John 5:40
Verse
Context
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And ye will not come to me - Though ye thus search the Scriptures, in hopes of finding the Messiah and eternal life in them, yet ye will not come unto me, believe in me, and be my disciples, though so clearly pointed out by them, that ye may have that eternal life which can only come through me.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And ye will not come to me,.... Which is to be understood, not of a corporeal coming to him; for many of the Jews did come to him in this sense; some for one thing, and some for another; some for the loaves, that they might eat and be filled; some to see his miracles, and others to partake of the benefit of them; some to hear him preach, and others to catch and cavil at what they could: nor is bare coming to hear Christ preached, or an outward attendance on, and submission to his ordinances, such a coming to him as is here designed; for with these eternal life is not connected: bodily exercise profiteth not in this way; but a spiritual coming to Christ, or a coming to him by faith is here meant; in which sense the phrase is frequently used in this Gospel, especially in the next chapter; see Joh 6:35; and those who come aright to Christ, come to him as the alone, able, suitable, and sufficient Saviour; and in themselves as sinners, and ready to perish; and as such they are received by him with a welcome: but these men did not see themselves as such; nor did they see any need they had of coming to Christ; for they thought they had eternal life elsewhere: and such were their ignorance of themselves and Christ; and such their prejudices against him; and such the depravity, perverseness, and stubbornness of their wills, that they had no inclination, desire, and will to come to Christ, any more than power; which is an argument against, and not for the free will of man, unless it be to that which is evil: and this perverseness of their wills to come to Christ, when revealed in the external ministry of the word, was blameworthy in them, since this was not owing to any decree of God, but to the corruption and vitiosity of nature; which being blameworthy in them, that which follows upon it must be so too; and it was the greater aggravation of their sin, that they had the Scriptures which testified of Christ, and pointed at him as the way of life, and yet would not come to him for it: that ye might have life; that is, eternal life, as is expressed in the foregoing verse, and is so read here in Beza's old copy, in the Syriac, Arabic, and Persic versions. This is in Christ, not only the purpose and promise of it, but that itself: he has the disposal of it, gives the right unto it, and a meetness for it, with all the comforts arising from it, and all the promises and blessings relating to it; and all that come to Christ by faith may, and shall have it: this is the will of the Father, the end of his giving of Christ, and of his mission and coming into the world, and is inseparably connected with believing in him.
John 5:40
The Witness of Scripture
39You pore over the Scriptures because you presume that by them you possess eternal life. These are the very words that testify about Me,40yet you refuse to come to Me to have life.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Free Will -- a Slave
By C.H. Spurgeon2.6K48:53MAT 11:28LUK 13:34JHN 5:40JHN 6:37ACT 17:30ROM 3:23ROM 10:13In this sermon by H. Spurgeon, titled "Free Will a Slave," the preacher focuses on the concept of free will and its relation to salvation. He begins by telling a parable about a man who sends servants to collect rent from his vineyard, but they are mistreated and killed. Finally, the man sends his son, hoping for reverence, but he is also rejected. Spurgeon argues that this parable supports the idea that man does not have free will to turn to God, but rather it is God who gives the will and power for salvation. He emphasizes that every man is spiritually dead and in need of Jesus Christ for life.
Important Questions
By Leonard Ravenhill2.4K06:41ISA 40:6JHN 4:14JHN 5:40JHN 6:35JHN 8:12JHN 10:10JHN 14:6JAS 4:14This sermon delves into the profound question posed in the text about the essence of life, emphasizing the fleeting nature of our existence and the critical personal reflection it demands. It explores the three fundamental questions about life: where we come from, our purpose, and our ultimate destination. Drawing from various perspectives on life, it highlights the transient and fragile nature of human life as depicted in the Bible, likening it to swift and temporary elements like vapor, a weaver's shuttle, and grass in the field.
Prayer Meeting
By Paul Ravenhill1.4K45:18MAT 28:19JHN 5:37JHN 5:40In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that coming to God and learning about Him is not achieved through processes or steps. He shares the story of a simple missionary who, without any formal education, felt called to the mission field and prayed for revival. The missionary faced challenges and setbacks but remained faithful to God's calling. The speaker highlights the importance of our actions and works, as God is interested in what we do. He concludes by emphasizing the need for a conscious awareness of the life that is in God and the necessity of the moving of the Spirit in our lives.
The Missing Note in Present-Day Preaching
By Henry Mahan1.2K41:27ApostasyJOB 42:1MAT 7:21MAT 23:37LUK 7:47LUK 18:9JHN 5:40JHN 10:10In this sermon, the preacher highlights the importance of preaching in shaping our beliefs and attitudes towards ourselves and others. He emphasizes that our faith and knowledge of God are dependent on the preaching we have heard. However, he points out that there is something missing in present-day preaching - the conviction that some individuals have never truly been lost and in need of salvation. The preacher criticizes the practice of rushing people through baptism and making them church members without ensuring they have truly received new life in Christ. He also highlights the prevalence of empty churches, unread Bibles, and superficial moral reformation, emphasizing the need for genuine spiritual transformation.
The Whosoever Wills of the Bible
By Rolfe Barnard98344:56PSA 34:8ISA 55:1MAT 11:28JHN 5:40JHN 6:37JHN 7:37REV 22:17In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of continuously seeking and committing to Jesus Christ. He compares the concept of a mourner's bench to the idea of having a mourner's bench in one's heart, representing a constant expression of faith and growth in the Christian journey. The preacher emphasizes that every day, believers must recommit themselves to Christ and continually seek His grace. The sermon also highlights the significance of calling on the name of the Lord as a continuous act of faith, which characterizes those who believe in sovereign grace.
Do You Want to Be Like Christ?
By Rolfe Barnard84640:31Christ LikenessMAT 6:33JHN 5:40JHN 6:44ROM 8:29EPH 1:41PE 1:15In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being conformed to the image of Christ. He shares a story of a pastor who expressed his desire to be holy and made like Christ. The preacher affirms that God's purpose is to have a multitude of people who are like Jesus. He explains that salvation involves surrendering to God and allowing Him to transform us into the likeness of Christ.
The Invitation: Come Unto Me
By Rolfe Barnard73250:16SalvationMAT 11:28JHN 5:40In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for a revival of preaching in today's generation of churchgoers. He compares the reverence and preparation that people used to have when addressing God to the lack of respect and seriousness in today's religious atmosphere. The preacher also highlights the bondage of sin and the need for individuals to be ruled by God rather than being enslaved by sin. He references Isaiah 55:1 to illustrate the thirst for God's word and the importance of hearing and learning from the testimony of God. The sermon concludes with the message of hope and salvation through the gospel, emphasizing the transformative power of God's good news.
On Eagles' Wings Pt 496
By Don Courville32943:52Radio ShowJHN 2:1JHN 4:46JHN 5:35JHN 5:38JHN 5:40JHN 5:42JHN 5:47JHN 15:7In this sermon, the preacher focuses on John chapter 5 and highlights it as a chapter with a special miracle. He mentions that this is the third special miracle in the book of John, with the first being the turning of water into wine and the second being the healing of the nobleman's son. The preacher emphasizes the importance of seeking and doing the will of God, as Jesus stated that his nourishment came from doing the will of the Father. The sermon also discusses the story of the lame man at the Pool of Bethesda, emphasizing the grace and mercy of God. The preacher concludes by discussing the threefold witness to Christ's deity in this chapter, including the witness of John the Baptist.
Of Conversion.
By John Gill0ConversionGrace Of GodPSA 19:7JER 3:12MAT 21:31LUK 22:32JHN 5:40ACT 26:181CO 6:92CO 3:16EPH 2:21PE 2:25John Gill emphasizes the distinction between conversion, regeneration, and effectual calling, explaining that conversion involves both God's action and the sinner's response. He clarifies that true conversion is an internal work of God that transforms the heart and mind, leading individuals away from sin and towards God. Gill outlines the nature of genuine conversion, which includes a heartfelt turning from darkness to light, from the power of Satan to God, and from reliance on personal righteousness to faith in Christ's righteousness. He stresses that conversion is ultimately the work of God, not man, and is facilitated through the ministry of the Word. The preacher concludes that true conversion is a profound change that reflects God's grace and mercy in the lives of sinners.
Have You Truly Come to Christ
By A.W. Pink0DiscipleshipComing to ChristMAT 11:28LUK 14:26JHN 5:40JHN 6:37JHN 6:44A.W. Pink emphasizes the necessity of truly coming to Christ, highlighting that many may profess faith yet remain distant from Him due to their love for the world and self. He explains that coming to Christ requires divine intervention, as fallen humanity cannot approach Him without God's grace. Pink stresses the importance of recognizing Christ's lordship and the need for complete surrender, as well as the ongoing nature of coming to Him for strength and sustenance. He reassures believers of their eternal security in Christ, who intercedes for them and will never cast them out. Ultimately, Pink calls for a genuine, transformative encounter with Christ that leads to true discipleship.
The Manifestation of the Glory of God
By T. Austin-Sparks0PRO 22:7MAT 4:9JHN 5:402CO 5:15EPH 1:3T. Austin-Sparks delves into the eternal purpose of God revealed through the Apostle Paul's ever-growing knowledge of Christ. He explains how Christ, as the central figure in God's eternal counsels, bridges the gap caused by man's failure and sin, leading to the redemptive plan introduced after the fall. The sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding and conforming to Christ's moral and spiritual essence, highlighting the ultimate goal of a created corporate race expressing God's thoughts, desires, and will. It concludes with the significance of dwelling in Christ to find hope, assurance, and the way out of despair in a world filled with chaos and uncertainty.
Of Resignation to the Will of God.
By John Gill0Resignation to God's WillDivine Sovereignty1SA 3:182SA 15:25JOB 1:21PSA 46:10JER 18:12LAM 3:27JHN 5:40ACT 21:14JAS 4:151PE 5:6John Gill emphasizes the necessity of resigning our will to God's will, particularly during difficult times, as a true expression of faith and self-denial. He illustrates this through biblical examples like Eli and David, who accepted God's will without complaint. Gill explains that human will is often stubborn and resistant to God's authority, requiring divine grace to bring it into submission. He encourages believers to embrace God's sovereignty and goodness in all circumstances, asserting that true peace comes from acknowledging God's hand in our lives. Ultimately, Gill calls for a heart that willingly submits to God's plans, reflecting the perfect example of Christ's submission in the Garden of Gethsemane.
John 5:40 to End. the Defense Concluded.
By Favell Lee Mortimer0DEU 18:15JER 50:38JHN 5:40JHN 5:44HEB 4:12Favell Lee Mortimer preaches about the rejection of Christ by the chief Jews, emphasizing how Jesus, like a two-edged sword, convicts the conscience of those who do not love God. Men despised Christ because He did not cater to their worldly desires and did not promise earthly rewards. Similarly, people today reject Christ because His holiness does not align with their sinful preferences, preferring idols and worldly pleasures over a spiritual Savior.
The Twofoldness of Divine Truth
By Robert Govett0JHN 5:40ACT 2:38ACT 13:40ACT 13:48ACT 16:14ACT 17:11ACT 17:30EPH 1:4PHP 2:122TH 2:13Robert Govett preaches about the twofoldness of truth in the Scripture, emphasizing the harmony of seemingly opposing doctrines found in the Bible. He explores the coexistence of God's sovereignty and man's responsibility, the extent of redemption, the perseverance of the saints, justification by faith or works, the nature of God, the Saviour, worship, means of edification, the Church, the dispensations of God, the Word of God, and the status of men before God. Govett encourages embracing both sides of the truth presented in the Bible, acknowledging the complexity and depth of God's character and His Word.
If Any Man Thirst: Part I
By James Webster0PSA 42:1ISA 55:1MAT 11:28JHN 4:14JHN 5:40JHN 6:35JHN 6:37JHN 7:37REV 22:17James Webster preaches on the powerful invitation of Jesus Christ to come and drink from Him, emphasizing the solemnity and urgency of the offer made during a feast day. Despite the great readiness of Christ to provide, many refuse to come to Him, rejecting the opportunity for spiritual refreshment. The sermon delves into the duty of believing in Christ, the types of individuals invited to come (thirsty folk), the promise of satisfaction for those who come, and the unfortunate reality that many are unwilling to accept Christ's offer.
One of the Saddest Utterances That Ever Fell From the Lips of the Son of God
By R.A. Torrey0SalvationBarriers to FaithPRO 29:25MAT 11:28MAT 18:21LUK 18:9JHN 3:16JHN 5:40ROM 10:91TI 1:152PE 3:9JUD 1:24R.A. Torrey delivers a poignant sermon on the heartbreaking words of Jesus, 'Ye will not come to Me, that ye might have life,' emphasizing that the reason for anyone's lost state is their refusal to come to Christ. He explains that salvation is available to all, and no one is lost due to God's decree or their depth of sin, but rather because they choose not to accept the offer of life through Jesus. Torrey identifies various barriers that prevent people from coming to Christ, including sin, the love of money, pleasure, fear of man, unforgiveness, self-will, and pride. He urges listeners to recognize these obstacles and to make the choice to come to Jesus for eternal life. The sermon concludes with a heartfelt invitation to accept Christ and experience the life He offers.
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And ye will not come to me - Though ye thus search the Scriptures, in hopes of finding the Messiah and eternal life in them, yet ye will not come unto me, believe in me, and be my disciples, though so clearly pointed out by them, that ye may have that eternal life which can only come through me.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And ye will not come to me,.... Which is to be understood, not of a corporeal coming to him; for many of the Jews did come to him in this sense; some for one thing, and some for another; some for the loaves, that they might eat and be filled; some to see his miracles, and others to partake of the benefit of them; some to hear him preach, and others to catch and cavil at what they could: nor is bare coming to hear Christ preached, or an outward attendance on, and submission to his ordinances, such a coming to him as is here designed; for with these eternal life is not connected: bodily exercise profiteth not in this way; but a spiritual coming to Christ, or a coming to him by faith is here meant; in which sense the phrase is frequently used in this Gospel, especially in the next chapter; see Joh 6:35; and those who come aright to Christ, come to him as the alone, able, suitable, and sufficient Saviour; and in themselves as sinners, and ready to perish; and as such they are received by him with a welcome: but these men did not see themselves as such; nor did they see any need they had of coming to Christ; for they thought they had eternal life elsewhere: and such were their ignorance of themselves and Christ; and such their prejudices against him; and such the depravity, perverseness, and stubbornness of their wills, that they had no inclination, desire, and will to come to Christ, any more than power; which is an argument against, and not for the free will of man, unless it be to that which is evil: and this perverseness of their wills to come to Christ, when revealed in the external ministry of the word, was blameworthy in them, since this was not owing to any decree of God, but to the corruption and vitiosity of nature; which being blameworthy in them, that which follows upon it must be so too; and it was the greater aggravation of their sin, that they had the Scriptures which testified of Christ, and pointed at him as the way of life, and yet would not come to him for it: that ye might have life; that is, eternal life, as is expressed in the foregoing verse, and is so read here in Beza's old copy, in the Syriac, Arabic, and Persic versions. This is in Christ, not only the purpose and promise of it, but that itself: he has the disposal of it, gives the right unto it, and a meetness for it, with all the comforts arising from it, and all the promises and blessings relating to it; and all that come to Christ by faith may, and shall have it: this is the will of the Father, the end of his giving of Christ, and of his mission and coming into the world, and is inseparably connected with believing in him.