Lent 2023: John 5:31-47

Witnesses to Jesus

31 “If I testify about myself, my testimony is not true. 32 There is another who testifies about me, and I know that the testimony he gives about me is true. 33 You sent messengers to John, and he testified to the truth. 34 I don’t receive human testimony, but I say these things so that you may be saved. 35 John[a] was a burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light.

36 “But I have a greater testimony than John’s because of the works that the Father has given me to accomplish. These very works I am doing testify about me that the Father has sent me. 37 The Father who sent me has himself testified about me. You have not heard his voice at any time, and you haven’t seen his form. 38 You don’t have his word residing in you, because you don’t believe the one he sent. 39 You pore over the Scriptures because you think you have eternal life in them, and yet they testify about me. 40 But you are not willing to come to me so that you may have life.

41 “I do not accept glory from people, 42 but I know you—that you have no love for God within you. 43 I have come in my Father’s name, and yet you don’t accept me. 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 don’t seek the glory that comes from the only God? 45 Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father. Your accuser is Moses, on whom you have set your hope. 46 For if you believed Moses, you would believe me, because he wrote about me. 47 But if you don’t believe what he wrote, how will you believe my words?”

—John 5:31-47

Read & Journal

Read John 5:31-47, which you read last week, too. Take some time to meditate on what you’ve read; the following journal prompts can help.

• What does this passage help you to understand about Jesus? His character? His mission?

• We read this passage last week when we were considering Jesus’ various interactions with individuals and groups. Today, turn your attention to what these verses reveal about Jesus and his relationship with the Father. Underline the things Jesus says the Father does in these verses.

• Based on what the text reveals, what words would you use to describe Jesus’ relationship with the Father?

• Context is important. Look back at verses 18-30 that precede today’s reading in John 5. In these verses, Jesus declared he was equal with God (v. 18), he could give eternal life (v. 24), he was the source of life (v. 26) and the judge of sin (v. 27). Why would these assertions have angered the Jewish religious leaders?

• Why are these qualities important? How does that fact that Jesus is able to do these things affect your life today? Explain.

• Jesus pointed out in today’s reading that the Jewish leaders had a number of witnesses that pointed to the fact that Jesus is the Messiah—but they still missed the signs. Spend some time in prayer, asking God to make you more aware of how he is moving in your own life, family, church and community. Journal your prayer.