Equal With God

For this reason they tried all the more to kill him; not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.

John 5:18

And the Father who sent me has himself testified concerning me. You have never heard his voice nor seen his form, nor does his word dwell in you, for you do not believe the one he sent. You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.

“I do not accept glory from human beings, but I know you. I know that you do not have the love of God in your hearts. 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. How can you believe since you accept glory from one another but do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?

“But do not think I will accuse you before the Father. Your accuser is Moses, on whom your hopes are set. If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me. But since you do not believe what he wrote, how are you going to believe what I say?”

John 5:37-47

Are you interested in religion? Are you interested in a relationship?

Jesus did have difficulties with religious people of His day. He said the Pharisees were guided by tradition and rules and not by the love of God. Jesus wanted relationships, but not everyone came to Him for that.

If being “religious” means followed a set of rules so we can look good – instead of enjoying a relationship with the Savior – Jesus isn’t interested. He offers forgiveness and love to all who want an intimate relationship with Him.

There is a longing in every heart that only Jesus satisfy.

Our Daily Bread – September 3, 2013