How does John 5:47 challenge us to trust the entirety of Scripture? Setting the Scene John 5 finds Jesus defending His authority after healing the lame man on the Sabbath. He appeals to several witnesses—John the Baptist, His works, the Father’s voice—but He finishes with Moses, Israel’s most revered writer. Then comes the stinging line: “ But since you do not believe what he wrote, how will you believe what I say?” (John 5:47) Why This Verse Matters • Jesus treats Moses’ writings (Genesis–Deuteronomy) as historically true and divinely authoritative. • He links faith in Himself to faith in those earlier Scriptures; the two stand or fall together. • If we question the reliability of any part of Scripture, Jesus says our trust in His words is likewise weakened. The Logic Jesus Uses 1. Moses wrote by inspiration (Exodus 17:14; Deuteronomy 31:24). 2. Moses wrote about Christ (John 5:46; cf. Genesis 3:15; Numbers 24:17; Deuteronomy 18:15). 3. Therefore, rejecting Moses’ testimony makes it impossible to grasp Christ’s. Jesus’ reasoning pushes us to embrace the entire canon—from the first verse of Genesis to the final “Amen” of Revelation. Echoes Throughout the Bible • Psalm 119:160—“The entirety of Your word is truth.” • 2 Timothy 3:16—“All Scripture is God-breathed.” • Luke 24:27—Jesus interprets “all the Scriptures” concerning Himself, beginning with Moses. Each text harmonizes with John 5:47, underlining one consistent message: Scripture is a unified revelation pointing to Christ. Practical Takeaways for Daily Reading • Read the Old Testament expectantly, looking for Christ foreshadowed. • Let difficult passages drive you toward deeper study, not doubt. The same Lord who endorsed Moses stands behind every verse. • When sharing the gospel, show how the storyline of Scripture—from Eden to Calvary—holds together seamlessly. A Final Word of Encouragement Jesus stakes His credibility on the written Word that came before Him. If the Son of God saw no gap between Moses’ scrolls and His own voice, we can rest in the full reliability of every page we open. |
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