“If I testify about myself, my testimony is not true. 32 There is another who testifies in my favor, and I know that his testimony about me is true. 33 “You have sent to John and he has testified to the truth. 34 Not that I accept human testimony; but I mention it that you may be saved. 35 John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you chose for a time to enjoy his light. 36 “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. 37 And the Father who sent me has himself testified concerning me. You have never heard his voice nor seen his form, 38 nor does his word dwell in you, for you do not believe the one he sent. 39 You study[c] the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, 40 yet you refuse to come to me to have life.” John 5.31-40
Testimony. It can save someone from a death or send them to prison. Testimonies matter because they can either corroborate the truth as we know it or provide evidence for a quick conviction. We find much in the New Testament about Jesus regarding testimony of both God and people.
In this passage, Jesus is letting us know about the one who testifies on his behalf. And according to Jesus, he knows that his (God’s) testimony is true.
So at this moment, for believers in Jesus, we rejoice in the truth that God the Father sent Jesus who testifies on his behalf and supports all the he does. However, for an unbelievers this testimony carries no more weight than if one hundred people spoke up and told the exact same story.
Yet Jesus knows human hearts and so he refers to John the Baptist who “has testified to the truth.” Those present knew of John, admired him as a true Prophet like one of old, and supported his testimony. But Jesus does not “accept” or need human testimony but includes John so “we might be saved.” The testimony that is “weightier then that of John” are the works that “the Father has given” Jesus to finish. In other words, Jesus’ life, works, actions and words give testimony themselves that he is Messiah.
Jesus then offers a rebuke to the Jews because they who study the very Scriptures, which point to Jesus, are ignored by those who study them. They study the Scriptures for “eternal life” but “refuse to come” to Jesus who has life for all who believe.
Isn’t it just like human beings to make up our own minds and ignore the truth of God’s Word put before us? Jesus knew this would be the case which is why he did everything to give testimony about himself. This includes four different Gospel accounts, seeing hundreds of people in person after his death, and highlighting Scriptures in the Old Testament that point to himself as Messiah.
The truth is each person must decide whether or not Jesus is who he said he is. Will we believe him as Messiah and come into the fulness of his promise? Or, will we turn to our own human understanding and miss for all eternity the incredible truth of God’s love, grace and kindness that leads us forgiveness?
“O Lord God, you are good. In my own faith, I sometimes question. I sometimes doubt and wonder how you could really be who you are. I know that my own understanding lacks spiritual wisdom. Reveal yourself to me! Show yourself again to the world through your disciples who take stands for you often resulting in great suffering. Come now, Holy Spirit, pour out your love to all people. Help us believe and so transform this world by bringing about the Kingdom of God. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen
