John 5:40 – “Yet you refuse to come to me to have life.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Jesus continues His conversation with the religious leaders, exposing the hardness of their hearts. He has just told them that the Scriptures testify about Him (John 5:39), yet despite all the evidence, they still refuse to come to Him for eternal life.

Jesus is making it clear that the issue is not a lack of knowledge but a lack of willingness. The religious leaders knew the Scriptures well, but knowing the Bible does not save anyone—faith in Jesus does.

This verse shows that salvation is offered, but it must be received. God does not force anyone to believe. These leaders were rejecting the very One who could give them life, despite all the signs, miracles, and prophecies pointing to Him.

Historical Context

The Jewish leaders took great pride in their study of Scripture and religious traditions. They believed that by obeying the Law, they would earn eternal life. However, they failed to see that the entire Old Testament was pointing to Jesus.

• They searched the Scriptures but refused to see that Jesus was the fulfillment of what they studied.
• They saw Jesus’ miracles but accused Him of breaking the Sabbath instead of recognizing God’s power at work.
• They were waiting for the Messiah, but when He stood before them, they rejected Him.

This verse reveals the danger of spiritual pride—they thought they knew God, but their hearts were far from Him.

Theological Implications

1. Salvation Requires Coming to Jesus – Eternal life is not found in religion, good works, or knowledge of the Bible; it is found in Jesus alone.
2. People Reject Jesus by Choice, Not by Lack of Evidence – The Jewish leaders had plenty of proof, but they refused to believe.
3. Faith is More Than Just Knowing the Bible – It is possible to be an expert in Scripture and still miss the most important truth—Jesus Christ.
4. God Offers Salvation, But People Must Respond – Jesus invites people to come to Him, but He does not force them. Rejecting Him is a personal choice.

Literary Analysis

This verse is short but powerful. Jesus does not say, “You cannot come to me,” but “You refuse to come to me.” This emphasizes that the problem is not God’s unwillingness to save, but their unwillingness to believe.

The contrast is striking:

• They claim to seek eternal life → But they refuse to come to the One who gives it.
• They search the Scriptures → But they reject the fulfillment of those Scriptures.
• They are religious experts → But they miss the very heart of God’s message.

This verse highlights the tragedy of rejecting Jesus despite having all the evidence.

Biblical Cross-References

• John 1:11 – “He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.”
• Matthew 23:37 – “How often I have longed to gather your children together… but you were not willing.”
• Luke 19:41-42 – Jesus weeps over Jerusalem because they did not recognize Him.
• John 6:37 – “All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.”
• Revelation 22:17 – “Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

1. Knowing About Jesus is Not the Same as Knowing Jesus – It is possible to be familiar with Scripture and church teachings but still not have a personal relationship with Christ.
2. Faith Requires a Choice – Salvation is offered freely, but each person must choose to come to Jesus.
3. Religion Cannot Save—Only Jesus Can – Church attendance, good deeds, or religious traditions cannot replace genuine faith in Christ.
4. Pride and Self-Reliance Keep People from Jesus – Many reject Christ because they do not want to admit their need for Him.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in the fact that Jesus is offering life, even to those who reject Him.

• God does not force people to believe – He invites, but He does not compel.
• God desires that all come to Him – Jesus’ heart breaks for those who refuse His offer (Luke 13:34).
• God’s love is patient – Even when people reject Him, He continues to call them to Himself (2 Peter 3:9).

Jesus’ words here are not spoken in anger but in grief—He wants them to come to Him, but they refuse.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the only source of eternal life.

• John 14:6 – “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
• John 10:10 – “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
• Acts 4:12 – “Salvation is found in no one else.”
• John 3:36 – “Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life.”

To reject Jesus is to reject eternal life. The greatest tragedy is not ignorance, but willful refusal to believe in the only One who can save.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why do some people refuse to come to Jesus, even when they know the truth?
2. What does it mean to “come to Jesus” in a personal way?
3. How can we make sure we are not just reading about Jesus but truly following Him?
4. What are some modern examples of people rejecting Christ despite clear evidence?
5. How can we share the Gospel in a way that encourages people to come to Jesus for life?

This verse is a warning and an invitation. Jesus is saying: “Life is right here, but you are refusing to take it.” The question for us is: Are we coming to Jesus, or are we keeping Him at a distance?