John 5:31-47
Key Verse: 5:36

“I have testimony weightier than that of John. For the very work that the Father has given me to finish, and which I am doing, testifies that the Father has sent me.”

* JOHN’S TESTIMONY ABOUT JESUS IS TRUE (31-36)

1. To whom did Jesus speak these words and why? Read verse 31. Why does Jesus stand John the Baptist as his witness? What is the meaning of testimony or witness? How is “testimony” used in the Old Testament (Ex 16:34; Lev 16:13, etc)? What are some other words for God’s word? (See Ps 119) In what sense is Jesus himself the testimony of God? (Jn 1:1-2)

2. Read verse 32-35. How did John the Baptist testify to Jesus and to truth? (Lk 3:10-14; Jn 1:8-9,19-20) What was the purpose of John’s testimony? (34b) Why did Jesus compare John to a lamp? (35)

3. Read verse 36. What is the weightier testimony? Review Jesus’ life-giving work which testifies that he is the Son of God (Chapters 2,3,4,5). How else does God himself testify to Jesus? (37,39) (Ge 3:15; Ge 12:2,3; Isa 9:6, 11:1-9)

* THE RESULT OF SUPERFICIAL BIBLE STUDY (37-47)

4. Read verses 37-38. Why couldn’t these Jewish leaders hear God’s voice or see his form? Read verses 39-40. What was wrong with their seemingly diligent Bible study? What would be the result of superficial Bible study?

5. Read verses 41-44. How would Jesus’ life had been different if he had accepted men’s praise? What does it mean to seek God’s praise? What does it mean that the Jews liked men’s praise? What was the result of this? Why?

6. In what respect were these unbelieving Jews accused by Moses? What can we learn from this passage that shows Jesus’ testimony to be true?