John 5:41-47 CSB
"I do not accept glory from people, [42] but I know you-that you have no love for God within you. [43] I have come in my Father's name, and yet you don't accept me. If someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him. [44] How can you believe, since you accept glory from one another but don't seek the glory that comes from the only God? [45] Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father. Your accuser is Moses, on whom you have set your hope. [46] For if you believed Moses, you would believe me, because he wrote about me. [47] But if you don't believe what he wrote, how will you believe my words?"
Listen to Him
People are often quick to follow the latest fads. We sometimes accept what someone says and incorporate it into our lives simply because it is the current trend—something promising to make us faster, stronger, healthier, or smarter to give us an “edge” in life. I have to admit that I can be as gullible as anyone else, but I have learned a lesson now that I missed when I was younger: stop and breathe. We need to investigate the true results of what we follow. Does it line up with the Bible? Is it selfish? Does it actually work, or does it just have a convincing sales pitch? We are bombarded by advertisements all day; some are true, but many are exaggerated or misleading.
Anything that focuses primarily on “me”—elevating my own importance above others—is likely not the right path. The true goal of a follower of Christ is to be “one of” many, remaining humble and putting others above ourselves. In God’s Kingdom, being a servant is one of the greatest qualities of a leader. The Apostle Paul realized this when he prayed three times for his “thorn in the flesh” to be removed. He eventually understood that the hardships of the world allowed him to step out of his own ego. Instead of trying to control his circumstances, he learned to rely on God. As he wrote in 2 Corinthians 12:10, “So I take pleasure in weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and in difficulties, for the sake of Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” In this light, pride becomes the primary enemy in our relationship with our loving Father.
Many leaders came in their own names both before and after Jesus. They broadcast loudly that they were “someone” and that everyone should listen and follow. History is full of false prophets and leaders who led their followers to ruin, such as Simon bar Kokhba, who led a revolt against Rome. Seeking glory and honor in this life often hinders our faith because it keeps our eyes on ourselves rather than on God.
The Jewish leaders took great pride in following Moses and the words God recorded through him, yet they did not truly take to heart that those very words pointed directly to Jesus. Moses left clear instructions on how to identify the Messiah. In Deuteronomy 18, he wrote that God would raise up a prophet like him from among their brothers and that they must listen to Him. He also warned that if someone comes doing miracles and leads people toward God, they must be obeyed.
Jesus came with the full authority of the Messiah, yet He did not come to promote Himself or seek His own status. Unlike the world’s leaders who arrive in their own name to build their own kingdoms, Jesus came in His Father’s name as a meek and humble servant, perfectly relying on the Father and pointing the masses toward Heaven. He loved those around Him and offered the words of life, but many were too blinded by their own quest for glory—or too distracted by the ‘fads’ of the world—to recognize the Divine authority He carried.
The invitation in Isaiah 55:1-2 remains open to us today: “Come, everyone who is thirsty, come to the water… Why do you spend silver on what is not food, and your wages on what does not satisfy? Listen carefully to me, and eat what is good.” Too often, we choose to follow our own paths or listen to blind guides and meaningless trends that prove empty over time. Instead, we are called to listen to the One whom Moses, the prophets, and the Father Himself have confirmed.
Reflection Questions
- What “latest fads” or modern voices are you currently listening to? Do they lead you closer to a servant’s heart or toward a focus on self?
- Paul found strength in his weaknesses because it forced him to rely on God. What “weakness” in your life today might actually be an opportunity to let God’s strength shine?
- Jesus warns against accepting “glory from one another.” In what ways do you find yourself seeking the approval of people rather than the approval of God?
Prayer
Father,
Forgive me for the times I have been gullible, following the loud voices of the world instead of Your still, small voice. Help me to lay down my pride and the need for human approval. Teach me to be a servant, finding my strength in my dependence on You. Thank You for the gift of Your Word and the testimony of those like Moses who point us to Jesus. May I listen carefully to Him today and find the satisfaction that only He can provide.
Amen.
