Witnesses to the Truth: The Authority, Works, and Word of Christ

Witnesses to the Truth: The Authority, Works, and Word of Christ

John 5:31-47

If I alone bear witness about myself, my testimony is not true. There is another who bears witness about me, and I know that the testimony that he bears about me is true. You sent to John, and he has borne witness to the truth. Not that the testimony that I receive is from man, but I say these things so that you may be saved. He was a burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light. But the testimony that I have is greater than that of John. For the works that the Father has given me to accomplish, the very works that I am doing, bear witness about me that the Father has sent me. And the Father who sent me has himself borne witness about me. His voice you have never heard, his form you have never seen, and you do not have his word abiding in you, for you do not believe the one whom he has sent. You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life. I do not receive glory from people. But I know that you do not have the love of God within you. I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not receive me. If another comes in his own name, you will receive him. How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God? Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father. There is one who accuses you: Moses, on whom you have set your hope. For if you believed Moses, you would believe me; for he wrote of me. But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words — John 5:31-47 ESV

The Testimony of Christ

In John 5:31-47, Jesus addresses the validity of His testimony. He points out that under Jewish law, self-testimony alone is not considered credible, which is why He mentions the witness of others. First, He refers to the testimony of John the Baptist, who called Him "the Lamb of God" (John 1:29). But Jesus emphasizes that the most important testimony comes from His works and the Father Himself. The miracles He performed were evidence that He had been sent by God.

Jesus confronts the Jewish leaders, revealing their spiritual blindness. Although they diligently studied the Scriptures, they missed the key point: the Scriptures bear witness to Jesus. Instead of coming to Him for eternal life, they were trapped in legalism and a quest for self-glorification. They sought the praise of men rather than the glory of God.

This passage teaches us the importance of relying on God's testimony about His Son. The Holy Spirit works in us to reveal Christ through the Scriptures and His works, giving us the discernment to recognize Him as the source of life. Without the Holy Spirit, we, like the Jewish leaders, can miss the truth that is right before us.

Scriptures to Study:

John 1:29-34, John 10:37-38, Acts 10:38, 1 John 5:9-12

The Authority of Jesus' Works

Jesus declares that His works are a greater testimony than any human witness, even John the Baptist. The miracles, healings, and signs He performed all pointed to His divine authority and the fact that He was sent by the Father. These works were not just acts of compassion but deliberate demonstrations of His identity as the Messiah. By healing the sick, raising the dead, and casting out demons, Jesus revealed the heart of God to redeem and restore what was broken by sin.

For disciples today, the works of Jesus continue to testify to His power and authority. As we study the Gospels and reflect on the miracles of Christ, we are reminded that He is not only capable of saving us from sin but also of transforming our lives here and now. Through the Holy Spirit, we are invited to participate in His ongoing work of redemption and restoration in the world.

Scriptures to Study:

John 9:1-7, Matthew 11:4-6, Luke 7:11-17, Hebrews 2:3-4

The Centrality of the Word

Jesus rebukes the religious leaders for their failure to see Him in the very Scriptures they studied. They searched the Scriptures, hoping to find eternal life, yet they missed that the Scriptures pointed to Jesus Himself. This is a powerful reminder that the Word of God is not merely a collection of moral teachings or historical accounts. Every page points to Christ—the Living Word—and calls us into a relationship with Him.

As disciples, we are called to engage with Scripture not just for knowledge, but for transformation. The Holy Spirit uses the Word to reveal Christ to us, leading us deeper into relationship with Him. True discipleship comes not from knowing about Jesus but from knowing Him personally and allowing His Word to transform our hearts.

Scriptures to Study:

Luke 24:25-27, 2 Timothy 3:15-17, John 1:14, Hebrews 4:12

The Rejection of Jesus

In this passage, Jesus confronts the tragic reality of His rejection. He came in the Father’s name, yet the religious leaders did not receive Him. They were more concerned with receiving glory from one another than with seeking the glory that comes from God. Jesus exposes their hypocrisy and warns them that even their reliance on Moses, whom they held in high esteem, would not save them because Moses himself wrote about Jesus (v. 46).

This rejection of Jesus continues today whenever people prioritize their own agendas, traditions, or worldly approval over the truth of Christ. But Jesus’ invitation remains: come to Him, receive life, and experience the glory of God. The Holy Spirit opens our hearts to receive Him, enabling us to turn from the pursuit of human praise and seek God’s glory alone.

Scriptures to Study:

John 12:42-43, Romans 2:28-29, Deuteronomy 18:15-19, Hebrews 3:1-6

Summary of Key Points

  • Jesus' testimony is validated by the Father – The Father bears witness to Jesus through His works and His Word.
  • The works of Jesus demonstrate His divine authority – The miracles point to His identity as the Son of God and the Messiah.
  • Scripture points to Jesus – The religious leaders missed this truth, but we are called to find Christ in every part of God’s Word.
  • Rejection of Jesus is a rejection of God – Those who seek human glory rather than God’s will miss the truth of Christ and eternal life.
  • The Holy Spirit reveals Jesus through the Word – We are dependent on the Spirit to open our eyes to see Jesus in the Scriptures and to know Him personally.

Life Application Questions

  • How do the works of Jesus give you confidence in His divine authority and power? What areas of your life need to be surrendered to Him?
  • In what ways are you searching the Scriptures to know more about Jesus? How can you allow the Holy Spirit to guide your study of God's Word?
  • Are there any areas in your life where you are seeking approval from others instead of seeking God's glory? How can you shift your focus to pursue God's approval above all else?