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INTRODUCTION
In a court of law witnesses are essential to build a case. You need eye witnesses, expert
witnesses, character witnesses, even hostile witnesses. And they must be good. Law and
Order fans. I watched Perry Mason - last witness on the stand always
breaks down, and Hamilton Burger loses again.
Today’s Text is John 5:30-47. The Apostle John is making the
case that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, the Messiah of the Jews, the Savior of the
World. The Gospel of John is a masterful work of literature presenting the facts of the case
for Christ. We have spent nearly a year in this book, in some ways presenting new information,
in other ways communicate the same basic facts in different ways. All building a case for
Christ. Today Jesus presents some witnesses to His own deity. He says He is God, His testimony
is true, but it needs supporting witnesses to be believed by others v. 31 NIV “if I
testify about myself, my testimony is not valid.” Jesus presents 4 witnesses of His
deity, John records them for us.
1. The Testimony of John the Baptist 5:33-35
- The purpose of John the Baptist’s short ministry was to prepare the way for the
Messiah and announce His coming - John did that exactly. 1:29 “Behold, the
Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world”
- John was a prophet of God whose testimony carried great weight, many Jews even King
Herod Antipas understood him to be a trusted man of God. Jesus clearly paid tribute to
his divine ministry as “a lamp...” v. 35
- For John, sadly, his witness was rejected by the Jewish leaders and Herod had him
beheaded. People don’t like truth. Jesus affirms John.
2. The Testimony of the Works of Jesus 5:36
- What miracles Jesus did spoke loud and clear, and many people came to Jesus because of
the works: disciples believed (2:11); Nicodemus (3:2); Nobleman’s family (4:53)
- The Gospels record at least 3 dozen miracles Jesus did, and John 20:30 says
He did countless others that Scripture doesn’t record.
- The works He did were from the Father. His supernatural works were the exact will of
God, works that only God could do
- His works were unmatched by anyone else, and unexplained outside of God’s power.
Those present couldn’t miss their authority, even His enemies acknowledged them
(11:47). Sadly, unbelievers still are not convinced despite the evidence to
the contrary.
- We still see His works today in answered prayer, ways He works in our lives. Tuesday,
Jeannette and I went out for dinner. There was country music playing in the
background. The first song that stood out was “Too much month at the end of the
money...” Then the very next song was “I’d rather have Jesus”
sung by Willie Nelson. That is Christ at work.
3. The Testimony of the Father 5:37-38
- Gospels record two times the Father gave specific verbal testimony of the Son. His
testimony is infallible, infinitely greater than any human:
- At His baptism Matt. 3:17 “This is my beloved Son, in whom...”
- His transfiguration Matt. 17:5 “This is My beloved Son...listen”
- Again, sadly, people still rejected Jesus despite of the authority of God. Attitude:
“Don’t confuse me with the facts, my mind is already made up.”
- The truth is if you reject Jesus Christ, you reject God, you cannot know God without
knowing Jesus - 5:23; 8:19; 14:6. 1 John 5:9-10
4. The Testimony of Scripture 5:39-47
- The Jews had been searching the scripture word by word, letter by letter and still
missed the teachings of the Messiah, a desperate and futile attempt to gain eternal
life. They outright reject Jesus, glory in themselves, and really don’t love God.
Into legalism, self-righteousness.
- They said Moses was their great leader, His words their great scriptures, yet Moses
can accuse them of not even believing in his words, because he wrote about the Messiah
- Deut. 18:15 “raise up for you a prophet...”
- Jesus is pictured in many types: Abraham offering up Isaac, Joseph, etc.
- The entire OT speaks of Christ, they even knew He would be born in Bethlehem
(Micah 5:2). They didn’t accurately handle the word of truth.
- We must accurate handle the word of truth (2 Tim. 2:15). We believe in the
absolute authority of Scripture. Final, sufficient.
- During my Bible reading on Wednesday I finished the harmony of the Gospels. In Luke
chapter 24 “Scriptures” found 3 times. Dr. Luke precisely notes that
detail. Jesus explained himself starting with Moses. Scripture is a powerful,
infallible authority. How is your Scripture reading for 2007?
- It is not enough to just read it, but must believe and be changed by it.
- Jews read it and missed Jesus, they were not changed. How about you?
- The Gallup Poll says: 92% of Americans own a Bible, 66% say it holds the
answers to life’s problems, but less than 33% read it. “We revere the
Bible, but we don’t read it.” Worse than the Jews of Jesus day. No wonder
we have problems today.
- Read, study the Scriptures and look for Jesus, He is everywhere…
CONCLUSION
The Witnesses have spoken: John the Baptist says Jesus is God. The words Jesus did show He is
God. God the Father said “This is My beloved Son.” And the Scriptures in detail
reveal Jesus is God. Jesus is the most influential man who lived. Do you believe in Him? Is He
your Savior? There is no one else, no other hope.
I want to repeat something I said Sunday night 2 weeks ago. 40 people heard it then, today
180, too good not to repeat. From Ravi Zacharius. 4 weeks ago today - listening to WDLM radio
as I drove through Illinois. I scribbled what he said. He talked of 7 reasons why the Gospel
of Jesus Christ is reliable, complete truth, greater than any other religion, philosophy, or
ideal. More evidences that Jesus is God, deity.
- Jesus is superior because of His explanation of my condition. We are dying
sinners. Honestly tells us our deepest problem - sin.
- Jesus is superior because of the provision for my malady. He could do something
about our condition of sinfulness. He went to the cross to take away the sin of
the world, your sins and my sins. The blood of Christ cleanses us from all sin.
- Jesus is superior because of His explanation of reality. Jesus explains what is
real better than any philosopher, or doctor or scientist who has tried.
- Jesus is superior because of His transcendence over history. Amazing prophecies
far ahead of time perfectly fulfilled. Jesus could predict the future, we
can’t predict stock market or even tomorrows weather.
- Jesus is superior because He provides the equipment for suffering. How does human
handle the pains of humanity? “My grace is sufficient in weakness.” A
future glory to look forward to.
- Jesus is superior because of His triumph over death. Resurrection most powerful
event of history. Christ overcame the greatest enemy of man, and gives life
abundant and eternal to all who believe.
- Jesus is superior because he embodies every ideal that every culture has ever
pursued. He is trans-cultural. He is above time and culture, yet able to reach
into time any time and any culture and provide their deepest needs and answer
their greatest questions.
Jesus is God. The evidence is overwhelming. Do you believe in Jesus as your Savior and Lord?
Invitation. Come to the Cross of Christ.
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