John 5:31-40 CSB
"If I testify about myself, my testimony is not true. [32] There is another who testifies about me, and I know that the testimony he gives about me is true. [33] You sent messengers to John, and he testified to the truth. [34] I don't receive human testimony, but I say these things so that you may be saved. [35] John was a burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light. [36] "But I have a greater testimony than John's because of the works that the Father has given me to accomplish. These very works I am doing testify about me that the Father has sent me. [37] The Father who sent me has himself testified about me. You have not heard his voice at any time, and you haven't seen his form. [38] You don't have his word residing in you, because you don't believe the one he sent. [39] You pore over the Scriptures because you think you have eternal life in them, and yet they testify about me. [40] But you are not willing to come to me so that you may have life.
Only Jesus Saves
Most occupations require some form of proof that you are capable of doing a job. To be in the military, it takes making it through boot camp and then receiving orders to continue to the first duty station. To teach in a public school system, someone needs more than just a degree; they need proof that they are capable of teaching children. There are background checks to ensure the children’s safety and follow-up certifications to remain active in the profession. We keep our resumes up to date with references so that the next employer can find out the truth about our character and skills.
During the time of Jesus, Jewish believers knew that Mosaic law required two or more witnesses for a court proceeding. One witness was not enough to condemn or vindicate someone. This is the setting we have with Jesus’ words today. It was not enough for the hearers for Jesus to simply say that He is the Son of God, the chosen Messiah. There needed to be real confirmation—and rightfully so. As believers, we are encouraged to test what we hear to ensure it aligns with God’s truth (1 John 4:1).
We find these witnesses in our reading today. First, John the Baptist testified about Jesus. The people recognized John as a great prophet; they valued his words, and those words pointed to Jesus being the chosen one of Israel. But there is even more evidence. The miracles Jesus performed proved He was sent by the Father and that His words were true. Furthermore, the Father’s own voice testified about His Son on several occasions recorded in the Bible: at Jesus’ baptism, during the Transfiguration, and during Passion Week. Yet, even with this testimony, many struggled to believe.
The loving Father was reaching out to the world through His Son, yet it can be difficult for the human heart to let go of its own certainties. We have God’s Word today, but sometimes the Bible sits in our houses as a book of information rather than a source of life. It’s a common struggle to read out of a sense of obligation, as if the act of memorizing words is what saves us. It is easy to fall into the habit of seeking knowledge while missing the relationship—repeating the mistake of the Pharisees by turning a faith-based salvation into something legalistic. The Pharisees searched the Scriptures deeply, but they were looking for life in the law of the text itself rather than the Person the text revealed. I find I have to check myself constantly on this point; knowledge without understanding who the knowledge points to can sometimes blind us to the very truth we are looking for.
Our loving Father testified about His Son throughout the Old Testament, with the Bible pointing toward Jesus. It is often noted that Jesus fulfilled hundreds of Old Testament prophecies, showing God’s long-standing plan for our redemption. Sometimes, however, it is easy for us to get caught up in the act of reading as a checklist, missing the beauty of the Person the text points to. When Jesus says, “You pore over the Scriptures because you think you have eternal life in them, and yet they testify about me,” He is inviting us into something deeper than just study. He is inviting us into life itself. Understanding the words of the Bible is a beautiful gift because it builds our faith in Him and helps us know His heart more intimately.
Reflection Questions
- In what areas of your life do you feel the pressure to provide a “resume” of good works rather than simply resting in your relationship with Jesus?
- Jesus mentions that people “rejoiced for a while” in John the Baptist’s light. How can we move from a temporary “spark” of faith to a steady, daily walk with the Lord?
- When you open your Bible, how can you shift your focus from just gaining information to truly meeting with the One who loves you?
Prayer
Father,
Thank You for the witnesses that point us toward Your Son. Help us to not only read Your Word but to hear Your voice through it. Open our eyes to see Jesus on every page and in every moment of our lives. Protect us from the pride of knowledge and lead us into the humility of a true relationship with You. As I move forward, keep my heart centered on the Life that only You provide.
Amen.
