Testimonies of Jesus (John 5:31-47)
Scripture: John 5:31-47 (ESV)
“If I alone bear witness about myself, my testimony is not true. There is another who bears witness about me, and I know that the testimony that he bears about me is true. You sent to John, and he has borne witness to the truth. Not that the testimony that I receive is from man, but I say these things so that you may be saved. He was a burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light. But the testimony that I have is greater than that of John. For the works that the Father has given me to accomplish, the very works that I am doing, bear witness about me that the Father has sent me. And the Father who sent me has himself borne witness about me. His voice you have never heard, his form you have never seen, and you do not have his word abiding in you, for you do not believe the one whom he has sent. You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life. I do not receive glory from people. But I know that you do not have the love of God within you. I have come in my Father's name, and you do not receive me. If another comes in his own name, you will receive him. How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God? Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father. There is one who accuses you: Moses, on whom you have set your hope. For if you believed Moses, you would believe me; for he wrote of me. But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?”
In this passage, Jesus confronts the religious leaders with their inability to recognize Him as the Messiah. He explains that His claims are supported by multiple witnesses, each validating His divine mission and identity. According to Jewish law, the testimony of two or three witnesses is necessary to establish truth (Deuteronomy 19:15). Jesus provides four: John the Baptist, His miraculous works, the Father Himself, and the Scriptures.
John the Baptist was a powerful prophet whose life and ministry pointed to Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). The religious leaders initially rejoiced in John’s light, acknowledging him as a prophet, but they failed to heed his testimony about Jesus. Jesus points out that John's role, while significant, was merely preparatory, a lamp guiding people to the true Light—Himself.
Next, Jesus highlights His works as a second, more compelling testimony. The miracles Jesus performed were not just acts of compassion; they were signs of the in-breaking Kingdom of God and direct evidence that He was sent by the Father. These works—the healing of the sick, the raising of the dead, and the casting out of demons—were meant to point to His divine authority and identity. The religious leaders witnessed these miracles but refused to accept what they clearly demonstrated: that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God.
The third testimony comes from the Father. God Himself bears witness to Jesus. This divine endorsement is greater than any human testimony. At Jesus’ baptism and during the Transfiguration, the Father’s voice was heard, affirming Jesus as His beloved Son. Yet, the religious leaders were spiritually deaf to God’s voice and blind to His form because they did not have His Word abiding in them. Their refusal to believe in Jesus was a refusal to accept the Father's testimony about Him.
Finally, Jesus speaks of the Scriptures as the fourth witness. The religious leaders devoted themselves to studying the Scriptures, believing that in them they would find eternal life. However, Jesus points out their tragic irony: the Scriptures they studied so diligently pointed directly to Him, yet they failed to recognize Him as the source of the life they sought. Their hope was set on Moses and the Law, but even Moses wrote about Jesus. By rejecting Jesus, they were rejecting the very foundation of their faith.
This confrontation reveals a deeper spiritual issue: the condition of their hearts. Jesus notes that they do not have the love of God within them. Their inability to believe in Jesus is tied to their desire for human approval rather than seeking glory from God. This desire blinds them to the truth and prevents them from experiencing the life Jesus offers.
Key Lessons for Our Daily Lives:
Recognizing the Witnesses to Christ: Jesus presents multiple witnesses to His identity—John the Baptist, His works, the Father, and the Scriptures. These witnesses affirm who He is and invite us to believe in Him. Reflect on the different ways God has revealed Himself to you. Are there testimonies in your life—through answered prayers, the impact of Scripture, or personal experiences—that point you to Jesus? Acknowledge these signs and let them strengthen your faith.
Searching the Scriptures with an Open Heart: The religious leaders missed recognizing Jesus because they approached Scripture with closed hearts and minds. They were so focused on their own understanding and traditions that they missed the true message of the Scriptures. How do you approach your Bible study? Ensure it is not just an intellectual exercise but a pursuit of knowing Jesus personally. Let the Scriptures lead you into a deeper relationship with Him.
Seeking God’s Glory Over Human Approval: Jesus critiques the leaders for valuing the praise of men over the glory of God. This same temptation exists today. In our actions and decisions, it is easy to seek recognition and approval from others. Consider where you may be prioritizing human approval over God’s glory in your life. Ask God to help you align your desires with His will and seek His glory above all else.
Embracing the Testimony of Jesus’ Works: The miracles of Jesus are not just historical events; they are living testimonies of His power and compassion. Reflect on how Jesus’ works continue to testify to His character and mission. How does Jesus’ healing, provision, and grace impact your understanding of His nature? Let His works inspire you to trust in His continued work in your life and the world.
Believing in Jesus through the Testimony of Scripture: Jesus emphasizes that the Scriptures testify about Him. Understanding the Bible as a unified story that points to Jesus enriches our faith and deepens our understanding of God's redemptive plan. As you read both the Old and New Testaments, look for how each passage points to Jesus and His work. This holistic view strengthens our trust in God’s promises and His faithfulness throughout history.
Understanding the Importance of a Heart Posture of Belief: Jesus reveals that the leaders’ unbelief was not due to a lack of evidence but a lack of love for God and a desire for His glory. This teaches us that belief in Jesus requires more than intellectual assent; it demands a heart that is open, humble, and aligned with God's love. How is your heart posture today? Are you open to receiving Jesus fully, or are there barriers that need to be surrendered to experience the fullness of life He offers?
A Prayer for Today:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the multiple witnesses that testify to Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to recognize and respond to these testimonies in our lives. Open our hearts to receive Your Word with humility and truth, and guide us to seek Your glory above all else. May we approach the Scriptures with a desire to know Jesus more deeply and let His works inspire our faith. Strengthen our trust in Your promises and align our hearts with Your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.