Journey Through JohnSample

Scripture:

John 5:42 “I know you. I know that you do not have the love of God in your hearts.”

Observation:

These Jewish people thought of themselves as very religious and godly. They studied the Scriptures (v.39), they followed religious rules to the letter (v.10), they had acquired the praise of other people for being so religious (v.44), they even saw themselves as God’s appointed religious policemen to keep others in line (v.16-18). But for all that external religiosity, Jesus says He knows the real person inside of them, and their hearts were void of the love of God. Jesus recognized that they cared more about impressing other people than about really pleasing God. 

Application:

It’s easy to stand in judgment of the Jews of that day. But if I am honest, there are certainly times in my life that I am not much different than they are. It is easy to slip into following the external rituals of the Christian faith: attend church, read my Bible, keep the behavioral rules of our Christian culture; but meanwhile my heart has grown cold. Jesus knows my heart, and what He longs to see there is the genuine, fresh, real love of God – both 1) love for God and 2) love from God that flows through me to touch and love others. How much do I love God in this moment? How much do I really love others? This is what really matters. 

Prayer: 

God forgive me for when I slip into a mode of just going through the motions in my faith. Don’t let me get stuck there. Keep my heart soft and fresh toward you. I want to love you deeply and authentically, and to have your heart of love toward all people. Don’t let me get distracted trying to impress people. My highest desire is to please you. Amen.

Truths to notice:

5:6 Jesus doesn’t force His help on anyone, but lets each person decide for themselves.

5:10 The problem with the Jewish leaders was that they were more concerned about rule-keeping than about showing compassion and alleviating human suffering. 

5:16-18 The Jews misunderstood God’s intent for the Sabbath. As God’s Son, Jesus understood God’s true intent behind His laws. 

5:19 & 30 While on earth, Jesus could not do miracles by Himself, because He had given up His divine powers in order to be truly human like us. Jesus depended on His Father to do miracles through Him in faith, just as we need to do. 

5:24 Each person’s response to Jesus determines their eternal destiny.

5:28-29 Everyone who dies will one day be raised to give an account for how they lived, and will either be given eternal life or be condemned to death.

5:39-40 It is possible to read Scripture and miss its purpose, if your heart is not right. 

5:46 The Old Testament law (represented here by Moses) points to Jesus Christ.