On Line Bible Study - For the Week March 12-18, 2012

Lesson 527

John 5: ³¹ “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.

We will focus on John 5:31-47. The complete text is available by clicking on the verse above.

There are two things I'd like to consider. First, the more 'nuts and bolts' question with regard to the "testimony" concerning Jesus. We know from Deuteronomy 19:15 that there must be at least two witnesses before a person can be convicted of a crime. But in this case, the witnesses are called upon not to convict of a crime, but to confirm a testimony. Father Raymond Brown points to four witnesses offered by Jesus.

First, there is the witness of John the Baptist:

John 5: 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.

For a time John was very popular, a prophet "whose light [they] chose for a time to enjoy."

Then, there is the testimony of Jesus' miracles - what he calls his "works":

John 5: ³⁶ “ ... the very works that I am doing—testify that the Father has sent me."

Implied in this second witness is a third witness - the witness God:

John 5: ³⁷ And the Father who sent me has himself testified concerning me.

A fourth witness is the Scriptures:

John 5: ³⁹ You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me.

This appeal to the Scripture is an appeal to the very heart of the tradition the people held dear. Would these "witnesses" be sufficient to confirm the mission and ministry of Jesus?

The second thing to consider from this passage has to do with the nature of belief itself. What is it that inspires you to believe something or someone? What does it take to confirm your suspicions about someone? Jesus appeals three things - to reason, to Scripture, and to experience. People can read about him as foretold by Moses; they can reason from the Scriptures about him; and they are experiencing his "works".

I am reminded of the text in Mark 9:24 - "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"

What will it take for you?