The Healing at the Pool
I have come in My Father’s name, and you have not received Me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will receive him. John 5:43 · Berean Standard Bible
Jesus says He came in His Father's name and they rejected Him, but if someone else comes promoting themselves, they will welcome that person with open arms.
It is a painful irony. They reject the genuine article and fall for the counterfeits. History proved Jesus right, as false messiahs led many astray.
Jesus exposes the backward logic of their rejection: they say no to the one from God and yes to anyone promoting themselves.
There is something in human nature that resists true authority and is drawn to false confidence. Jesus came humbly, pointing to the Father, and they rejected Him. But a charismatic fraud would have them lining up.
Jesus came 'in My Father's name' (en tō onomati tou patros mou) and was rejected, yet they would receive (lēmpsesthe) someone who comes in his own name. This may refer to false messiahs (such as Bar Kokhba in 135 AD) or more generally to anyone who appeals to human authority rather than divine commission.
The contrast between coming in the Father's name (divine authority) and coming in one's own name (human authority) exposes their inverted value system. They trust self-authorized leaders while rejecting the divinely commissioned Son.
Jesus exposes the irony of their rejection: they refuse the one sent by God but will embrace self-appointed leaders.
Jesus highlights a devastating irony: those who reject God's own emissary will eagerly follow a self-proclaimed authority. History would prove Him right, as false messiahs would repeatedly lead Israel astray.
41I do not accept glory from men,
42but I know you, that you do not have the love of God within you.
43I have come in My Father’s name, and you have not received Me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will receive him.
44How can you believe if you accept glory from one another, yet do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?
45Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father. Your accuser is Moses, in whom you have put your hope.
Read all of John 5 — A man who has been an invalid for thirty-eight years is told to pick up his mat and walk. The Pharisees are more concerned about the day of the week.
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