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5. The reason for unbelief (John 5:41-47)
JOHN 5:41-44
41 I don’t receive glory from men. 42 But I know you, that you don’t have God’s love in yourselves. 43 I have come in my Father’s name, and you don’t receive me. If another comes in his own name, you will receive him. 44 How can you believe, who receive glory from one another, and you don’t seek the glory that comes from the only God?
Jesus shattered the armor of his foes and showed them the state of their hearts and their future fate. He pointed out their evil intents, the substance of their vile characters.
He had no need for the applause of the people or their leaders, since he was convinced of his mission. That conviction did not rest on the apparent results of his ministry and if honored, he would pass on that honor to his Father. He taught us to pray first to the Father rather than to himself, teaching Christens to utter, "Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." Jesus denied himself of all intentions of seeking honor and glory. The glory of his Father was his motto and Zeal for God’s right consumed him.
God’s love is the incentive in creation, redemption, and perfection. It is the core of the essence in the Holy Trinity. The fulfillment of Law and the bonds of perfection characterize this love. He who possesses this lives not for himself nor does he honor himself, but honors others, serving them in self-denial. He gives all he has to the poor. Love never fails.
No man loves God of his own accord, but one who is pained by the filth of sin, repenting and believing in God’s love in Christ will confess that God’s love is poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit given us as Paul did. This love appears in sacrifice, humility and patience. Whoever opens his soul to God’s Spirit will love the Holy Trinity and all people. But he who boasts about himself, thinking that he is good is not a true penitent, but an opponent of God’s Spirit. He is selfish, and does not long for renewal, nor does he realize his need for a Savior, but hardens his heart. Christ did not come in the name of a strange unknown deity, but in the name of the Father, to reveal God’s love and mercy. All who reject Christ prove that their minds are shut to God’s love, for they love darkness more than light and so hate those born of light.
Christ informed his foes of the Anti-Christ’s appearance who will gather all self seekers and egotists to lead them in rebellion against God’s love. He will perform miracles and imitate Christ.
Many cannot believe preferring mutual flattery rather than true repentance. They regard themselves good, strong and clever! They do not tremble before the Holy One and do not realize that only He is good. Self-righteousness is the cause of unbelief and pride is a sign of this false attitude.
He who knows God and his own soul breaks down and confesses his sin, rejecting all glory and honor, but giving glory to the Father and the Son always. He magnifies saving grace. Believing that we are forgiven sinners frees us from conceit in our conduct for we know who we are and who God is. Love tells the truth to a friend; the proud man will deceive himself and others, departing from God’s Spirit who makes us humble.
JOHN 5:45-47
45 Don’t think that I will accuse you to the Father. There is one who accuses you, even Moses, on whom you have set your hope. 46 For if you believed Moses, you would believe me; for he wrote about me. 47 But if you don’t believe his writings, how will you believe my words?”
Christ went further in deflating the pride of the legalists, and said, "I am not the one to be your prosecutor before God to charge you, Moses himself will do the accusing. He gave you the Law of the Covenant, which condemns you. You have missed out on love, and wish to kill me in the name of the Law. Departing from God you wander in darkness. I healed a sick man on the Sabbath, and you are displeased with God’s work; rather you hate me, I - the incarnation of God’s love. You refuse to believe that these are works of the Messiah: Your spirit is rebellious and harsh. God gave you the Law for life not death. If you were to repent, you would long for a Savior. The Law and the Prophets are mere preludes to the Coming One. You have twisted the intent of the Law, and allowed your wills to judge God’s commandments. You cannot grasp prophecy. Your evil spirits prevent you from realizing the truth so you will remain ignorant and deaf, resisting God’s Spirit. On account of your obstinacy you do not believe the Word of Life."
QUESTION:
- Why did Jesus not accept glory for himself, as others would do?
QUIZ - 2
Dear reader,
send us correct answers to 17 of these 19 questions. We shall then send you the sequel of this series of studies.
- Why did Jesus visit the temple and drive out the traders?
- What is the difference between the piety of Nicodemus and the aims of Christ?
- What are the signs of rebirth in believers?
- How does Christ resemble the serpent in the wilderness?
- Why will not believers in Jesus appear at the judgment?
- In what sense is Christ the Bridegroom?
- How do we receive eternal life?
- What is the gift that Jesus gives us? What are its qualities?
- What prevents true worship, and what truly effects it?
- How can we be watered by living water?
- How do we become useful harvesters for Jesus?
- What are the stages of growth in faith that the official passed through?
- How did Jesus heal the paralytic by the pool of Bethesda?
- Why did the Jews persecute Jesus?
- How and why does God work with His Son?
- Which are the two important tasks that the Father gave to Christ to carry out?
- What is the relation between the Father and the Son as explained to us by Jesus?
- What are the four witnesses, and to what do they witness?
- Why did Jesus not accept glory for himself, as others would do?
Do not forget to write your name and full address clearly on the quiz sheet, not only on the envelope. Send it to the following address:
Waters of Life
P.O.Box 600 513
70305 Stuttgart
Germany
Internet: www.waters-of-life.net
Internet: www.waters-of-life.org
e-mail: info@waters-of-life.net