Fallout from the healing of the crippled man (vs 1-14)

In the first part of this chapter, Jesus heals a man who has been crippled for 38 years. He does this on a Sabbath day. Today we look at the conclusion of Jesus’ discourse with the Jewish leaders who found fault with him for healing on the Sabbath and calling himself God’s Son.

Jesus’ motivation (vs 30)

I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me.

See John 12:43, Matthew 23:5-7

• What was Jesus’ motivation?
• Why is this important?
• Contrast Lucifer’s motivation (Isaiah 14:12-15)

The testimony of John (vs 31-35)

If I alone bear witness about myself, my testimony is not true [credible, trustworthy]. There is another who bears witness about me, and I know that the testimony that he bears about me is true. You sent to John, and he has borne witness to the truth. Not that the testimony that I receive is from man, but I say these things so that you may be saved. He was a burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light.

• If I alone bear witness – see Deuteronomy 17:6
• There is another who bears witness – probably a double meaning (both John the Baptist and the Father are in view)
• He was a burning and shining lamp – John spoke the truth boldly

The Father’s testimony (vs 36-40)

But the testimony that I have is greater than that of John. For the works that the Father has given me to accomplish, the very works that I am doing, bear witness about me that the Father has sent me. And the Father who sent me has himself borne witness about me. His voice you have never heard, his form you have never seen, and you do not have his word abiding in you, for you do not believe the one whom he has sent. You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, you refuse to come to me that you may have life.

Jesus cites three forms of testimony which come from the Father

• the works that the Father has given me to accomplish, the very works that I am doing, bear witness about me that the Father has sent me (vs 36)
• the Father who sent me has himself borne witness about me (vs 37)
• the Scriptures … bear witness about me (vs 39)

Jesus tells the Pharisees and Sadducees
His voice you have never heard, his form you have never seen,

• When he says this, what is he implying about himself?
• How powerful is this?
• To make a claim like this, He would have to be either completely deceived, a barefaced liar, or the true Son of God.

Glory from people or from God (vs 41-44)

I do not receive glory from people. But I know that you do not have the love of God within you. I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not receive me. If another comes in his own name, you will receive him. How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?

He was dealing with people who preferred to receive honour from humans than from God (and preferred to give honour to humans than to God).

• How common is this?
• Why do people operate this way, according to Jesus? (vs 42)

Moses is their accuser (vs 45-47)

Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father. There is one who accuses you: Moses, on whom you have set your hope. For if you believed Moses, you would believe me; for he wrote of me. But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?

Why does Jesus say that Moses will be their accuser?

Self-reflection

• What is your motivation for doing good deeds?
• How much do you care about the praise of people?
• How much do you care about the approval of God?