Who are the witnesses who back up Christ’s claim to be equal with God? Part 2

The second witness that Jesus calls upon to back up His claim to be equal with God is JOHN THE BAPTIST. Christ said to the Jews who gathered around him, “You have sent to John, and he has borne witness to the truth.” (John 5:33).  When John the Baptist was preaching in the wilderness, the religious leaders sent a delegation to listen to Him. John the Baptist said three specific things about Jesus: First, John announced to his own disciples, “Behold the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). Jesus is the Lamb of God, the innocent Substitute who would take our place and punishment upon Himself so God could give us eternal life.

Second, John announced Jesus to be “He who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.” (John 1:33). He is the One who will permanently quench the thirst of peoples’ hearts for eternal life. His Holy Spirit transforms lives from the inside out.

Third, John declared Jesus to be “the Son of God.” (John 1:34). He is God Himself, Lord of heaven and earth who became man. Here in 5:33, Jesus declares that all that John said about Him is true! Jesus then goes on to say something that sounds a little strange to us. “Yet I do not receive testimony from man, but I say these things that you may be saved.” (John 5:34). Although Jesus doesn’t need human testimony to confirm what He already knows from God, He speaks of John’s witness so they could be saved.

We often see this in our own culture where men and women will not pay attention to the Bible directly, but they will often listen closely to someone who tells what his experience with God has been.

The Bible, of course, is the Word of God. It is the most widely distributed book ever – having been translated into more languages than any other book. Yet I find it strange how few people ever open the Bible to see what God has said. But they will listen instead to what some man or woman says about what God has said! That’s what Jesus is talking about here: “For your sake I call attention to the witness of John, in order that you might be saved.” Do you see how compassionate Jesus is? He is willing to use different approaches as long as people will listen to what God is saying. This is one reason why I love to incorporate testimonies or faith stories into sermons. People will remember your stories about God’s work in your life far longer than any sermon they hear.

Jesus says of John the Baptist, “He was the burning and shining lamp.” (John 5:35a). John was the lamp, Jesus is the Light. John was the container, Jesus was the Content. The Jews were attracted to John like moths to a candle. They were attracted to his brightness, not his warmth.

Would you like to be a shining lamp? Let me tell you how to do it. Burn! Let the truth of God fuel your heart until it begins to burn brightly for Christ. When you understand and experience the life-giving Word of God, your heart will begin to burn, and then you will start to shine. We often sing, “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.” Here is how to do it: Burn! Let Jesus help you understand the Bible and apply it to your life so you can burn brightly for Him in our declining society.

Jesus continues. “And you were willing for a time to rejoice in his light.” (John 5:35b).People were attracted to this light for a while but then they grew tired of John. They listened for a while and then they went on to other things – jogging, dieting, video games – whatever. John was just a passing fad. That is what truth about Christ is to many people today – something that comes and goes, and when it has gone something else takes its place. Don’t take this personally if you have people lose interest in learning about Christ. Focus on those who are receptive and want to grow in their relationship with the Lord.

Prayer: Precious Lord Jesus, thank You for pointing me to the witness of John the Baptist concerning Your Person and Work. John knew that You were God and that You had come to pay the penalty for the sins of the world in full. He proclaimed this to a lost world even though it would cost him his life. His heart burned passionately for You, Lord Jesus, and I long for my own heart to do this. Please remove anything in my life that keeps You from lighting a fire in my heart that will burn brightly for You. Open the eyes of my heart to discover the transforming truths of Your Word. Like John, I want to be a burning lamp for You so that people will be drawn to the light of Your salvation. By Your grace, help me to keep burning for You, Jesus, even though our society is sinking to deeper levels of darkness. Please lead me to those Whom You have prepared to hear and believe in You. Thank You my Lord and my God. In Jesus’s name. Amen.