More Than a Book: When the Bible Becomes the Doorway to Jesus
What John 5:39-40 Teaches About Knowing the Scriptures vs. Knowing Christ
📖 You can know the Bible and still miss the Author.
Sometimes we get so focused on studying the Bible that we forget who it’s pointing to. We follow the reading plan. Highlight the verses. Even journal deep reflections. But somehow, our hearts still feel dry.
We’re searching the right pages but missing the real Person.
Jesus said it plainly in John 5:39–40:
"You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me! Yet you refuse to come to me to receive this life." (NLT)
That line makes me pause. ⏸️
Jesus wasn’t talking to skeptics—He was speaking to people who were deeply religious. People who knew the words... but not the Word made flesh.
And if we’re honest, it can happen to us too.
🔍 The Scriptures Point to a Person, Not a System
In John 5, Jesus had just healed a man who had been disabled for 38 years. Instead of celebrating the miracle, the religious leaders got upset—because He did it on the Sabbath. They were more concerned with rules than with the Redeemer.⚖️➡️❤️🩹
These were men who knew the Law backward and forward. They had entire books of Scripture memorized. But they failed to recognize the fulfillment of those Scriptures standing right in front of them (Matthew 5:17).
They searched the words but missed the Word made flesh (John 1:14). ❌📚➡️👑
They weren’t the only ones.
"Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself." (Luke 24:27 NLT)
Every page of the Bible ultimately points to Jesus. ✨
If we read it without meeting Him, we’re just gathering information. But when we read it to seek Him, we’re opening the doorway to transformation. 🚪❤️
⚠️ The Danger of Loving the Bible More Than Jesus
Let me be clear: the Bible is sacred. God-breathed. A treasure. 🕊️📘
But it’s not the final destination.
It’s the lamp—not the light itself (Psalm 119:105). 🪔 It’s the signpost—not the Savior. And if we’re not careful, we can idolize the study of Scripture more than the God it reveals.
"While knowledge makes us feel important, it is love that strengthens the church." (1 Corinthians 8:1 NLT)
When Bible reading becomes more about achievement than intimacy, we risk becoming like the Pharisees: full of knowledge, but far from the heart of God. 💡❤️❌
"But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says... If you do what it says... God will bless you for doing it." (James 1:22–25 NLT)
We were never meant to just study the Word. We were meant to live it—with Jesus at the center. 🙌🏽
💡 From Head Knowledge to Heart Encounter
So how do we shift?
How do we move from consuming Scripture like a textbook to approaching it like a conversation with the Living God? 💬🔥
It starts with humility. With hunger. With a prayer like, “Jesus, help me see You in these pages.” 🙏🏽
"I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done... I want to know Christ." (Philippians 3:8–10 NLT)
That’s what it’s all about. Not just knowing what Jesus said—but knowing His heart. Abiding in Him. Trusting Him. Following Him. 💖
"Remain in me, and I will remain in you... For apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15:4–5 NLT)
🛠️ What This Looks Like in Real Life
Here are a few simple ways to keep Jesus at the center of your Bible time:
⏸️ Pause before you read and pray: “Jesus, help me see You here.”
✍️ Journal what you sense, not just what you learn. Talk to Him as you read.
🙌🏽 Respond, don’t just reflect. If something convicts you, stop and pray.
🎵 Let your study turn into worship. Put on a worship song when something stirs your heart.
🕊️ Let go of pressure. You don’t need to read 3 chapters a day to be close to Jesus. One verse, surrendered fully, can be enough.
The Bible isn’t the destination. It’s the doorway. 🚪👣
Use it to walk closer. Not just learn more.
✨ At the End of the Day...
It’s not about how many chapters you read.
It’s about who you’re becoming.
And transformation doesn’t come from checking boxes.
It comes from meeting Jesus.
✝️ Come to Him
Maybe you’ve been around church or Christianity your whole life. Maybe you’ve read Scripture, done the plans, followed the routines—but you’re still dry. Still searching. 🌵
Friend, information isn’t the same as transformation. 🧠➡️❤️
And the Bible—while beautiful—isn’t the final stop.
Jesus is. 🕊️
He’s still saying, “Come to me to receive this life.” (John 5:40 NLT)
If you’re ready to surrender, to finally come to Him—not just read about Him—pray this with me:
Jesus, I want to know You—not just know about You. I believe You are the Son of God. Thank You for dying for my sins and rising again. I turn from my old ways and receive the life You’re offering. Be my Savior, my Lord, my Friend. Amen.
If you prayed that prayer—or if you still have questions—please don’t walk this journey alone. 🧡 Reach out. I’d be honored to pray for you and walk alongside you.
📣 Subscribe & Share
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And if someone you love is stuck in performance mode, send this their way. Let’s keep pointing people back to the Person—not just the page. 📖➡️👑
Missed the post on how to study the Bible with intention? Read it here: 👉 How to Study the Bible for Beginners
📚 Resources for Going Deeper
Books:
Gentle and Lowly by Dane Ortlund
Knowing God by J.I. Packer
With: Reimagining the Way You Relate to God by Skye Jethani
Women of the Word by Jen Wilkin
YouVersion Bible Plans:
"Jesus in All of the Bible" - A video devotional Bible series
Affiliate Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them—at no extra cost to you. I only recommend resources I genuinely believe will draw you closer to Jesus.
Such timely exposition
So good! 🤍