2/18/11 John 5:31-40 A Testimony to Jesus

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.  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 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.

Thoughts: Jesus did not testify to himself, but he left two to testify: John the Baptist and God (through His works).  John the Baptist was compared by Jesus to a lamp.  Lamps have limited fuel, and eventually burn out.  Though lamps are limited, they still show the way.  The Father testifies to Christ by the miracles that He did.  But Jesus also points out that the Scriptures testify of him as well.  Jesus notes that the scriptures tell us how to get life, and that life is found in the messiah's sacrifice, yet the people refuse to come to Christ. 

Prayer: Lord, help me to hear the testimony.  Give me ears to hear your Spirit testifying through scripture. 


John Calvin Abridged: God's testimony is always true, but Jesus did not use his own testimony.  He used John's testimony though that was extra.  He calls John a lamp to which they chose to be blind.  The Father's witness is found in Moses and the Prophets.  Christ cannot be known in any other way than the Scriptures.  Christ indicates their problem was that they were not looking into it deeply enough.  They will not come to the One who offers life because of their malice and stubborness.