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Believe the Son Who Bears Witness to Himself

October 28, 2024

John 5:30–47

Big Idea: Listen to Jesus—every witness agrees He’s the Son of God, and real life is found in knowing Him.

He Wants You to Know Him

Jesus doesn’t hide. In this passage, He looks straight at people who know Scripture, attend worship, and keep religious habits—and He says, “You refuse to come to me that you may have life” (John 5:40).

The problem isn’t information; it’s priorities. Every day we choose whether to pursue a life-giving, dynamic relationship with our Creator or to settle for lesser things—tasks, achievements, or the approval of others. Jesus’ words press the question: Is knowing Him important to you?

Four Witnesses Point to Jesus

When challenged about His authority, Jesus doesn’t ask for blind faith. He calls witnesses. Four lines of testimony point unmistakably to His identity as the Son of God (John 5:31–39):

  1. John the Baptist — the prophetic witness. John called Him “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). People rejoiced for a while in that light, but most stopped listening when it cost them something (John 5:35).
  2. The Father — the divine witness. At Jesus’ baptism and throughout His ministry, the Father affirmed, “This is my beloved Son” (cf. Matt. 3:17).
  3. The Works — the visible witness. Healing the sick, giving sight to the blind, raising the dead—each miracle shouted what words alone could not: God Himself was at work in Christ (John 5:36).
  4. The Word — the written witness. Jesus told the leaders, “Moses wrote of me” (John 5:46). The whole Old Testament points toward Him. To study Scripture and miss Jesus is to miss the very life it promises (John 5:39–40).

Why They (and We) Resist

Despite all the evidence, many still would not believe. Jesus names two heart-level barriers (John 5:42–44, 46–47):

  • Disbelieving God’s Word. If we don’t trust what God has already said, it’s hard to trust the One He sent.
  • Loving human glory. When we crave approval from others more than approval from God, faith becomes impossible. The pursuit of people-pleasing leaves us empty; lifting our eyes to God’s glory opens the way to life.

The Cross, the Tomb, and the Church’s Witness

John 5 ends before Calvary, but the story keeps unfolding. The cross declared Jesus’ love. The empty tomb proved His power. And a small group of eyewitnesses—ordinary men and women—refused to be silent. Their testimony lit a movement that reached you.

The same Spirit now fills believers to bear witness: Jesus is alive, and knowing Him changes everything.

For Reflection

  • Where are you most tempted to seek human approval more than God’s glory?
  • What rhythm could you add or restore this week to prioritize and pursue knowing Jesus (prayer, unhurried Scripture, Sunday worship, gospel conversation)?
  • Who might hear the truth about Him because you chose to bear witness?

Next Steps