Search the Scriptures

Jesus said search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life, and they testify of me. What did Jesus mean?

37 And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape.
38 And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not.
39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
40 And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.
41 I receive not honour from men.
42 But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you.
43 I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.
44 How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?
45 Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust.
46 For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me; for he wrote of me.
47 But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?
(John 5:37-47, King James Version)

Search the Scriptures

In these final verses from John 5, Jesus gives a rather stinging rebuke to the Jewish unbelievers. I find His comments very relevant to us as well. In essence Jesus told the Jews two things. First, He told them to search the Scriptures, and second, He acknowledged that they were more likely accept a man honored by other men than one who was honored by God, alone.

How easy is it for us to search the Scriptures? If we have a Bible and are able to read, everything is there waiting for us. Yet, how often do we really search the Scriptures? Do we involve ourselves in Bible studies? Do we set aside a time each day to read and study the Word of God, or are we more apt to trudge through each day with the knowledge that we are Christians, and are just comfortable with that?

The difference here, of course, is that Jesus was talking to men who supposedly did search the Scriptures. Why, then, did they not believe that Jesus was the Messiah, the holy Son of God? Jesus makes an important distinction between reading the Bible and having the Bible written upon your heart.

And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not.

Then, Jesus makes the most interesting comment in John 5:44.

How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?

Think about the culture in which we live. What type of people are honored in our culture? We are a "hero-hungry" society. We have heroes in politics, sports, TV, and movies, to name just a few. As a matter of fact, the two things that push people into many of the careers they choose is the desire for riches and/or the desire to become famous. Some people, not being able to manage it any other way, are even content with becoming infamous because of their evil deeds.

What is more important to you? Do you seek the honor and praise of men? Are you worried about protecting your name? Do you consume yourself with worrying about what the neighbors will think of you? Or, are you most concerned about what God thinks of you?

I would challenge you to live your life with the goal of pleasing the Lord your God above all others. It will change the way you think and live, and it will become a great source of peace. People are fickle. No matter who you are, you will never be able to please all of the people all of the time. But, if your goal is to please the Lord, you will find that you are more likely to be at peace with those around you as well.

Jesus did not care what the crowd thought. He knew their hearts, and He knew His end. As a matter of fact, He chose that end to save an undeserving people for Himself. How amazing is that?