John

Check out all the previous John readings here.

John Reading Plan | Week 5, Day 5

Prayer

As you draw near to spend time with Jesus, quiet your mind and body until you feel completely present. Express your gratitude to Jesus for coming to save you!

Bible Reading: John 5:31-47

Read these verses three times slowly.

“If I testify about myself, my testimony is not true. There is another who testifies in my favor, and I know that his testimony about me is true.

“You have sent to John and he has testified to the truth. Not that I accept human testimony; but I mention it that you may be saved. John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you chose for a time to enjoy his light.

“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. And the Father who sent me has himself testified concerning me. You have never heard his voice nor seen his form, nor does his word dwell in you, for you do not believe the one he sent. You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.

“I do not accept glory from human beings, but I know you. I know that you do not have the love of God in your hearts. 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. How can you believe since you accept glory from one another but do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?

“But do not think I will accuse you before the Father. Your accuser is Moses, on whom your hopes are set. If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me. But since you do not believe what he wrote, how are you going to believe what I say?”

Reflection & Questions

What does it take for someone to believe that Jesus is who He says it is? Jesus concludes his confrontation with the Jesus realizes that for him by Himself to make claims, even though true, would not be received that way. We don’t drive by a man on the street corner shouting ‘I’m the savior of the world’ and pay any attention. Jesus also acknowledges that even if someone else (like John the Baptist) gives testimony to who He is, it might also be rejected. Which is what also happened here – the religious leaders rejected John. But Jesus has a much bigger testimony behind Him: “the very works that I am doing—testify that the Father has sent me.” His miracles and His teaching are the evidence of who He is. That is more than enough evidence.

However, Jesus says their problem in believing isn’t evidence. It’s their prideful hearts. He tells them, “How can you believe since you accept glory from one another but do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?” Really, what they are after is their own glory. They aren’t seeking to submit their lives to someone else. They want to lift up themselves before others. They seek their own glory. To lift up Jesus would be to become less, to have to humble their attitudes and actions and surrender their glory to Him. Of course, that would result in receiving the ultimate glory of eternal life – but they would rather have glory in their own eyes now.

1. Why do you think people have a hard time believing in Jesus? Do you think it is the same reasons as the religious leaders Jesus is talking to or something different? Why?
2. Whose glory are you seeking? How do you know?

Prayer

Talk to God in response to the reading today.

Worship Song

You might use this song today to worship Jesus today:

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Questions?