John 5: 31b -37a
” ‘There is another who testifies in my favor, and I know that his testimony about me is true.
‘You have sent to John and he has testified to the truth. Not that I accept human testimony; but I mention it that you may be saved. John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you chose for a time to enjoy his light.
“I have testimony weightier than that of John. For the works that the Father has given me to finish—the very works that I am doing—testify that the Father has sent me. And the Father who sent me has himself testified concerning me.'”
At the risk of seeming repetitive, we need to spend one more day in this passage. If you want to review the prior discussion on Testimony see: Testimony (I), Testimony (II), and Testimony (III).
Jesus has made at least six major claims about himself that are causing the Jewish leaders to persecute Jesus. Jesus claims God works on the Sabbath so it is okay for him to do the same. He claims God has given him the power to give life, that he has been entrusted with all judgment, that honoring him is the same as honoring God, that believing in him is necessary for gaining life, and that he can give life to the dead.
Jesus then says that John has testified to his right to make these claims but adds, “Not that I accept human testimony…”
Jesus draws a distinction between human testimony and testimony that is “weightier than that of John.”
Q: What kind of non-human testimony is Jesus referring to?
I believe He is referring to the testimony of the Holy Spirit,..that’s the only non-human I can think of here,..not unless He was referring to the donkey,..
LOL!
John, brother, you are on your game this morning! 🙂
I agree with John, I think the witness of the Holy Spirit is the testimony Jesus is referring. To clarify, the ‘works’ Jesus is doing is a part of this testimony as it shows the evidence of the special anointing of the Spirit on Jesus. The fulfillment of scripture, miraculous works, and the anointing of the Spirit of God all declare/testify that Jesus is the Messiah.
(note: some of my recent posts came across as anonymous – I thought I was logged in.)
Blessings & Good Morning!
Right guy’s. Jesus does not need human verification of His being God. He does require we die to ourselves and allow Him speak to the world through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Now I understand we are several steps down from a donkey, however we are more plentiful and numbers which could possibly make up for our stubborn temperament.
I also agree… In the larger context we see the testimony of the Holy Spirit, especially in chapters 14 – 16. In the immediate passage we see Jesus referring to the works that He does as the testimony as well as the testimony of the Father (Verse 36 – 37). We see here His works as a testimony, the Father as a testimony and later the Spirit as a testimony (But as Nathan says, the works Jesus is doing is also showing the anointing of the Holy Spirit in Jesus’ life). What I find interesting is the testimony of the Triune God (Father, Son – through His works, and the Holy Spirit). This is the most powerful testimony of all because it is superior to the testimony of people.
Kinda what I was saying a few posts ago. I’m starting to catch on and learn from the works you all have put in this blog. Great job guys. Nobody will know the good you all have done here. Like a butterfly effect that was started years ago.