This summary suggests that Jesus-' opponents had accused Him of self-glorification. In answer He traces back their failure to accept His message to want of that love of God which their study of Scripture should have taught them (Deuteronomy 6:5). If a false prophet were to come on his own authority (cf. Deuteronomy 18:20), and speak presumptuously in God's name, flattering their pride and self-seeking, such an one they would welcome. There is no reference in John 5:43 b to the pseudo-Messiah, Bar-Kochba (A.D. 135). Deuteronomy 18:20 and the character of popular Messianism in the last century B.C. are adequate explanations. Belief was impossible so long as they looked for the praise of men and not of God. As with judgment so with accusation. It is not His primary object. Their real accuser is Moses, whose Law they believe themselves to obey so well. They failed to recognise the Prophet whom he foretold, and so they fail to see the truth of Jesus-' words. [Possibly John 7:15-24 should be inserted at this point. A. J. G.]
Related Commentaries of John 5:41
John 5:41-47
41 I receive not honour from men.
42 But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you.
43 I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.
44 How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?
45 Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust.
46 For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me.
47 But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?