💬 Devotional on John 5:41–47 — The Glory That Comes from God

📖 John 5:41–47 (NIV)

41 "I do not accept glory from human beings,
42 but I know you. I know that you do not have the love of God in your hearts.
43 I have come in my Father's name, and you do not accept me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him.
44 How can you believe since you accept glory from one another but do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?
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?"
  

(John 5:41–47, New International Version)

🔁 Repeated Words or Phrases

• Glory – verses 41, 44
• Believe – verses 44, 46, 47
• Name – verse 43
• Moses – verses 45–47

🎯 Theme

True faith seeks God’s glory, not human praise, and is rooted in believing the Scriptures that testify of Christ.

🕊 Finding God (Observation)

• Jesus does not seek human glory (v.41)
• He knows the hearts of people (v.42)
• He comes in the Father’s name (v.43)
• God offers glory that only comes from Him (v.44)
• God spoke through Moses about Jesus (v.46)

👤 Finding Man (Observation)

• People lack love for God in their hearts (v.42)
• They accept those who come in their own name (v.43)
• They seek each other’s praise over God’s (v.44)
• They set their hopes on Moses but miss his true message (v.45)
• They fail to believe both Moses’ writings and Jesus’ words (v.46–47)

🪷 Interpretation: What This Tells Us About God

God desires wholehearted love and authentic belief, not superficial honor. He sent Jesus in His name, fully aligned with His will, and gave testimony even through Moses. The glory God offers is lasting and true, unlike the fleeting recognition of people. God calls us to know Him from the heart, not just with the mind.

🧍 Interpretation: What This Tells Us About Humanity

Humans are often more concerned with how others view them than how God sees them. We may claim to know Scripture, yet ignore its call to believe in Christ. Without love for God, our religion becomes performance. The craving for man’s approval blinds us to the very Savior God sent to us.

🪞 Application

Am I seeking the glory that comes from God or the approval of others? Today, I choose to re-center my faith on God's truth and not people's praise. I will open my heart in love for God, and believe not only in His Word but also in the One it points to—Jesus.

💓 Spiritual Touch

“How can you believe since you accept glory from one another but do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?” (v.44) — A question that challenges the foundation of our faith and motive for following Christ.

🙌 Prayer of Faith, Repentance, and Gratitude

Lord Jesus, forgive me for the times I sought the praise of people more than Your approval. Cleanse my heart from pride and performance. Fill me with love for You and faith in Your Word. Help me live for Your glory alone. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

🌅 Live the Word for 24 Hours

• Reflect on who you are trying to impress today—God or people.
• Choose one action today that honors God even if it costs human approval.
• Ask God to deepen your love for Him beyond mere knowledge or performance.