John 5:38
And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not.
John 5:38
Jesus warns that the audience’s belief does not come from God’s word abiding within them because they have not believed the one whom God has sent. This points to a problem of internal reception—God’s word does not take root in hearts that resist the messenger and the message. The verse connects holding to divine revelation with personal belief in the Sender.
This verse underscores the necessity of believing the divine messenger as a response to God’s revelation. It ties God’s word with the person of Jesus and the Father’s mission, showing the inseparable link between truth received, the Sender’s authority, and eventual salvation.
If you find yourself skeptical of Jesus, inspect your heart for resistance to God’s sending. Practical steps: identify any unbelief patterns (pride, fear, past wounds), ask for the Spirit to soften the heart, and commit to a posture of obedience to God’s revealed will. Make room for God’s word to abide in you by daily immersion in Scripture and prayer.
Cross-References
- James 1:21
- Romans 10:9-10
- Galatians 3:2-5
- John 6:63
- 1 Thessalonians 2:13