that error. There are some who regard and worship the things of God with a fervor that should be only for the Lord. Instead of looking to the Father for direction, answers and security, they can be found entirely focused on doctrine, theology, or the latest book on godly responses. The result of that is misuse of what should connect people with the Lord just like the priests and scribes did, or even religious abuses. According to verse 30, before placing confidence in what is from God, we must be willing to go to the Lord Himself. Then we may have life. There is no source of eternal life in glory but He and He alone! That’s a thought – about God’s Word.

RESPONSE

1. Why did Jesus say the Scriptures did not have eternal life?

2. What advantages do we have over the Hebrews?