John 5:40 Meaning: Why We Refuse to Come to Jesus
Yet you will not come to me, that you may have life.
And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.
and ye will not come to me, that ye may have life.
and ye do not will to come unto me, that ye may have life;
and ye will not come to me that ye might have life.
Meaning in one sentence
Jesus says we search Scripture for life yet will not come to Him. John 5:40 explained with warmth, word study, and application.
Context
Jesus has just healed a man by the pool of Bethesda, on the Sabbath. The religious leaders are furious. In the long speech that follows, Jesus defends His work and identity. He points them to the witnesses that testify about Him: John the Baptist, the miracles themselves, the Father, and especially the Scriptures they pore over. The Jews pride themselves on knowing the Scriptures. They believe eternal life is found in them. Yet here is the painful irony: those very Scriptures point to Jesus, and still they will not come to Him. The verse sits at the heart of that sorrow.
Key Words
The Greek word behind “will not” is thelete. It speaks of a settled determination, not a simple inability. Jesus is not saying they cannot come. He is saying they choose not to. They have a strong reluctance, even a stubborn refusal. The word is in the present tense, an ongoing state of mind.
The word for “come” (erchomai) here means to approach with intent, to move toward someone. It implies relationship. Coming to Jesus is not an abstract idea; it is a personal approach to a person. And “life” (zōē) is not just breathing, but the full, eternal existence that God gives through His Son. The Jews thought life was in the text. Jesus says life is in Him, and He holds it out to them. They will not take a step.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians have wrestled with the human will in this verse. Calvin (Reformed tradition) sees here a reproach for malice and obstinacy, their refusal is blameworthy, rooted in a heart that does not love God. Wesley and Clarke (Methodist) emphasize the free will: they could come, but they won’t. The Cambridge Bible notes the difficulty of the connection, but all agree on the fact of their refusal. What divides interpreters is how to hold together God’s sovereignty and human responsibility. Both sides point to the same truth: the offer stands, the fault lies with us, and the only way to life is to come to Christ.
A common misunderstanding
Some read this verse and think: “They couldn’t help it. God didn’t choose them.” But the Greek word thelete means a deliberate unwillingness, not an inability. Jesus says “you will not come,” not “you cannot come.” The fault is theirs, and the following verses show why: they love praise from each other more than the glory of God (John 5:44). The problem is not a lack of ability but a lack of desire.
Living This Out
It is easy to read the Bible every day and still keep Jesus at arm’s length. You can study prophecy, memorize verses, listen to sermons, and never actually turn to Him in trust. This week, try a simple test. Before you open your Bible, pray: “Lord, show me Yourself in this passage. I do not want information. I want You.” When you close it, ask: “Did I meet Christ here, or just learn facts?” The Scriptures lead to a Person. Do not stop short.
Main takeaway: The Bible points us to Jesus, and knowing its words is worthless if we will not come to Him for life.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
Jesus is sad because people read the Bible but do not want to be His friend. The Bible shows us how to come to Jesus, and He wants us to come close.
For ages 9, 12
The religious leaders studied Scripture every day, but when Jesus stood in front of them, they turned away. You can know all the right answers about God and still miss God Himself. Coming to Jesus means trusting Him as your Savior, not just reading about Him. Don’t let studying the Bible replace actually talking to Him and following Him.
Questions People Ask
What does it mean to ‘come to Jesus’ in John 5:40?
It means to trust Him personally as the one who gives life. It is not about walking to a physical place, but about believing in Him, receiving His words, and making Him your Lord and Savior.
Does John 5:40 teach free will or predestination?
Christians differ on this. The verse emphasizes that the Jews will not come, their will is involved. Some traditions see this as a choice they could have made but refused. Others see a deeper spiritual inability. Both agree that coming to Jesus is necessary for life and that the fault for not coming lies with us.
Why did the Jews reject Jesus if they studied the Scriptures?
Jesus explains in the following verses. They loved honor from people and did not seek the glory that comes from God (v.44). Their hearts were proud. They wanted a Messiah who fit their expectations, not one who called them to repent and believe.
What kind of life does Jesus offer in John 5:40?
The Greek word is zōē, not just physical life, but eternal, abundant life that comes from knowing God and His Son. It is life that begins now and lasts forever. The Jews thought eternal life was in the Scriptures, but Jesus says it is found only in Him.
How can I know if I am coming to Jesus or just studying Him?
Consider your heart. Do you come to the Bible to know a person or to gain knowledge? Do you obey what you learn? Do you speak to Him in prayer, not just about Him? Coming to Jesus means depending on Him, following Him, and wanting Him more than anything else.
For pastors & researchers
Greek interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study