As we continue our study of the Gospel of John, we pick up at verse 41 of chapter 5. Writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the Apostle John pins down the words of Jesus as He is speaking to the Religious Leaders in Jerusalem. Jesus said:
“I do not accept praise from men, but I know you. I know that you do not have the love of God in your hearts. I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not accept me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him. How can you believe if you accept praise from one another, yet make no effort to obtain the praise that comes from the only God.” (John 5: 41-44)
Jesus is telling the Leaders He knows they love to praise one another. They had a ‘mutual admiration society’ going and they lifted each other up. The problem was they were not lifting up God. Their job was to lead the children of God in the right ways, and in the right things. To intercede for them. To teach them the Scriptures that would bring them comfort, and strength, and encouragement. Scriptures that would point to the love of God. Such as “Know therefore that the Lord your God IS God; He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commands.” (Deuteronomy 7:9) We go directly to the Father now through Jesus. He intercedes for us. He represents the Love of God to man. He is our great Shepherd. But then the Leaders were to do these things as they followed the Law of the old Covenant.
God is Love, and all that Love IS. But the Religious Leaders were diluting that fact, and had become more interested in their ‘positions’ than representing God’s love to the people. Over the years they had begun to add laws that would benefit themselves. They had taken the 10 Commandments from the original 10 to over 600. They lifted themselves high and mighty among men, and openly received their praise – while making no effort to obtain the praise of God.
Jesus told them the reason they did not know Him, was because they did not know the Father – they had created a man made religion. They were religious but it was to serve themselves. They used the name of God to try to make it sound real, but it was not of God. Jesus said, “I know you. You do not have the love of God in your hearts.”
When we can see religion, but not the love of God in hearts as shown by their fruit, we will see mankind working for his own benefit, and praise. Let us not be misled.
Have a wonderful Resurrection Day, Loves. How blessed we are to know that Jesus lives – in us, and for us. He is the love in our hearts. He is Love.
Poppa B.