John 5:40
And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.
John 5:40 (KJV)
Context
Jesus spoke these words to the Jewish religious leaders who were opposing Him after He healed a man on the Sabbath. They were angry because He had broken their traditions and because He claimed equality with God. In the preceding verses, Jesus told them that the Scriptures testify of Him, yet they refused to come to Him for life.
Meaning
The phrase “ye will not come” indicates a deliberate refusal, not an inability. Many Jews did physically come to Jesus—some for food, some to see miracles, some to hear Him teach, and some to criticize Him—but this verse speaks of a deeper, spiritual coming: coming to Him in faith to receive eternal life. Jesus presents Himself as the source of life and salvation, and the tragedy is that His own people, despite the evidence of His miracles and the testimony of Scripture, refused to believe in Him. Their rejection meant they missed the very life He offered.
Biblical connections
Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6), and only through faith in Him can we receive eternal life and experience a restored relationship with God. Throughout the Gospel of John, faith is a central theme. In this verse, Jesus implies that faith is necessary to come to Him and receive the life He offers. It is through faith in Jesus Christ that we are justified and receive eternal life (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Application
This verse challenges us to examine our own hearts and consider our response to Jesus’ invitation. Are we willing to come to Him and accept Him as our Lord and Savior? Are we allowing anything to hinder us from fully surrendering to Him and experiencing the abundant life He offers? It also serves as a sobering reminder that religious knowledge and activity cannot substitute for a personal, trusting relationship with Jesus Christ. True life is found in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Responding to Jesus: This verse challenges us to examine our own hearts and consider our response to Jesus’ invitation. Are we willing to come to Him and accept Him as our Lord and Savior? Are we allowing anything to hinder us from fully surrendering to Him and experiencing the abundant life He offers?
The Importance of Faith: Throughout the Gospel of John, faith is a central theme. In this verse, Jesus implies that faith is necessary to come to Him and receive the life He offers. It is through faith in Jesus Christ that we are justified and receive eternal life (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Reflection
Jesus’ words are a tender invitation and a solemn warning. He offers life, but He does not force anyone to receive it. The same choice that faced the Jewish leaders faces us today: will we come to Christ in faith, or will we turn away? May we respond to His call with humble trust, knowing that in Him alone is eternal life.
