Examining Scriptures: Discovering Eternal Life in Christ

39 Examine the scriptures, since you think that in them you have eternal life. They also testify about me, 40 yet you don’t want to come to me so that you can have life. John 5:39-40

John 5:39-40 teaches that the Scriptures testify about Jesus. From the prophecies in Isaiah predicting His birth (Isaiah 7:14) to the New Testament narratives detailing His life and resurrection (Luke 24:6-7), the entire Bible points to Him as the fulfillment of God’s promises. For instance, over 300 prophecies about Jesus appear in the Old Testament, many of which scholars believe were fulfilled during His life and ministry.

Moreover, we should avoid viewing Scripture as merely an academic text. The goal of our study should be to foster a deeper understanding of who Jesus is and what He has done for us through His death and resurrection. This focus is crucial. Our approach must not be about accumulating theological knowledge but about nurturing our relationship with Christ. As leaders in the church, we should guide our congregations to encounter these texts as invitations to engage with Jesus more intimately.

Close-up view of an open Bible with highlighted verses

Relationship Over Ritual

A key insight from this passage lies in the distinction between having a relationship and merely following rituals. The Jewish leaders were knowledgeable in the Scriptures. They believed that understanding the law would guarantee them eternal life. Yet, Jesus highlighted a vital flaw in their approach: knowledge alone is not enough.

Real life comes from building a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. For instance, studies show that only 25% of Christians feel they truly understand the message of the Bible. This statistic illustrates the need for church leaders to emphasize nurturing relationships over procedural knowledge.

Engaging with Jesus

We should encourage our members to engage with Jesus through faith, prayer, and communion during His teachings. The study of Scripture must lead us to deepen our relationship with Him. We need to move beyond a checklist mentality to a genuine connection. As we engage with God's Word, let us come with hearts willing to behold Jesus amidst the pages.

Faith in Jesus

Another pivotal principle emerging from John 5:39-40 is the necessity of faith in Jesus for salvation. While studying the Bible contributes to spiritual growth, it must also lead to deeper faith in Him.

Jesus emphasizes that knowledge of the Scriptures without faith in Him is woefully inadequate. Research indicates that only 40% of Americans who regularly read the Bible have a spiritual connection with Jesus. Faith acts as the bridge connecting our understanding of Scripture to a spiritual relationship with the Savior.

Teaching Faith

Church leaders bear the immense responsibility of teaching that faith involves more than acknowledging Jesus as a historical figure. It requires complete trust in Him as our Lord and Savior who died on the cross to redeem us and grant us eternal life. Encourage your congregation to see Scripture as a means to strengthen their faith and trust in Jesus.

The objective is not to stockpile information but to cultivate a living faith that transforms hearts and lives.

High angle view of an open Bible with a cross in the background

The Ultimate Goal of Studying God's Word

Ultimately, John 5:39-40 teaches us that the main goal of studying God's Word is recognizing Jesus as the focal point of our faith. This passage reminds us that our pursuit of knowledge should serve our relationship with Christ.

Guiding Your Congregation

As church leaders, you have a special opportunity to steer your congregation toward this understanding. Create teachings that invite members to become acquainted with Jesus through Scripture. This can be achieved through Bible studies, sermons, or small group discussions focusing on Jesus fulfilling God’s divine plans.

Encourage meaningful dialogue. Preaching should emphasize Jesus' integral role in the biblical narrative. Make a conscious effort to facilitate spaces where people can genuinely experience the transformative power of discovering Jesus as their Savior.

Final Thoughts

Jesus' words in John 5:39-40 prompt us to reconsider the essence of studying Scripture. They remind us that diligent study is essential. However, it is not the ultimate goal.

The Scriptures witness to Christ and culminate in a faith relationship with Him that offers eternal life. As church leaders, we are called to cultivate an atmosphere where individuals pursue knowledge that fuels their connection with Jesus.

As you guide your congregations, let the study of God's Word inspire deeper faith, trust, and acknowledgment of Jesus as the source of eternal life. This journey through Scripture is not just about gaining knowledge; it’s about embracing the eternal life Jesus invites us to receive.

May our exploration of Scripture continually draw us nearer to the heart of Jesus, who is our everything. Embrace this journey together, so you can invite others to join and uncover the profound truth of God's Word.