Scripture: John 5:30-47

Testimonies About Jesus Which Justify His Authority

After Jesus’ miraculous healing of the man at the pool of Bethesda, who had been paralyzed for thirty-eight years, the Jewish leaders were agitated because he carried his mat on the Sabbath, breaking the fourth commandment. When Jesus was questioned about his authority, he responded with the following:

By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me. (John 5:30)

Despite all the authority invested in him, Jesus humbly claimed to be absolutely dependent on his Father since he did not seek his own will. As Christ’s followers, we must acknowledge God as our source and strength in all circumstances.

In verses 31-40, Jesus started by confirming that “self-testimonies” are inappropriate. To justify his claims, he presented the following four testimonies:

1. John’s witness about Jesus: John the Baptist’s ministry was a testimony about Jesus. Although Jesus did not accept human testimony, he referred to John’s message of salvation. John was a burning light who pointed the Jews to Jesus; although they accepted John, they refused to recognize Jesus as the Messiah.

2. The second witness is the works of Jesus: The miracles Jesus performed could only be done through God’s interventions. His word is so powerful, just by speaking out, he healed the sick and raised the dead. His works demonstrated God’s power in him which confirms that he is the Son of God.

3. Thirdly, the witness of his Father: God testified about Jesus during his baptism, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well-pleased.” (Matthew 3:17) The Jewish leaders had no trace of God abiding in them; therefore, they were unable to recognize Jesus in the Scriptures as the promised Messiah.

4. Jesus referred to the “Scriptures” as his fourth testimony: Although the Jewish leaders studied the Scriptures diligently, they neglected the actual message. They believed that they could acquire eternal life through the Scriptures so they refused to honor Jesus and did not believe in him.

In the final verses 41-47: Jesus remarked that, despite the Jewish leaders’ knowledge of the Scriptures, their hearts were distant from God because they were only concerned about praises for each other.
Their hopes were in the study of the Scriptures and Moses’ writings, but they did not honor the message. Contrary to them, Jesus did not seek praises from men but rather to love and glorify God his Father.

Finally, brothers and sisters in Christ, let us study the Scriptures persistently but importantly, to heed its message and also to believe in Jesus who is the only way to eternal life. We must refrain from craving praises from men but instead, seek praises from God and let the Scriptures direct us.

We are called to live for Christ and speak up for him regardless of our circumstances. We are to be authentic and perform good deeds, which will in turn demonstrate what we really believe in, to attract others to Jesus. Like John and as fellow believers, we are the lights of Christ and our main purpose is to shine in the darkness around us, by pointing people to Christ, this is what pleases God.

Application: Considering the works of Jesus, what do you need to do to point someone to God?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we thank you for our salvation. Give us your boldness as we reach out to our families, friends and neighbors as a testimony of your grace. Amen.