The Identity of Christ Confirmed – John’s Gospel chapter 5, verses 31 to 47
Background
Jesus had compassion on the paralysed man and healed him on the Sabbath day, creating controversy with the religious rulers. His startling claim to be one with God angered them. Now He calls witnesses in His defence.
Jesus’ five witnesses
He engages in a mock trial, calling 5 witnesses. There is no shortage of evidence.
God the Father
32 There is another who testifies in my favour, and I know that his testimony about me is true.
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.
John 5:32, 37-38
He is doing the same things that the father does: healing, sustaining, forgiving.
John the Baptist
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.
John 5:33-35
Now a human witness. Not that he needed such, but so that the religious rulers might be saved. The rulers had some respect for John, but John bknew who he was and whom he wasn’t, a herald, pointing to the Messiah.
Jesus’ works
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.
John 5:36
His works were unmistakably miraculous. Many before did miracles, but none of them claimed to be God.
The Scriptures
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.
41 ‘I do not accept glory from human beings, 42 but I know you. I know that you do not have the love of God in your hearts. 43 I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not accept me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him. 44 How can you believe since you accept glory from one another but do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?
John 5:39-44
They refused to believe. They did not honestly ask “Are you the One?” They were reading the Bible and missing the point. They claimed to love God, but in truth they did not.
Moses
45 ‘But do not think I will accuse you before the Father. Your accuser is Moses, on whom your hopes are set. 46 If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me. 47 But since you do not believe what he wrote, how are you going to believe what I say?’
John 5:45-47
They revered Moses as the great prophet, and Jesus now calls him as star witness. Moses who you trust in is your accuser. Their additions to the Law given through Moses’ were the reason for their opposition: their “star” witness accuses them instead.
What now?
What will you do with this controversial Christ? Listen to Him!
