John 5:39-47 NRSVue

39“You search the scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life, and it is they that testify on my behalf. 40Yet you refuse to come to me to have life. 41I do not accept glory from humans. 42But I know that you do not have the love of God in you. 43I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not accept me; if another comes in his own name, you will accept him. 44How can you believe when you accept glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the one who alone is God?, 45Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father; your accuser is Moses, on whom you have set your hope. 46If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me. 47But if you do not believe what he wrote, how will you believe what I say?”

Some thoughts on this scripture

Reflection
Our churches rely on structures, on theology, liturgy and human organisation. Jesus puts all of these in perspective by reminding us of our need to come to him for life; only when we do this will our structures have meaning.

Reflection
Jesus placed little value on human acclaim. Do I seek the approval of others too much, forgetting were my true value lies?