From ‘Doubting to have a bite’ to ‘Gathering the leftover’
John 6:1-13 [1]
Some time after this, Jesus crossed to the far shore of the Sea of Galilee (that is, the Sea of Tiberias), 2 and a great crowd of people followed him because they saw the signs he had performed by healing those who were ill. 3 Then Jesus went up on a mountainside and sat down with his disciples. 4 The Jewish Passover Festival was near.
5 When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming towards him, he said to Philip, ‘Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?’ 6 He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do.
7 Philip answered him, ‘It would take more than half a year’s wages to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!’
8 Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, 9 ‘Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?’
10 Jesus said, ‘Make the people sit down.’ There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there). 11 Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.
12 When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, ‘Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.’ 13 So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.
John 5 was at Jerusalem in Judea during one of the Jewish festivals. Judea was not safe as the conflict was shown in John 5, and now Jesus is back to Galilee where He began His early ministry (1). Let us learn from what happened there.
I. Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat? (2-7)
See v2.
and a great crowd of people followed him because they saw the signs he had performed by healing those who were ill.
We can know Jesus performed many miracles. The miraculous signs attracted them. Jesus not only taught but also healed and fed.
Then Jesus went up on a mountainside and sat down with his disciples (3).
See v5.
When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming towards him, he said to Philip, ‘Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?’
Jesus had compassion on them and taught them late into the day—and he also saw their need for food [2]. The reason He asked this question (5b) was written in the following verse. See v6.
He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do.
It was a test of faith in God in whom all things are possible. What was the answer of Philip? See v7.
Philip answered him, ‘It would take more than half a year’s wages to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!’
Even if each one takes a little bit only, it would cost a lot. A large amount of money would be insufficient. It was an impossible and hopeless situation.
The circumstance and the unbelief limited Philip.
When we may doubt and question, ‘Can God help…’, God already has the solution in mind. How little is our faith!
II. Gather the pieces that are left over (8-13)
See v8.
Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up,
Andrew was the brother of Simon Peter and a friend of Philip, all of whom were from the town of Bethsaida in Galilee (John 1:44). Andrew was the one who led Peter to Christ (John 1:40) and supplemented Philip (John 12:22). [3, 4]
See v9.
‘Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?’
Barley was valued less than wheat and sometimes it was used to feed cattle or livestock. Barley loaves were the bread of the poorest class. Small fishes might be dried and salted suitable for eating with the bread.
They were far too little for the large crowd.
See v10.
Jesus said, ‘Make the people sit down.’ There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there).
Five thousand men did not include women and children. So, there could have been 10 ~ 20 thousand people.
See v11.
Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.
Jesus did not despise or work without them. We learn God employs human means even though He is not limited to them. [5]
Jesus gave thanks (also blessed). He here teaches us to acknowledge God as the Giver of every good gift and to own Him as the One who provides for the wants of all His creatures [5]. We learn to be grateful and remember this wonderful God.
“as much as they wanted” contrasts with their concerns about the lack: “to have a bite!” (John 6:7), spoken by Philip, and “how far will they go” (John 6:9), spoken by Andrew. We learn there is no lack when Jesus provides.
A simple and powerful message in this scripture is that God knows our needs, and God can fulfil them as much as they want when Jesus blesses.
A simple and powerful message in this scripture is that God knows our needs, and God can fulfil them as much as they want.
See v12.
When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, ‘Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.’
This collection shows
- They ate their fill.
- God doesn’t waste (food) even though He supplied it abundantly and generously.
- When you received and ate the spiritual food (The Word of God), you could have the spiritual food leftover and give it back. So, you could share the leftover (e.g., what you have already understood well) with me or others.
See v13.
So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.
This collection might ensure and confirm everyone's happy ending about the meal. This shows God's love and abundance. 'Leftover' may be a sign of God's provision.
Jesus can supply all our needs. And he often works miracles to provide for us physically. But there is always the need for faith and the intent to teach us to trust him for both physical and spiritual needs. [2]
References
- The Holy Bible: New International Version. Anglicised. Revised and updated. ed. 2011: London: Hodder & Stoughton.
- Gangel, K.O., Holman New Testament Commentary: John. Vol. 4. 2000: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
- Spence, H.D.M., The Pulpit Commentary - St. John. Vol. 1. 1909.
- Lange, J.P.S., Philip, A Commentary on the Holy Scriptures: John. Logos Research ed. 2008, Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.
- Pink, A.W., An Exposition of the Gospel of John. Swengel, PA: Bible Truth Depot.
Seeking the glory that comes from the only God
John 5:41-47 [1]
41 ‘I do not accept glory from human beings, 42 but I know you. I know that you do not have the love of God in your hearts. 43 I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not accept me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him. 44 How can you believe since you accept glory from one another but do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?
45 ‘But do not think I will accuse you before the Father. Your accuser is Moses, on whom your hopes are set. 46 If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me. 47 But since you do not believe what he wrote, how are you going to believe what I say?’
In the past few weeks, we learned about four witnesses of Jesus [2-5] written in John 5:31-40. A man (Baptist John) sent by God witnessed who Jesus is [2]. The works Jesus did including signs and miracles witnessed who Jesus is [4]. The Voice of God the Father witnessed who Jesus is [3]. The Old Testament written over a thousand years witnesses Who Jesus is [5]. This is amazing and glorious! Unbelief seems impossible at this point. Today, let us learn how Jesus confronts their unbelief.
I. I have come in my Father’s name (41-43a)
See v41.
41 ‘I do not accept glory from human beings,
The devil tempted Jesus to throw Himself down from the highest point of the temple (Matthew 4:5). This temptation misleads to test God to see whether God might do as they would expect (Matthew 4:7). A person misled by this temptation may do dangerous stunts and receive attention and recognition from human beings. Some people may like this type of superhero. People are tempted to accept glory from human beings and in return others may envy them. Solomon saw that all toil and achievement spring from one person’s envy of another, and pointed out that this is meaningless, a chasing after the wind (Ecclesiastes 4:4).
Our saviour does not accept glory from human beings. He is not motivated by others’ attention and recognition. Instead, He loves God (42) and had come in His Father’s name (43a). He sought the glory that comes from the only God (44). Jesus was humble and obedient.
We should imitate Jesus (1 Corinthians 11:1). We should have the same mindset as Jesus (Philippians 2:5-8) and remember that Jesus was exalted by God (Philippians 2:9-11). God will honour the one who serves Jesus (John 12:26b).
Also, see Hebrews 13:7.
7 Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.
II. If someone else comes in his own name (43b-47)
See v43b.
but if someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him.
They didn’t accept this gentle, kind and good shepherd, Jesus (43a). They didn’t love God (42). They didn’t keep the first and greatest commandment in the Law (Matthew 22:36-38)
They will accept an impostor out for glory from men, caring not for glory from God [6]. It is truly astonishing how one coming in his own name, seeking in the boldest, rankest way his own glory, advantage, power, and money, by making people his dupes and victims, is received by thousands with open arms [6].
This reminds us of the fact that they chose Barabbas instead of Jesus in Luke 23:16-25. Please read other related verses below.
- The lawless one will be revealed and claim to be God (2 Thessalonians 2:4, 8a).
- He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders that serve the lie, 10 and all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. 11 For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie 12 and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness. (2 Thessalonians 2:9b-12)
See v44.
44 How can you believe since you accept glory from one another but do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?
Jesus pointed out ‘You accept glory from one another.’ Glory (Messianic dignities/honours) are both accorded and accepted in a hierarchical system from human, sinful motives, ambition, favour and the like [7].
Jesus pointed out ‘You do not seek the glory that comes from the only God.’ Jesus neither sought nor expected human affirmation for his task as God’s agent. His perspective was the affirmation (glory) of the Father [8].
What Jesus pointed out were their problems and reasons for their unbelief (44). Their motivation was impure and worldly.
See v45.
45 ‘But do not think I will accuse you before the Father. Your accuser is Moses, on whom your hopes are set.
Their hopes are set on Moses. However, Moses will be their accuser for their unbelief and rejection of Jesus (45). The Law was given through Moses, who brought the ministry of condemnation, which leads to death. Grace and Truth came through Jesus Christ, who brought the ministry of righteousness, that leads to life.
See v46.
46 If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me.
Moses wrote in Deuteronomy 18:15, 18-19.
15 The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your fellow Israelites. You must listen to him.
18 I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their fellow Israelites, and I will put my words in his mouth. He will tell them everything I command him. 19 I myself will call to account anyone who does not listen to my words that the prophet speaks in my name.
Deuteronomy is one of the first five books (The Books of the Law) in the Holy Bible, written through Moses. ‘The prophet’ mentioned above is Jesus, the Messiah. Apostle Peter confirmed this in Acts 3:19-23.
See v47.
47 But since you do not believe what he wrote, how are you going to believe what I say?’
If they did not believe Moses, who was their basic support for tradition, then why should anyone expect them to accept Jesus and His words [8]?
Also, see Luke 16:31.
31 ‘He said to him, “If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.” ’
References
- The Holy Bible: New International Version. Anglicised. Revised and updated. ed. 2011: London: Hodder & Stoughton.
- Park, Y. Another Witness of Jesus – John the Baptist. 2023 30/04/2023]; Available from: https://comnc.org/another-witness-of-jesus-john-the-baptist/.
- Park, Y. Another Witness of Jesus – the Father who sent Jesus. 2023 14/05/2023]; Available from: https://comnc.org/another-witness-of-jesus-the-father-who-sent-jesus/.
- Park, Y. Another Witness of Jesus – The Works that the Father has given Him to finish. 2023 7/05/2023]; Available from: https://comnc.org/another-witness-of-jesus-the-works-that-the-father-has-given-him-to-finish/.
- Park, Y. Another Witness of Jesus – the Scriptures. 2023 28/05/2023]; Available from: https://comnc.org/another-witness-of-jesus-the-scriptures/.
- Lenski, R.C.H., The Interpretation of St. John’s Gospel. Logos Research Edition ed. 1961, Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Publishing House.
- Lange, J.P.S., Philip, A Commentary on the Holy Scriptures: John. Logos Research ed. 2008, Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.
- Borchert, G.L., The New American Commentary: John 1-11. 1996: Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
Another Witness of Jesus – the Scriptures
John 5:39-40 [1]
39 You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, 40 yet you refuse to come to me to have life.
We studied three other witnesses of Jesus in the past few weeks. Today, let us study another witness of Jesus - the Scriptures.
I. You study the Scriptures diligently (39a, 39b)
The Jews studied the Scriptures diligently (39a). It was because they thought that in them they had eternal life (39b). They were ‘thinking’ or ‘imagining’ as opposed to ‘believing’ or ‘knowing’ [2]. They were liars pretending to ‘know’ God (John 8:55).
The Old Testament promises life not to the mere reader and searcher, but to the doer of the law (Leviticus 18:5) [2]. Their minds were made dull and the veil covers their hearts when the Old Testament is read (2 Corinthians 3:14-15)
II. The Scriptures testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life (39c, 40)
The Scriptures testify about Jesus (39c). The veil is taken away whenever anyone turns to the Lord (2 Corinthians 3:16) [2]. Christ is the life and light of the whole Bible and the only key that unlocks its mysteries to the believing mind [2].
What they sought by their study of the Scriptures could only be found in Jesus [3]. Yet, they refused to come to Jesus to have life. The reason for refusing to come to Jesus [4] is written in John 3:19-20.
- (John 3:19) Because their deeds were evil, they loved darkness instead of light
- (John 3:20) because the light will expose their deeds,
- they hate the light.
- they will not come into the light.
They loved death more than life (Proverbs 8:35-36).
The mind may be more easily convinced of the truth of Christianity than the will may be subdued to the obedience of Christ [2]. Belief and unbelief depend on the heart rather than the head (Proverbs 4:23) [2].
References
- The Holy Bible: New International Version. Anglicised. Revised and updated. ed. 2011: London: Hodder & Stoughton.
- Lange, J.P.S., Philip, A Commentary on the Holy Scriptures: John. Logos Research ed. 2008, Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.
- Borchert, G.L., The New American Commentary: John 1-11. 1996: Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
- Park, Y. Believing the one God sent. 2023 21/05/2023]; Available from: https://comnc.org/believing-the-one-god-sent/.
Believing the one God sent
John 5:38 [1]
38 nor does his word dwell in you, for you do not believe the one he sent.
Last week, we studied another witness of Jesus – the Father who sent Jesus. As written in Matthew 3:17, Mark 1:11, and Luke 3:22, God testified about Jesus saying,
‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.’
However, they have been spiritually deaf and blind to hear or see God (John 5:37b) and God’s word did not dwell in them (38a).
Why did God’s word not dwell in them?
I. Nor does His Word dwell in you (38a)
See 38b.
for you do not believe the one he sent.
It was because they did not believe the one God sent (38b).
The Word became flesh (John 1:14) and now was speaking to them. Invisible God became visible and heard. However, they could not hear or see God through His Son Jesus.
Despite Witness John [2], Miracles [3], and God’s Testimony [4], they didn’t believe in Jesus.
Why did they not believe Him?
II. The true reason for unbelief
The true reason for unbelief is explained in John 3:19-20.
- (John 3:19) Because their deeds were evil, they loved darkness instead of light
- (John 3:20) because the light will expose their deeds,
- they hate the light.
- they will not come into the light.
III. The importance of the life of repentance
Not recognising our sinfulness results in the same problem in v38a (‘His Word does not dwell in them’).
See 1 John 1:8, 10
8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.
10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.
That is,
- claiming to be without sin
- claiming we have not sinned
mean
- we deceive ourselves
- we make God out to be a liar
which result in
- the truth is not in us
- God’s Word is not in us
What should we do instead?
See 1 John 1:9.
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
That is,
- Confess our sins
knowing that
- God is faithful and just.
Then, God will
- forgive us our sins
- purify us from all unrighteousness
References
- The Holy Bible: New International Version. Anglicised. Revised and updated. ed. 2011: London: Hodder & Stoughton.
- Park, Y. Another Witness of Jesus – John the Baptist. 2023 30/04/2023]; Available from: https://comnc.org/another-witness-of-jesus-john-the-baptist/.
- Park, Y. Another Witness of Jesus – The Works that the Father has given Him to finish. 2023 7/05/2023]; Available from: https://comnc.org/another-witness-of-jesus-the-works-that-the-father-has-given-him-to-finish/.
- Park, Y. Another Witness of Jesus – the Father who sent Jesus. 2023 14/05/2023]; Available from: https://comnc.org/another-witness-of-jesus-the-father-who-sent-jesus/.
Another Witness of Jesus – the Father who sent Jesus
John 5:37 [1]
37 And the Father who sent me has himself testified concerning me. You have never heard his voice nor seen his form,
We studied that the testimony of Jesus was always true because there should be at least two witnesses to establish a matter according to the Law (Deuteronomy 19:15) and Jesus had other witnesses who would testify for Jesus [2]. In the past two weeks, we studied other witnesses of Jesus – John the Baptist [3] and the works that the Father has given Him to finish [4]. Today, let us study Another Witness of Jesus – the Father who sent Jesus, one of four witnesses of Jesus.
I. God’s Testimony about Jesus (37a)
See v37a.
And the Father who sent me has himself testified concerning me.
Another Witness of Jesus is the Father who sent Jesus (37a). God’s testimony is greater than human testimony (1 John 5:9b). God’s testimony about Jesus is written in Matthew 3:17, 17:5, Mark 1:11, 9:7, Luke 3:22, and Luke 9:34-35.
i. A voice from heaven after the baptism (Matthew 3:17, Mark 1:11, Luke 3:22)
When Jesus went up out of the water after Jesus was baptised (Matthew 3:16a), a voice from heaven said,
‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.’ (Matthew 3:17)
ii. A voice from the cloud in a high mountain (Matthew 17:5, Mark 9:7, Luke 9:34-35)
Hebrew 1:3a says
3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being,
Colossians 1:15a says
15 The Son is the image of the invisible God,
Jesus was transfigured on a high mountain.
His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light (Matthew 17:1-2).
Then, a voice from the cloud said,
‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!’ (Matthew 17:5b)
After the transfiguration, ‘Listen to him!’ was added to the voice in i.
II. God’s voice and form (37b)
See 37b.
You have never heard his voice nor seen his form,
In v37, Jesus was talking to those who did not believe the one God sent (John 5:38). They were spiritually blinded [5]. But the prophets such as Moses and Samuel heard the voice of God or saw His form.
Moses heard the voice of God and saw God’s back (Exodus 33:23). The prophets heard the voice of God. For example, Samuel at 12 started to hear the voice of God in those days the word of the LORD was rare (1 Samuel 3:1-21).
References
- The Holy Bible: New International Version. Anglicised. Revised and updated. ed. 2011: London: Hodder & Stoughton.
- Park, Y. The Testimony of Jesus Is Always True. 2023 23/04/2023]; Available from: https://comnc.org/the-testimony-of-jesus-is-always-true/.
- Park, Y. Another Witness of Jesus – John the Baptist. 2023 30/04/2023]; Available from: https://comnc.org/another-witness-of-jesus-john-the-baptist/.
- Park, Y. Another Witness of Jesus – The Works that the Father has given Him to finish. 2023 7/05/2023]; Available from: https://comnc.org/another-witness-of-jesus-the-works-that-the-father-has-given-him-to-finish/.
- Calvin, J., John. Logos Research Edition ed. Crossway Classic Commentaries. 1994, Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
Another Witness of Jesus – The Works that the Father has given Him to finish
John 5:36 [1]
36 ‘I have testimony weightier than that of John. For the works that the Father has given me to finish—the very works that I am doing—testify that the Father has sent me.
We studied that the testimony of Jesus was always true because there should be at least two witnesses to establish a matter according to the Law (Deuteronomy 19:15) and Jesus had other witnesses who would testify for Jesus [2]. Last week, we studied another witness of Jesus – John the Baptist [3]. Jesus has testimony weightier than that of John (36a). What is it? Today, let us study the works that the Father has given Him to finish, one of four witnesses of Jesus.
I. The Works of God Jesus Performed
Let us list the miraculous signs Jesus performed, that are written in the Gospel of John.
- Turning the water into wine (John 2:1-11)
- Healing a certain royal official’s son, who was close to death (John 4:46-54)
- Healing a man who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years (John 5:1-15)
- Feeding the five thousand (John 6:1-15)
- Walking on the water (John 6:16-21)
- Healing a man born blind (John 9:1-41)
- Raising Lazarus who had been dead and decaying for four days (John 11:38-44)
- Raising Himself from death (John 20:11-29)
- The miraculous catch of fish (John 21:1-14)
- Many other signs (John 20:30)
Note that
- The works of God performed by Jesus include His speech (John 14:10, John 15:22, 24).
- The work of God Jesus taught them to do is “To believe in the one God has sent” (John 6:29).
- Jesus taught, “27 Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you.” (John 6:27a).
- His food is defined in John 4:34.
34 ‘My food,’ said Jesus, ‘is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. (See [4])
II. What the Works of God Testify
What do the very works that Jesus is doing testify?
- The Father has sent Jesus (36c).
- Jesus is the Messiah (John 10:24-25, John 20:31).
- Jesus is the Son of God (John 20:31).
- The Father is in Jesus, and Jesus in the Father (John 10:38, 14:10-14).
- Jesus is a teacher who has come from God and God is with Him (John 3:2).
Why do they not believe the testimony?
- Because they are not His sheep (John 10:25-30)
- Because they hate Jesus and His Father without reason (John 15:24-25, Psalm 35:19, Psalm 69:4, John 3:20)
- Everyone who does evil hates the light (John 3:20a) (See [5]).
- They loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil (John 3:19b) (See [5]).
References
- The Holy Bible: New International Version. Anglicised. Revised and updated. ed. 2011: London: Hodder & Stoughton.
- Park, Y. The Testimony of Jesus Is Always True. 2023 23/04/2023]; Available from: https://comnc.org/the-testimony-of-jesus-is-always-true/.
- Park, Y. Another Witness of Jesus – John the Baptist. 2023 30/04/2023]; Available from: https://comnc.org/another-witness-of-jesus-john-the-baptist/.
- Park, Y. My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. 2023 30/04/2023]; Available from: https://comnc.org/my-food-is-to-do-the-will-of-him-who-sent-me-and-to-finish-his-work.
- Park, Y. The Test by which Men are Judged. 2022 30/04/2023]; Available from: https://comnc.org/the-test-by-which-men-are-judged.
Another Witness of Jesus – John the Baptist
John 5:33-35 [1]
33 ‘You have sent to John and he has testified to the truth. 34 Not that I accept human testimony; but I mention it that you may be saved. 35 John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you chose for a time to enjoy his light.
Last week, we studied that the testimony of Jesus was always true because there should be at least two witnesses to establish a matter according to the Law (Deuteronomy 19:15) and Jesus had other witnesses who would testify for Jesus [2]. Today let us study Baptist/Witness John, one of four witnesses of Jesus.
I. Jesus acknowledges the testimony of John being true (33)
“You have sent to John” (33a) refers to the event written in John 1:19-34 (See [3]). “and he has testified to the truth” (33b, John 1:7-8) is written in John 1:29, 34, 30-33.
II. Jesus does not depend on human testimony (34a)
See v34.
34 Not that I accept human testimony; but I mention it that you may be saved.
Jesus does not depend on human testimony (34a). God’s testimony is greater (1 John 5:9b) and He has God’s testimony (Matthew 3:17, 17:5, Mark 1:11, 9:7, Luke 3:22, 9:34-35).
III. We need human testimony/witness for our salvation (34b-35)
We accept and need human testimony for our salvation (34b, 1 John 5:9a).
Baptist/witness John was sent from God for us to believe (John 1:6-7). The Gospel of John, which we are studying right now, was written for us to believe and be saved (John 20:31). God wants all people to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4) and is pleased with evangelism (1 Corinthians 1:21).
See v35.
35 John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you chose for a time to enjoy his light.
Baptist John worked in the spirit and power of Elijah (Luke 1:17). Elijah (1 Kings 17:1-19:18) was a prophet like fire and his word burned like a torch (Sirach 48:1) [4]. He was not the light (John 1:8a) but only a witness to the light (John 1:8b). Matthew 5:14 says that we are the light of the world, but not as the source of the light but as a lamp (Matthew 5:15) and a reflection of the light to glorify the source of the light (Matthew 5:16).
References
- The Holy Bible: New International Version. Anglicised. Revised and updated. ed. 2011: London: Hodder & Stoughton.
- Park, Y. The Testimony of Jesus Is Always True. 2023 23/04/2023]; Available from: https://comnc.org/the-testimony-of-jesus-is-always-true/.
- Park, Y. Baptist John Storyboard. 2022 23/04/2023]; Available from: https://comnc.org/baptist-john-storyboard/.
- Lange, J.P.S., Philip, A Commentary on the Holy Scriptures: John. Logos Research ed. 2008, Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.
The Testimony of Jesus Is Always True
John 5:31-32 [1]
31 ‘If I testify about myself, my testimony is not true. 32 There is another who testifies in my favour, and I know that his testimony about me is true.
The Jewish leaders began to persecute Jesus because they thought He was breaking the Sabbath law (John 5:16). Jesus started his defence from John 5:17 till John 5:30.
Today let us study why the testimony of Jesus is always true.
I. The Legal Requirements to Establish a Matter
See v31.
31 ‘If I testify about myself, my testimony is not true.
Jesus is giving the presuppositions in the case [2]. V31 means that His testimony is not true if Jesus is alone testifying about Himself. It is because the Law requires not one but two or three witnesses to establish a matter (Deuteronomy 19:15, Deuteronomy 17:6, Numbers 35:30). See Deuteronomy 19:15.
15 One witness is not enough to convict anyone accused of any crime or offence they may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.
The principle in Deuteronomy 19:15 was applied by Jesus in Matthew 18:17 and Paul in 1 Corinthians 13:1 [2].
Matthew 18:17
16 But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that “every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.”
1 Corinthians 13:1
This will be my third visit to you. ‘Every matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’
II. The Witnesses Who Testify for Jesus
See v32.
32 There is another who testifies in my favour, and I know that his testimony about me is true.
Here, ‘another who testifies in His favour’ is Baptist John (John 5:33-35), the works that the Father has given Jesus to finish (John 5:36), the Father (John 5:37-38), or the Scriptures (John 5:39). Each of these witnesses testifies about Jesus. Jesus (a witness for Himself) knows another witness’s testimony about Himself is true. Therefore, Jesus Himself and any one of the other witnesses can establish Jesus’ testimony as being true.
Later, on another occasion, the Pharisees challenged Jesus, saying ‘Here you are, appearing as your own witness; your testimony is not valid.’ (John 8:13).
The Father is not visible to them (Refer to John 8:14c-15). Even if Jesus testifies on His own behalf apparently alone, His testimony is valid (John 8:14). Jesus is not alone but stands with the Father (John 8:16), who is His other witness (John 8:18b), who sent Him (John 8:18c. Refer to John 8:14b).
References
- The Holy Bible: New International Version. Anglicised. Revised and updated. ed. 2011: London: Hodder & Stoughton.
- Borchert, G.L., The New American Commentary: John 1-11. 1996: Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
Jesus, the True Light, the Resurrection and the Life
John 5:26, 21 [1]
26 For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself.
21 For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it.
Happy Easter! Jesus is the True Light (John 1:9) because in Him is the life that is the light of all mankind (John 1:4, John 5:26). Having the experiential relationship with the Father and the Son is eternal life (John 17:3, Section II in [2], [3], 1 John 5:11, 20b, 1 John 1:2).
Jesus is the resurrection and the life (John 11:25, John 14:6c). Jesus has life in Himself (John 5:26, John 1:4) and gives life to whom he is pleased to give it (John 5:21, 1 Corinthians 15:45).
- Jesus raised Himself (John 10:17, 18), Lazarus (John 11:1-43), the widow’s son (Luke 7:15), and the daughter of Jairus (Mark 5:42).
- Jesus raises the (spiritually) dead who hear His voice (John 5:25, Section II in [4]).
- Jesus will raise everyone on the day of Judgement (John 5:28-29).
- Jesus is the bread of life (John 6:35, 48).
- Jesus is the author of life (Acts 3:15).
References
- The Holy Bible: New International Version. Anglicised. Revised and updated. ed. 2011: London: Hodder & Stoughton.
- Park, Y. Have Eternal life or Remain Condemned. 2022 9/04/2023]; Available from: https://comnc.org/have-eternal-life-or-remain-condemned.
- Park, Y. Bible Study on John 1:4. 2021; Available from: https://www.tiktok.com/@yongjoojohnpark/video/6991432730760219906.
- Park, Y. Friendship and Revelation. 2023 9/04/2023]; Available from: https://comnc.org/friendship-and-revelation/.
Friendship and Revelation
John 5:20-30
20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, and he will show him even greater works than these, so that you will be amazed. 21 For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it. 22 Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son, 23 that all may honour the Son just as they honour the Father. Whoever does not honour the Son does not honour the Father, who sent him.
24 ‘Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life. 25 Very truly I tell you, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live. 26 For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself. 27 And he has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man.
28 ‘Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice 29 and come out—those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned. 30 By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me.
I. Friendship and Revelation (20)
The basis for the Son’s dependence (John 5:19) is “the Father loves the Son” (20) [1].
See v20a.
For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does.
When Jesus was baptised, the Spirit came down from heaven as a dove and remained on Him (John 1:32, Matthew 3:16, Mark 1:10, and Luke 3:22a). And a voice from heaven said the following (Matthew 3:17, Mark 1:11, Luke 3:22b).
- This is my Son
- whom I love;
- with him I am well pleased.
The use of the “show” (or “reveal”) twice in v. 20 indicates the intimate relation between the Father and Jesus [1]. “As God’s agent, Jesus received direct insight from the Father and acted in accordance with the Father’s wishes. The actions of Jesus, therefore, were the actions of the Father because in Jesus the Father was in fact acting.” [1]
Here, ‘love’ is not agape (unconditional love) but philia (love between friends).
God showed the secret (e.g., the plan of the judgement on Sodom and Gomorrah) to the father of faith, Abraham, too. See Genesis 18:17.
17 Then the Lord said, ‘Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do?’
God called Abraham ‘my friend’ (Isaiah 41:8, 2 Chronicles 20:7, James 2:23), which indicates intimacy.
Jesus died for us as the friend dies for his friends (John 15:13-15) and let us know everything as his friends (John 15:15).
See v20b.
Yes, and he will show him even greater works than these, so that you will be amazed.
Here, ‘these’ means the works of healing Jesus demonstrated. Love is the motivation of showing the Son ‘all’ the Father does (20a), and even greater works than these (20b). Jesus tells them what the ‘even greater works’ are in John 5:21-30. This indicates God’s love toward the Son, Jesus. At the same time, we can see the love of Jesus toward them reflecting God’s love because He is not hiding but showing them the greater works that Jesus will do, and his believers (John 14:12).
In John 5:21-30, Jesus is about to tell them about even greater works than these, so that they will be amazed (20b). Let us study v25, 28-29 first in this section.
In John 5:28-29, Jesus says “Do not be amazed at this” when He tells them about the coming resurrection and judgement.
28 ‘Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice 29 and come out—those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned.
The resurrection (v28b-29a):
a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice 29 and come out—
The judgement (29b):
those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned.
Before we continue, let us study John 5:24 first.
‘Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.
‘Belief’ is the only condition to receive this Grace. This Grace began when God credited the ‘belief’ of Abram to him as ‘righteousness’ (Genesis 15:6). Genuine ‘belief’ is accompanied by ‘action’ (James 2:17).
Finally, let us note that “has crossed” is the present complete tense.
II. The Authority of Resurrection (21, 24, 25, 26, 28, 29a)
See v21.
21 For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it.
See John 10:17-18.
17 The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.’
Jesus declared that He had authority to take His life up again (John 10:18). That is, He had authority to raise Himself from His own death.
Jesus, the resurrection and the life (John 11:25) [2], raised
- Lazarus who was dead and decaying for four (4) days (John 11:1-43)
- the widow’s son in the village of Nain (Luke 7:15)
- the 12-year-old daughter of Jairus, a ruler of the synagogue (Mark 5:42)
We studied v24 in Section I.
25 Very truly I tell you, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live.
In the present, though people are spiritually dead, (The spiritually dead would be like ‘heatless, senseless, ruthless, ignorant and etc’.) They will become spiritually alive if they hear the voice of the Son. (As a result, they would become like ‘loving, sensitive, caring, understanding spiritual things and etc’.)
In future, all including the physically dead will hear His voice to rise either to live or to be condemned (John 5:28-29).
See v26.
26 For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself.
The first man Adam became a living being (Genesis 2:7); the last Adam (Christ Jesus) is a life-giving spirit (1 Corinthians 15:45).
We studied v28 and v29a in Section I.
III. The Authority of Judgement (22, 23, 24, 27, 29b, 30)
See v22.
22 Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son,
Christ Jesus is the Judge as well as the Creator and the Redeemer.
What we bind or loose on earth will happen in the heavenly realm (Matthew 16:19, Matthew 18:18). That is, the believers can open or lock the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 16:19).
Jesus gave His believers the authority of judgement. See Matthew 12:41.
41 The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now something greater than Jonah is here.
See Matthew 12:42.
42 The Queen of the South will rise at the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for she came from the ends of the earth to listen to Solomon’s wisdom, and now something greater than Solomon is here.
See v23.
23 that all may honour the Son just as they honour the Father. Whoever does not honour the Son does not honour the Father, who sent him.
See John 12:26b.
Jesus said, “My Father will honour the one who serves me.”
See John 13:20.
Very truly I tell you, whoever accepts anyone I send accepts me; and whoever accepts me accepts the one who sent me.’
Other relevant verses are John 12:44-45, Matthew 10:40, Luke 9:48, Luke 10:16, and Mark 9:37.
We studied v24 in Section I.
See v27.
And he has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man.
Regarding ‘the Son of Man’ in v27,
“The idea is no doubt a juridical principle: because He is to judge men, therefore He must have not only knowledge of man, but also a human experience. As Son of man, thus embodying the ideal of human life, He is the standard of the judgment, and virtually the judgment itself; as Son of man, He has the whole experience of humanity, sin excepted (which is no pure experience), and as He, in that He has been tempted, is able to succor them that are tempted, He is able also to judge them that are tempted.” [3]
We studied v29b in Section I.
See v30.
By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me.
Jesus will judge based on the true reality (“as I hear”). “perfect perception of the divine will [3]”
His judgement is just because he is not self-seeking. His submission to God was demonstrated in his Gethsemane prayer “yet not my will, but yours be done” (Luke 22:42).
References
- Borchert, G.L., The New American Commentary: John 1-11. 1996: Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers.
- Park, Y. Jesus – the Resurrection and the Life. 2014 2/04/2023]; Available from: https://comnc.org/jesus-the-resurrection-and-the-life/.
- Lange, J.P.S., Philip, A Commentary on the Holy Scriptures: John. Logos Research ed. 2008, Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.
