The Gospel of John: John 5.31-47

Read and meditate on John 5.36-38.
John bore witness to Jesus, and so did the works Jesus performed. Here he referenced the cleansing of the temple and the healing of the lame man, as well as the work of proclaiming the Lord’s salvation. These were different works, but they point to the same conclusion about Jesus.

                ³⁶But I a greater witness have than John:
the works the Father gave, and I have done,
bear witness of Me, that I have been sent
by Him. ³⁷The Father, He Himself Who sent
Me, He has testified of Me. But you
have neither heard His voice at all, nor do
you see His form. ³⁸His Word does not abide
in you at all, because you have denied
the One He sent, and in Him you do not
believe.

- John 5.36-38

Reflect
1.  What can we learn from Jesus’ ministry about the role of works in the salvation of the Lord? Complete this prayer: Lord, I know I have not been saved by my works, but my works still matter because…

2.  Jesus insisted that He had come to do works appointed to Him by the Father. He would only do what the Father showed Him, so all the works He did reveal something about the Father’s will. What do we learn about the will of God from the works Jesus has done to this point? Lord, my works also say something about You and Your will. Today, let my works say…

3.  Jesus also mentions that the Father had testified of Him (cf. Jn. 1.32, 33; Matt. 3.16, 17; Ps. 2.6-9). Jesus implies that the Old Testament bore witness to Him, through the voice of the Father, which many heard at His baptism. Does this suggest to us any ideas about how we ought to read the Old Testament? Explain. Teach me all Your Word, Lord, and let me see Jesus everywhere, so that…

4.  The Jewish leaders of Jesus’ day, and doubtless many of the people, knew a great deal about the Bible. But Jesus said that they had not “at any time” heard the voice of God, nor seen Him, and that they did not have the Word of God abiding in them. How is it possible to know the Bible, and yet not know God, or have His Word abiding in us? What is necessary, according to Jesus, to begin receiving God’s Word as He intends? Lord, I know that knowing Scripture is not enough. You want me to…

5. Every word out of Jesus’ mouth was like poking these religious people in the eye. They turned away from the righteous John the Baptist. They failed to see the will of God in Jesus’ works. They knew their Bibles, but they didn’t know God. Here is Jesus at His unsettling best. Why was He so aggressive with these people? Bring together into one prayer the prayers you wrote for questions 1-4.

Summary
“It was not even in their power to assert what they boasted the most about, that is, that they had received and obeyed God’s commands. Therefore he adds, ‘You do not have his word abiding in you,’ that is, the commandments, the Law and the Prophets. Although God instituted them, you do not have them. For if the Scriptures everywhere tell you to believe in me and you still do not believe, it is clear that his word has departed from you. ‘For you do not believe him whom he has sent.’” John Chrysostom (344-407 AD)

There’s always a danger for students of Scripture that we learn the Bible well, but miss the Bible’s main point. Throughout the Scripture, Jesus is revealed, so that, as we learn and follow Him, He may show us the Father. But if our reading and study of Scripture falls short of seeing and loving Jesus, then we’ve missed the point. How do you approach reading and studying the Bible? Is it to see Jesus, as God is revealing Him in every part?

Closing Prayer
I will bless the LORD at all times;
His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul shall make its boast in the LORD;
The humble shall hear of it and be glad.
Oh, magnify the LORD with me,
And let us exalt His name together.
I sought the LORD, and He heard me,
And delivered me from all my fears.
They looked to Him and were radiant,
And their faces were not ashamed.
This poor man cried out, and the LORDheard him,
And saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him,
And delivers them.
Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good;
Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!

Psalm 34.1-8

Psalm 34.1-9, 3 (Alleluia [Lowe]: Mighty God, While Angels Bless You)
I will bless the Lord at all times; I shall praise Him evermore!
My soul makes its boast in Jesus – Him we gladly all adore!
    Magnify the Name of Jesus!
    Let us lift His Name in praise!

When I sought the Lord, He answered, and from fear delivered me.
Those who look to Him are radiant; shamed their face shall never be.
    Magnify the Name of Jesus!
    Let us lift His Name in praise!

When I cried to God, He heard me, and from trouble rescued me.
‘Round their camp His angel lingers that they may delivered be.
    Magnify the Name of Jesus!
    Let us lift His Name in praise!

Taste and see how good is Jesus; blessed are all who in Him hide.
None shall lack for any blessing who in Christ will e’er confide.
    Magnify the Name of Jesus!
    Let us lift His Name in praise!

T. M. Moore

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series IV a and b: John, edited by Joel C. Elowsky, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006. Verse translation of John by T. M. Moore.