"Prove It!"
Opening Prayer
Great and Mighty God, I bow before You today in awe and worship. What a wonderful God and Father You are!
Read John 5:31-47
[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?” Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
What "testimony" does Jesus say supports his divine claim?Have you ever been called up for jury duty? Some people would prefer to avoid it. Others think of it as a responsibility and a privilege. Much of John’s Gospel can read like Jesus being on trial. Yesterday we saw how some Jews were quick to pass judgment on the One who would actually be their judge! In today’s reading Jesus shows that he is conscious of the need for witnesses to himself. The first witness he points to is God the Father (32,37,38), presumably because it is the Father alone who can give Jesus the power to do what he does, including healing on the Sabbath (5:1-15)! The second witness is John the Baptist (33-35) of whom John’s Gospel has already had much to say (1:6-8,19-34; 3:22-30). Third, Jesus’ “signs” serve as a witness to him (36). The healing in 5:15 and the feeding in 6:1-15 point beyond themselves to further truths about Jesus. Finally, the Father’s word in Scripture points to the truth about Jesus (39). With all these witnesses it ought to be obvious who Jesus is, but his opponents are not convinced, just as a great many people remain unconvinced today.
Apply
Pray for any of your friends who, in spite of all the evidence, still cannot believe in Jesus.
Closing prayer
Good Lord Jesus, I’m glad that I know exactly who You are. Thank You for showing me this great truth.
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