John 5:31-47

Daily S.O.A.P. Prompts

S – What verse stands out to me today?

O – What is God revealing about Jesus?

A – How should this change my life today?

P – What is my prayer in response?

Scripture

John 5:31-47 (LEB) 31 “If I testify about myself, my testimony is not true. 32 There is another who testifies about me, and I know that the testimony which he testifies about me is true. 33 You have sent to John and he has testified to the truth. 34 (And I do not receive testimony from people, but I say these things in order that you may be saved.) 35 That one was the lamp which was burning and shining, and you wanted to rejoice for an hour in his light. 36 “But I have a testimony greater than John’s, for the works which the Father has given to me that I should complete them—the very works which I am doing—these testify about me, that the Father has sent me. 37 And the Father who sent me, that one has testified about me. You have neither heard his voice at any time nor seen his form. 38 And you do not have his word residing in yourselves, because the one whom that one sent, in this one you do not believe. 39 You search the scriptures because you think that you have eternal life in them, and it is these that testify about me. 40 And you are not willing to come to me so that you may have life. 41 “I do not accept glory from people, 42 but I know you, that you do not have the love of God in yourselves. 43 I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not accept me. If another should come in his own name, you would accept that one! 44 How are you able to believe, if you accept glory from one another, and do not seek the glory which is from the only God? 45 Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father! The one who accuses you is Moses, in whom you have put your hope! 46 For if you had believed Moses, you would believe me, for that one wrote about me. 47 But if you do not believe that one’s writings, how will you believe my words?”

Observation

• There is a ton of “testify” and “testimony” language in these verses. The argument is being made by Jesus that John the Baptist testified about him, his miracles are testifying about him, and even Moses testified about him. YET, they still do not believe. 

• Jesus wants them to believe, but they choose not to believe. 

• I notice that Jesus challenges the people about wanting “to rejoice for an hour in his [John the Baptist’s] light.” The crowd in the gospel is described as fickle. People love a new thing.

• “but I know you…” (v.42) Jesus knows their heart. He knows they do not love God. It appears you can search the scriptures and still be lost. 

• In verse 45, we see the terms “accuse" and "accuses," keeping with the courtroom type of language. Jesus doesn’t need to accuse them because Moses already has brought the case against them. 

• They didn’t believe Moses, so why would they believe Jesus?

Application

• Testify about all that Jesus has done. 

• Jesus knows my heart. Nothing is hidden. 

• Followers follow. Crowds vacillate.

Prayer

Father God, I am so grateful for all that Jesus has done. Thank you for sending him to save us. Thank you for the testimony of John the Baptist. Thank you for the testimonies of all the saints down through the years. Thank you for all the men and women who have testified about you to me. I am eternally thankful. I believe because of this long line of people being willing to testify about Jesus. Search my heart, O God, and know me! Reveal anything in me that isn’t pleasing to you. Forgive me and fill me with your Spirit. I choose to follow you. In Jesus name. Amen.

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