John 5:31-38
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. If you haven’t read the Introduction to John’s Gospel, read it here.
Today’s passage is the continuation of Jesus’ defense of his Sabbath healing at the pool of Bethesda. Read John 5:31-38 watching for the three witnesses to Jesus’ divine authority: the human witness, the witness of Jesus’ miraculous works, and the witness of God.
The Jewish legal system required that two to three witnesses were required to establish the validity of an accusation of law-breaking. Jesus has not only violated Jewish law by healing on the Sabbath, he has declared himself equal to God. These are offenses punishable by death.
Rather than cite witnesses to his innocence, Jesus offers three witnesses to the authority given to him by God the Father. These same three witnesses are still in operation today.
Consider each of the following three witnesses and stop after each statement to think about whether you have had such a witness in your own life.
Human testimony: When we hear the stories of people who have encountered Jesus in a life-transforming way, we are receiving “testimony” about Jesus.
The teachings and works of Jesus: When we are moved or challenged by something we hear or read in Scripture, or when learn of physical, emotional or spiritual healings as the result of Jesus’ miraculous intervention into someone’s circumstances, these supernatural events testify to the divinity of Jesus.
The witness of God the Father: When we sense the presence of God stirring in our souls through nature, music, art, relationships or any number of other channels, it is God testifying about Jesus to us through the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Jesus.
Take a moment to talk to Jesus and express any thoughts, feelings or questions that have arisen so far in this time of meditation.
Read John 5:31-38 again imagining Jesus is speaking to you and especially noting Jesus’ words in verse 34, “…I say these things so you might be saved.”
In many of Jesus’ encounters with the religious elite, his response to accusations is direct and stinging, but in this encounter, Jesus seems to be holding out a hand of rescue. Perhaps it was his meeting with Nicodemus that gave him hope for these particular religious leaders – what we know for sure from everything Jesus has said about his works and words is that God is leading him to offer salvation to these particular leaders.
What is the condition of your faith is Jesus today? Is it possible that you have been distracted and missed some of the witnesses to Jesus’ divine authority in your life and in the world? Is there a witness to Jesus that you desire to experience?
For the remainder of this time of meditation, have an honest conversation with Jesus about your faith in him. Share any desires that have stirred in you as you contemplated the three witnesses to his divine authority and then get quiet and simply listen to Jesus.
You may sense that Jesus is calling you to some kind of faith-building action. If so, write down what you sense you are to do and follow through.
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