As we continue our study of the Gospel of John, we pick up at verse 31 of Chapter 5. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the Apostle writes, and quotes Jesus as saying:
“If I testify about myself, my testimony is not true. There is another who testifies in my favor, and I know that his testimony about Me is true. You have sent to John and he has testified to the truth. Not that I accept human testimony; but I mention it that you might be saved. John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you chose for a time to enjoy his light. 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: 31-36)
We continue to study the words of Jesus who was in His early ministry as He talked with the Religious Leaders in Jerusalem. Words that clearly told who He is, and What He is, and Why He came to earth and walked as a Son of God, and a Son of Man. In this conversation, quoted here in John 5, by the Apostle, Jesus claimed to be:
1. Equal with God. John records, “For this reason they tried all the more to kill Him; not only was He breaking the Sabbath, but He was even calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God. ( 5:18)
2. To give eternal life. He said, “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not be judged, but has crossed over from death to life.”(5:24)
3. To be the source of life. He said, “For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son also to have life in Himself.” (5:26)
4. To be the judge of sin. He said, “And He has given Him authority to judge, because He is the Son of Man.” (5:27)
As some have said, for a man to make these kinds of claims, He would either have to be delusional, absolutely insane, or truly be the Son of God. The Lord of course knows this, and says, “Here is my support for these claims. I give you, John the Baptist, and Father God Himself.”
Jesus said of John the Baptist, “Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist;” (Matthew 11:11) John said of Jesus, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29) John knew who Jesus was. Father God made it clear to him how he would know. (John 1:33) John also personally heard Father verbally confirm Jesus as His Son.
The Holy Spirit speaks these words through Luke, “When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too And as He was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on Him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love ; with You I am well pleased.” (Luke 3: 21-22) John knew the Father, he spent years with Him in the wilderness. John had seen the Holy Spirit come upon Jesus. He was a great witness.
Jesus is who He claims to be. Let there be no doubt in our minds, or in our hearts, as we accept the words of those who knew Him that are written for all to see. Let us tell about Him at every opportunity. He is the source of Life – now and forever. In Him there is freedom from sin, and the effects of it. In Him there is no judgment. In Him there is Love. Let us be a witness.
Blessings and Agape Love upon you, and yours, God’s Beloveds. May you be in perfect health, and prosper in all good things. Rejoice in His Grace.
Poppa B.