Yes, John 5:41 is a tiny verse but it truly packs a punch.  Jesus was speaking, and He said, “I do not receive glory from men;” Read that again and chew on it for a few moments. 

If there was a man alive at that time who deserved “recognition”, “honor”, “glory”, etc. it was Jesus.  Lives were healed, changed and transformed after encountering Him, and people therefore began following Him.  Yet, He says, “I do not receive glory from men.” Why?

First, He knew WHO He was while on earth.  Earlier in the chapter in vv 19-20 in tells the people that He doesn’t go anywhere or do anything unless the Father tells Him to.  He walked in dependency upon His Father, because He understood it was ALL for His Father’s honor and glory…period.  He was His Father’s Son, and it was His Father’s life He lived by.

Also, notice He made a choice.  He decided to not let the glory “stick.”  If someone gave you a gift, you don’t HAVE to receive it.  You can simply say, “That was kind, but not thank you.”  This is precisely what Jesus did while here on the earth.  He knew that He couldn’t control the actions of others.  He knew He couldn’t stop their choice of wanted to glorify Himself, but He COULD make a choice; to decide to take upon Himself the glory due His father.

Sadly we as humans do the exact opposite.  Whether you are leading a family, teaching a Bible study, on staff at a church or ministry, pastoring a church or whatever, are you willfully accepting the praise and glory that is due Jesus?  It is HIS life, His ministry, His love, His blessings, His wisdom…….HIS GLORY!!!

So, the next time someone mistakenly tries to GIVE you glory first believe that it really is NOT about you and then next simply say, “You are so kind! Isn’t Jesus wonderful?  Our Father loves us so desperately!” (or something like this) Thereby, you will be deflecting the praise and glory to our Father!

Now read the whole passage from John 5:41-44 from The Message Bible:

“I’m not interested in crowd approval. And do you know why? Because I know you and your crowds. I know that love, especially God’s love, is not on your working agenda. I came with authority of my Father, and you either dismiss me or avoid me. If another came, acting self-important, you would welcome him with open arms. How do you expect to get anywhere with God when you spend all your time jockeying for position with each other, ranking you rivals and ignoring God.”