John 5:45-47
45 “But do not think I will accuse you before the Father. Your accuser is Moses, on whom your hopes are set.
46 If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me.
47 But since you do not believe what he wrote, how are you going to believe what I say?”
In these verses, Jesus reveals a profound truth: even though the Jewish leaders were diligent in studying the Scriptures, they failed to recognize that the very Scriptures they cherished pointed to Him. Jesus makes it clear that if they truly believed in Moses, they would believe in Him because Moses’ writings testify of Christ.
The Law of Moses Points to Christ
The five books of Moses are not just the foundation of Jewish faith—they are a testimony of the coming Savior. Through the Old Testament stories and prophecies, God had already prepared a path for salvation. The sacrifice of Isaac foreshadowed the Son of God; the design of the tabernacle symbolized God’s promise to dwell with His people; the sacrificial system pointed to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ for our sins. All of these things point to the coming Messiah—Jesus Christ.
After His resurrection, Jesus explained this truth to His disciples, showing them that the entire Scriptures, from the Law of Moses to the words of the prophets, were all pointing to Him. This means that truly understanding the essence of the Bible goes beyond the letter of the law—it is seeing Jesus Christ in all of it.
The Source of Faith: Believing Moses, Believing Jesus
Jesus emphasized that if people did not believe Moses, they could not understand or accept His words. The Scriptures of Moses and Jesus’ words are interconnected. The Law of Moses laid the groundwork for our salvation, and Jesus’ coming and His works fulfill that groundwork.
However, many people focus on the outward observance of the law and miss the spiritual essence behind it. This attachment to external form leads them to fail to recognize the purpose of God’s will and to reject Jesus’ words. Only when we let go of our pursuit of human approval and truly submit to God’s word can we see the revelation of Jesus Christ in the Scriptures and accept the life-giving truth He offers.
Moving Toward the True Life
Today, are we like the Jews who stop at the outward behaviors and forms and miss the deep spiritual calling behind God’s word? Are we seeking God’s glory, or are we still chasing after human approval? Let us look at Moses’ writings and see the image of Christ, and let us draw life from His words, not merely staying at the level of knowledge and understanding.
In our daily lives, are we willing to set aside all vain pursuits and truly believe and live out the words of Jesus, walking the path to eternal life?
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