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.’ “
Yes, I know that I should have titled this post, “Testimony V” but I just couldn’t do it. Repetition is so… repetitive. However, there are some benefits to repetition. Sometimes we need to hear things more than once for it to sink in.
(If you want to review the prior discussion on Testimony see: Testimony (I), Testimony (II), Testimony (III), and Testimony (IV).)
In effect, Jesus is calling his witnesses to testify before the Jewish leaders. When he makes his claim, he is probably standing in the temple court. This would be the equivalent of standing before the Supreme Court for a Jew. In ancient times, long before Jesus’s time, the priests were given the authority to be the final arbiters of any legal question for the Jews.
So far he has testified in his own behalf but pointed out that the testimony of one person alone is not valid. So he adds a second testimony, that of John the Baptist. From a strictly legal position, this meets the minimum requirement of the law which demands at least two witnesses. But for Jesus, this is not good enough, for he himself does not accept human testimony. So he calls two more witnesses: one is the fact that he can do things only God can do, and the other is God the Father himself has testified about him.
Q: How has God the Father testified about Jesus?
Great question and background. I like the analogy to the Supreme Court. The Father has testified about His Son in numerous ways. He has a testimony through the prophets in the OT Scriptures. Those pointed to the works the Messiah would do that Jesus alludes to. So His word testifies to Jesus and Jesus fulfills the prophecies to a tee. He also testified at His baptism (Matthew 3: 16 – 17). There are also the works themselves. Those works were done in the Father’s will and show that the Father is behind the works of the Son, providing further testimony. Then there is also the resurrection from the dead (Romans 1: 4). These are a few ways in which the Father gives testimony. But it is clear that the Father approves of the Son and brings testimony to authenticate Jesus’ life, ministry and Deity.
Gotta go with Rich , not only faster with the keyboard but very thorough response. Thank you Rich.
I am with you Ron,.. very thorough response from Rich,..
All I had was His baptism when God spoke,..You are My Son, whom I love; with You I Am well pleased,..
John,
That certainly was a direct testimony from God!