4 Minute Read
Today’s Bible Reading:
1 Samuel 2:22–4:22
John 5:24-47
Psalm 106:1-12
Proverbs 14:30-31
Today’s Bible Verse(s):
John 5:39–40 (NLT): “You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me! Yet you refuse to come to me to receive this life.”
Reflections on Today’s Bible Verse(s):
The verses I have chosen for today provide a compelling perspective on Scripture. They tell us what the Bible is ultimately about.
Jesus said that the Jews “search(ed) the Scriptures” in their attempt to gain eternal life. They studied and tried their best to comply with its list of “dos” and don’ts.” The Old Testament Scripture was their sole focus.
But, Jesus said that they got it all wrong. The Scriptures were not an end in themselves. They were the means to an end.
What was the end? What (or better yet, Who) do the Scriptures point us to?
Jesus!
John 5:39 (NLT): “You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me!”
Did you get that? The Bible isn’t the end of the road. It is a road sign pointing to Jesus.
But, the following verse gets even more specific. The Scriptures don’t simply point to Jesus. They tell us how “to come to (Him).” They tell us how to gain eternal life through Jesus and enjoy a relationship with Him. Unfortunately, the Jews didn’t (wouldn’t) connect the dots.
John 5:40 (NLT): “Yet you refuse to come to me to receive this life.”
So, as you pick up your Bible, don’t simply read the words. Don’t merely look for the dos and don’ts. Look for Jesus! Look for what it says about how you can get to know Him and enjoy a relationship with Him.
Because, when you see Jesus, you’ve come to understand the true meaning of the Scripture.
Matt Ellis is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Polk City, Florida (fbcpolkcity.com). His latest book is God’s Grace in the Real World. Connect with him on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.
Matt’s Musings 