2/20/11 John 5:45-47 The Law Accuses

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?”

(Moses- Rembrandt 1659)

Thoughts: Jesus does not have to condemn us- we condemn ourselves.  The reality is the law of life- what works and what doesn't.  The Law of the Old Testament is our convictor.  At the same time, our redemption is found in the Law too.  Sacrifice and forgiveness are built into the system.  Calvin says the Law convicts us but also guides us.  In the end the Law guides us to our need for a Savior, and to listen to what He says.

Prayer: Lord, help me to see my need for you through your Law.

John Calvin Abridged: We can learn from this how to handle obstinant and hardened persons- showing them the judgment seat of God.  The scribes boasted of Moses but were in disobedience to him. So Christ points out that Moses will accuse them.  Moses testifies of Christ because Christ is the end of the Law.  The tabernacles, sacrifices, ceremonies, and patterns all point to Him (as Hebrews and Stephen pointed out).  Christ accomodates his conversation to those who were listening- so he elevates Moses' authority as they respected him.