Thoughts on the Gospel of John (62) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2025

If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true. There is another who bears witness of me, and I know that the witness which he witnesses of me is true. You have sent to John, and he has borne witness to the truth. Yet I do not receive testimony from man, but I say these things that you may be saved. He was the burning and shining lamp, and you were willing for a time to rejoice in his light.
John 5: 31 - 35.

Thoughts on the Gospel of John (62)
The Lord Jesus is still speaking to the Jews. The starting point of the dispute was their criticism that Jesus had made Himself equal to God. Therefore Jesus showed that, as the Son of God and the Son of man, He gave life, raised the dead and even had the authority to judge.

But who would believe what He said?

However true and perfect the testimony was that Jesus gave of Himself, legally it was invalid: it had to be confirmed by at least two witnesses (cf. Deuteronomy 19: 15; 2 Corinthians 13: 1)

John the Baptist was the first witness that Jesus named as evidence. He was His forerunner. No-one else had pointed Him out so clearly and expressly as the Messiah. He had said, "He who comes from above is above all" (John 3: 31). For him there was no doubt: Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God.

In fact, Jesus needed no testimony from man. Yet He mentioned John's witness, so that the listeners could be convinced and saved. How impressive is the love of Jesus: He wishes His enemies salvation!

Sadly, the light of that "lamp" had no lasting effect on the great multitude at the time. Instead of repenting, they relied on the fact that they had a great prophet. Would people react otherwise today?

(to be continued next Sunday)

Today‘s reading: 2 Kings 10: 12 - 27 · John 20: 19 - 31