God’s Mission
John 5:31-47
Testimonies About Jesus
You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.
~ Jesus, John 5:39-40
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.
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?
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?”
Pondering Point
Jesus chides the Pharisees who are disparaging His teaching and ministry. They were well-versed in God’s Word yet missed the point – the point of Jesus as the prophesied Savior. They knew the Word but didn’t know Jesus.
Can we know the Word of God (the Bible) and not know the Word of God (Jesus)? Obviously yes – Jesus said as much here. May we strive, not so much to know the Bible’s content, but know the Bible’s author.
Therein is life – here and in eternity: To know God and His Son Jesus (John 17:3). Seek!
Prayer
Lord Jesus, I acknowledge You as God’s Word-in-the-flesh. I want to know You as the Word and as the Author of the Word. Life is in knowing You and Your Father. I want life. I want You. Blessing my seeking of You. Amen.