January 4 True Testimony

John 5:31-40 “If I testify about myself, my testimony is not valid. 32 There is another who testifies in my favor, and I know that his testimony about me is valid. 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 very work that the Father has given me to finish, and which I am doing, testifies 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 diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, 40 yet you refuse to come to me to have life.”
 
OUR Lord continues to defend his identity to the Jews. Recall the Jews asked the man whom Jesus healed, “Who is this fellow who told you to pick (up your mat) and walk?” (John 5:12)  
   Underlying this “Testimony of the Christ” passage is a law from Deuteronomy 19:15 One witness is not enough to convict a man accused of any crime or offense he may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. (underline mine) That’s why Jesus said, “My testimony is not valid”. He does not admit a lie. But faithful to the Scriptures, he uses “the testimony of two or three witnesses.” Here are the three witnesses.
   First, Jesus reminds the Jews of the prophetic authority as spoken in John the Baptist’s testimony. John had testified as an eyewitness: John 1:34 “I have seen, and I testify that this is the Son of God.” John was the last of many prophets who had testified to the Christ’s identity.
   Second, Jesus uses the testimony of his healing and saving miracles. These show he is more than a prophet. He continues to connect his work on earth as a fulfillment of the Father’s will on earth. Jesus declares he will finish the Father’s work as further testimony. Jesus did so. On the cross, he affirmed: “It is finished.” (John 19:30). 
   The Father, then, is Jesus’ third witness. The Father has spoken Jesus’ identity as recorded in several scriptures, including Matthew 317 And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” And even more, God has spoken through Scripture, “This is my Son.” Jesus teaches that to truly know Scripture’s testimony the words must “dwell in you” (v 38). You will then know the prophets, the miracles and the Father have told you the truth of Jesus’ identity.
 
Prayer: I pray, Lord Jesus, that I receive in my heart the full testimony that you are Savior of my life and of the world. Amen.