What Jesus Did! 'The Center of Scripture' — John 5:39-40

Wednesday, April 15, 2026

Yearly Bible Reading Plans

Read through the entire bible in 2026 with our free online and printable plans.

 See Plans
[Jesus continued,] "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."
— John 5:39-40 NLT

Key Thought

As important as the Scriptures are, Jesus is very much more important. He is the message to whom Scripture points. [1] He is the key to unlock the message of God in the Bible. He is the reason the "Amen" can be spoken when Scripture is read. Jesus is the crucial, central, essential message around which Scripture turns. Why? Because he is God's greatest word. [2] He is "'Immanuel... God with us.'" [3] He is God's message. He gives life.

[1] John 1:1, 14.
[2] Hebrews 1:1-3.
[3] Matthew 1:23 NIV.

Today's Prayer

Thank you, O Lord God of Israel, for speaking through nature, Scripture, the Holy Spirit, and experience. Thank you, most of all, for speaking so clearly and definitively in Jesus. Please open my heart and my mind to the message you want me to hear. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

19 Related Resources by Heartlight

The Life-giving Word
Devo: Together in Christ
"[Jesus confronted his religious critics by saying,] "You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point...."
Getting Close to God
Article by Bill Denton
Are you righteous enough to get close to God? Bill Denton reminds us that the Pharisees' problem wasn't their love for Scripture, but their willingness to condemn others and justify themselves.
Spurgeon PM Devo for Jun. 10th
Devo: Morning & Evening
"Jesus Christ is the Alpha and Omega of the Bible. He is the constant theme of its sacred pages; from first to last they testify of him. At the..."
Spurgeon PM Devo for Jun. 9th
Devo: Morning & Evening
"The Greek word here rendered search signifies a strict, close, diligent, curious search, such as men make when they are seeking gold, or hunters when...."
See All 19 Related Resources about John 5:39-40

Illustration

Illustration of John 5:39-40 NLT — [Jesus continued,] "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."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Wednesday, April 15, 2026

Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Mutual Sharing' (Ro. 1:8-15)
"Dear Father, Thank you in Jesus Christ for every devoted Christian whose faith is proclaimed abroad. I thank you that they are a strength to me. Help..."
Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Friends of God Seeking Truth' (Acts 1:1-2)
"In my first book I told you, Theophilus, about everything Jesus began to do and teach until the day he was taken up to heaven after giving his chosen...."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'God Can Use Angels to Protect You' (Mt. 26:52-53)
"'Put away your sword,' Jesus told him. 'Those who use the sword will die by the sword. Don’t you realize that I could ask my Father for thousands of....."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Tryon Edwards:
"Between two evils, choose neither; between two goods, choose both."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!