How does Luke 16:31 connect with John 5:46-47 about belief in Scripture? The words of Luke 16:31 “ ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, they will not be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead.’ ” The words of John 5:46-47 “ ‘If you had believed Moses, you would believe Me, because he wrote about Me. But since you do not believe what he wrote, how will you believe what I say?’ ” Shared thread: trust in the written Word • Both passages hinge on “Moses and the prophets,” shorthand for the entire Old Testament witness. • Jesus (John 5) and Abraham in the parable (Luke 16) treat those writings as the decisive, God-given authority. • Refusal to believe Scripture creates a settled hardness that even the greatest miracle—the resurrection—will not overcome. Scripture first, signs second 1. God gave written revelation before miraculous confirmation (Exodus 24:4; Deuteronomy 31:24-26). 2. Luke 16:31 declares that a spectacular sign cannot convince hearts already closed to Scripture. 3. John 5:46-47 shows the same order: believe Moses (written Word), then recognize Christ (living Word). Why unbelief persists despite miracles • Miracles appeal to the senses; Scripture addresses the heart and mind (Romans 10:17). • Hardness toward Moses’ writings signals a deeper resistance to God Himself (Hebrews 3:7-12). • Therefore, rejecting the written Word naturally leads to rejecting the incarnate Word, even when He rises from the dead (Acts 13:27-30). Affirmations we draw • The Old Testament is a clear, authoritative testimony about Christ (Luke 24:27, 44). • Saving faith rests on God’s Word, not on dramatic experiences (2 Peter 1:19). • Evangelism centers on opening Scripture, trusting the Spirit to illuminate hearts (2 Timothy 3:15-17). Living out this connection • Prioritize regular, expectant reading of both Testaments, listening for Christ throughout. • Anchor assurance in the reliability of Scripture rather than subjective experiences. • When sharing the gospel, open the Bible first; miracles—past or present—confirm but never replace that foundation. |
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