Title: Testimony for Jesus / John 5:30-38
Contents Testimony for Jesus / John 5:30-38
“I cannot do anything on my own… ” (John 5:30-38)
Word: In Israel at the time, two or three witnesses had to testify in court to confirm the facts. But it was of no use for him to testify against himself. So I had to mention other witnesses who testify that Jesus was also the Messiah.
First, Jesus adopts God as his witness in verse 32. Verse 37 says, “The Father has tested for me.” When Jesus was baptized, even when he ascended the Mount of Transfiguration, he heard the voice of God saying, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Mark 1:11, Matthew 17:5). However, the problem is that we cannot hear this direct testimony of God unless our spiritual eyes and ears are opened.
Therefore, John the Baptist is adopted as the second witness. John the Baptist continued to testify of Jesus as “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29, 36) and “the one who baptizes with the Holy Spirit” (John 1:33). Some people listened to John the Baptist and followed Jesus. We hear and follow the testimony of those we trust. People prefer to hear indirectly through people than to hear directly from God. That looks easy. However, compared to the testimony of God, the testimony of men is temporary and limited.
Verse 35 says, “The testimony of John is a lamp that shines, and you once wished to rejoice in that light.” The testimony of God is eternal light, but the testimony of men is like a lamp that is lit and lit for a short time. After a while, it goes out and another person gets up and continues the testimony. But the light of God goes on forever.
The third evidence is presently verifiable and is what Jesus is doing (v. 36). Just as a tree can be identified by its fruit, when you look at the work of Jesus, you can know that God was with you and that God sent you. The life of Jesus itself proves that Jesus is the Son of God. I am preaching with words like this, but I hope that someday I will be able to preach with life without the need for words. The testimony of Jesus does not end here.