The Word Points to the life-giver

Scripture leads us not to knowledge alone but to the living Christ 

John 5:39 - You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me

It’s All About Jesus

Today’s devotion is from the book of John chapter 5 verse 39. It says this, “You search the scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of me.” Jesus is talking to the religious leaders. He knew of their zeal for the scriptures and their desire to hold to the letter of the law. Jesus was trying to tell them they’re missing the whole point of the scriptures. The scriptures in fact point to Him and they could not see it. Are we like the religious leaders of old? Are we simply just reading the scriptures as an exercise and then just checking the box? Are we allowing the scriptures to guide us to be more like Jesus, the one the scriptures all point to. Knowing the scriptures/bible does not equal eternal life with Christ. Eternal life with Christ is found in a personal relationship

with Jesus and accepting Him in our hearts as Lord of our lives. We were created for fellowship with Him through communicating with Him in prayer and worship as well as listening to Him through His Word. Is Jesus on the throne of your heart and one you know intimately or just intellectually?

As we learned yesterday in our devotion in John 1:4 In Him (Jesus) was life, and the life was the light of men. We cannot earn or learn our way to salvation in Christ. Romans 10:9-10 says this, “that if you confess with your mouth, the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart, one believes unto righteousness and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” As we anticipate Christmas and the birthday of our Lord and Savior Jesus, I ask you this question. Have you truly confessed the Lord Jesus in your heart and believe that God raised him from the dead, or do you just have knowledge of this?

Let’s pray,

Father God, thank you for your goodness and mercy and grace. Thank you for sending your son to this world to love us unto salvation. Father help us to not just know the scriptures but know the one who the scriptures point to, Jesus. Thank you, Jesus, for coming to this earth as a baby, living a sinless life and dying on the cross for our sins. Lord, it is our heart’s desire to honor you in reflecting Jesus to a world that is hurting. Help us to do this. We pray in Jesus’ name.

Amen