30 “I can do nothing on my own initiative or authority. Just as I hear, I judge; and My judgment is just (fair, righteous, unbiased), because I do not seek My own will, but only the will of Him who sent Me. 31 “If I alone testify about Myself, My testimony is not valid. 32 There is another [My Father] who testifies about Me, and I know [without any doubt] that His testimony on My behalf is true and valid.

John 5:30-32  (AMP)

Father/Son relationship

There’s a short transition here in verse 30 where Jesus re-affirms His relationship to the Father as a Son, an obedient son. He does nothing of his own accord, in fact, he says he is unable to. And His judgment (previously) is based on what God says. Ultimately, Jesus, the Son, does only the will of His Father, the One who sent him into the world for a specific purpose. This all shows again, Jesus has more than just a tight relationship with the Father, they are even one (John 10:30). He sure acts and talks like that is true.

Prove it!

Jesus makes the boldest claim ever that affects all humanity – He can resurrect people from death (physical and spiritual) and eternal separation from God to eternal life with God. How can He say this? How can we know it’s true and believe Him? “Jesus, this is amazing but can you give us proof?”

Courtroom Testimony

In verse 31 the Greek words describe a courtroom scene. Like any courtroom situation, a defendant can testify to defend themselves, but witnesses are what the Judge and Jury are looking for. Jesus says if it’s only He testifying about Himself, it’s not valid. So He calls His witnesses.

John will now show us other ways Jesus is validated as having this amazing resurrection ability: John the Baptist (v33-35); the One who sent him (God the Father v37-38); works which the Father gave him to do (v 36); and the Scriptures (v39-47).

<- Reflection ->

• Jesus’ example for us is to do only the will of the Father. He calls us to pick up our cross and follow Him daily (Luke 9:23). Do we have a pattern of dying to what we want and seeking what God wants? Remember who He is – Mighty God and loving Heavenly Father. Consider this link for more on picking up our cross.