John 5:41 Commentary and Bible Study

Jesus was not simply seeking praise from them in place of criticism; he would not have received their praise even if they had offered it. As unconverted men and women, the only praise that they were capable of offering was praise that expressed appreciation of the sort of things that carnal man appreciates. Christ tells them on another occasion that ‘that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God’ (Luke 16:15). Their praise would have been unacceptable to him. Their problem was much deeper than this; they did not have love for God in their hearts, and that prevented them from ever honouring the Son of God as they should. It is impossible to love the Father and not love the Son. Conversely, it is impossible to hate the Son and not hate the Father also.