33 You have sent [an inquiry] to John [the Baptist] and he has testified [as an eyewitness] to the truth. 34 But the testimony I receive is not from man [a merely human witness]; but I say these things so that you may be saved [that is, have eternal life]. 35 John was the lamp that kept on burning and shining [to show you the way], and you were willing for a while to rejoice in his light.

John 5:33-35 (AMP)

Courtroom setting

Yesterday introduced this section (to the end of chapter 5) letting us know the setting is a courtroom. To prove Jesus’ credentials John (Jesus) is providing witnesses. First up to the plate is John the Baptist.

John’s testimony about Jesus

Jesus here is talking to Jews (religious, cultural leaders). They sent a delegation to John the Baptist to ask who Jesus is. They knew John was a prophet and some actually believed him and followed him. Jesus tells these Jews that John confirmed Jesus’ identity. It is likely John had already been beheaded by this time since Jesus uses past tense.

What did John say about Him? Jesus is:

• The Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29-34).
• The divine Messiah (John 1:40-41).
• Greater than John himself. “He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30) “It is He who comes after me, of whom I am not worthy even to untie the strap of His sandal.”(John 1:27)

Best testimony

Regarding the topic of what Jesus considered the best testimony, “Jesus did not need, and did not accept, human testimony in order to establish His identity in His own mind. The only witness He needed was the Father’s witness. He simply mentioned John the Baptist’s witness in order to establish His identity in His hearers’ minds—so that they might believe on Him and obtain salvation.” (PlanoBiblechapel.org)

Jesus’ testimony about John

So that’s what John the Baptist said about Jesus. What did Jesus have to say about John (his cousin)? John was:

• Greater than a prophet (Matt. 11:9)
• The greatest man ever born (Matt. 11:11)
• Elijah who was to come (Matt 11:14)
• Eyewitness to Jesus (v33)
• The lamp to point to the Messiah. See also John 1:7-8: “7 He came as a witness, to testify about the Light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He was not the Light, but he came to testify about the Light”.

<- Reflection ->

• Do we agree with John’s testimony of Jesus? Who is Jesus to you?
• Believers are called to be lights like John (Matt 5:16). Are people seeing your light?