31. "If I testify about myself, my testimony is not valid. 32 There is another who testifies in my favor, and I know that his testimony about me is valid.  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. 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 have looked at the influence of testimonies from people whose lives were changed because of Jesus. He had met a Samaritan woman who listened to His words and accepted Him as Messiah.  Other Samaritans believed because they went to investigate further, heard Him and told others of their experience. Then Jesus makes some remarkable claims. He told the disciples that His only goal in this life on earth was to do the will of the Father and it was the Father’s will that He die to save people from eternal death. 

When a Jewish official heard of Jesus, he traveled several miles to plead for His son’s healing. He believed if Jesus just spoke the word the boy would be healed. Leaders challenged Jesus regarding His healings on the Sabbath. Jesus taught them that He was equal with God; He would raise from the dead; Jesus told those around Him that He gives life, physical as well as spiritual; that He will judge all men; that He is to receive the same honor and glory as the Father; that He was coming again and all the people will come to life again who trust in Christ. These are fantastic claims.  How do we know it is true? Jesus handled His defense as a lawyer argues his case.  He presented His claim, supported His claim, called on witnesses and then gave a conclusion and summary. 

Many people accepted the fact that John the Baptist was from God by his word and life. John pointed to the passages about the coming Messiah. When John saw Jesus coming toward him, he  said, “Look, the lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” Some in the audience were probably there when they witnessed the Spirit of God coming down from heaven as a dove upon Jesus at His baptism. Some heard the voice of God say “This is my Son with whom I am well pleased.” John says, “I have seen and testify that this is the Son of God.” From Jesus’ perspective, He is not the Son of God because John says so. Jesus doesn’t need human testimony.   

I John 5:9 “We accept man’s testimony, but God’s testimony is greater because it is the testimony of God, which he has given about his Son.”            

Many people had looked at Jesus and had come to believe He was a man of God, a prophet from God.  John the Baptist now pointed people to Jesus and said, “Follow Him.”           

Application:  How a person lives causes some to look more closely at their testimony. Who do you believe Jesus is - the Son of God? Then follow Him.

Prayer:  Lord, thank you that step by step You lead me.   I desire to follow You wherever and however You are leading me.   

Dale