Read John 5:31–47
Introduction: Whose Voice Do You Believe?
Every day, we are surrounded by voices—voices of people, media, culture, and even our own thoughts. But not all voices lead us to truth or life. In John 5:31–47, Jesus highlights the importance of testimony—credible witnesses that confirm who He is. The question is not whether there is evidence for Jesus. The real question is whether our hearts are humble enough to believe and receive Him.
Observation: The Witnesses of Jesus
In this passage, Jesus lays out several powerful witnesses that testify about Him:
- John the Baptist’s Testimony – John was a burning and shining lamp, preparing the way of the Lord (John 5:35). His ministry pointed people to Jesus, but his light was temporary.
- The Works of Jesus – The miracles and works were given by the Father. They were undeniable evidence that Jesus was sent by God (John 5:36).
- The Father Himself – God directly testified of Jesus. Many could not perceive it because their hearts were closed (John 5:37–38).
- The Scriptures – The very Scriptures the religious leaders studied spoke of Jesus. They missed Him because they were focused on knowledge rather than transformation (John 5:39–40).
- Moses’ Writings – Even Moses pointed to Christ (John 5:46). If they rejected Moses, how could they truly believe in the One Moses spoke about?
Despite all this evidence, unbelief prevailed because of hardened hearts and misplaced pride.
Reflection & Insights: Why Did They Refuse to Believe?
- The Danger of Head Knowledge Without Heart Transformation
The Jewish leaders diligently studied the Scriptures. Yet, they missed the very One the Scriptures pointed to. This shows us that it’s possible to know the Bible without knowing Jesus personally. - Pride Blocks Revelation
Jesus said they did not have the love of God in their hearts (John 5:42). Pride, self-sufficiency, and the desire for human approval blinded them from recognizing Christ. True revelation only comes to those who humble themselves before God. - Revelation is a Gift of the Father
When Peter confessed Jesus as the Messiah (Matthew 16:16–17), God revealed the truth to him. God shared this revelation with him. Similarly, we cannot truly know Jesus unless the Father opens our hearts. - A Personal Challenge
We must ask ourselves: Are we seeking Scripture just for knowledge? Or are we truly seeking Jesus through the Word? Do we desire the praise of people more than the approval of God?
My Life as a Testimony
Before I developed this website, Immanuel and Me, I wrestled with an important decision. Should I continue in the corporate world? Should I look for work-from-home opportunities? Should I start a small business? Should I follow the vision God placed in my heart? The vision was to create a website that would help others understand the reading of the Holy Bible. Since the pandemic, I had sensed God nudging me to share His Word. He urged me to do this through the way I personally read and observe. I also reflect, receive insights from the Holy Spirit, and pray. My first response was, “Maybe when I retire, Lord. I can’t focus on both the corporate world and website development at the same time.”
But this year, God’s call became too strong to ignore. As I scrolled through social media, I saw how harsh, judgmental, and destructive people’s words had become. I noticed how many young people seemed consumed by anger, violence, and a lack of self-control. It reminded me of my own past. I used to lose my temper easily at mistakes. Shortcomings or poor service from others would set me off.
Everything began to change when I committed to reading the Holy Bible daily. At first, I read simply to gain knowledge, excited about the stories in the Old and New Testaments. Our pastors encouraged us to keep reading. I kept reading again and again. Each new journey through Scripture became a fresh experience. During quiet times with the Lord, the Holy Spirit started to work in me and through me.
Gradually, I noticed changes in my reactions. Instead of giving in to anger, I learned how to PRAY. The advice was given by the wife of our Senior Pastor: Pray, Resist the First Impulse, Ask the Holy Spirit for Control, and Yield to the Spirit. This became a new way of life for me. If the Lord could transform my responses, then He can certainly do the same for others. My prayer is that this website and my testimonies will encourage those who can relate. They should remember that God’s Word and Spirit still transform lives today.
Life Application: Living by the Testimony of Christ
To ensure we don’t miss Jesus like the religious leaders did:
- Seek Jesus in the Scriptures – Don’t just read for information; read to encounter the living Christ.
- Humble Yourself Daily – Ask God to reveal areas of pride that may be blocking His truth in your life.
- Pay Attention to His Works – Reflect on the ways Jesus has worked in your life already. His past faithfulness is a testimony of His presence today.
- Love God Above Recognition – Choose God’s approval over people’s praise, even when it costs you.
- Share Your Testimony – Like John the Baptist, let your life be a lamp that points others to Jesus.
Prayer
Abba Father, thank You for sending Jesus, the true Light of the world. Forgive me for the times I’ve let pride, distractions, or fear blind me from fully seeing Him. Open my eyes to recognize Christ in the Scriptures, in my daily life, and the testimonies of others. Keep me humble, Lord, and let my life be a witness that points others to You. I pray that Your truth will not only inform my mind but transform my heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Journaling Prompts
- When was the last time I saw God’s hand at work in my life? How did it strengthen my faith?
- In what areas do I struggle with seeking people’s approval more than God’s?
- How can I let my testimony—big or small—shine as a light for others to see Jesus?
Devotional Challenge
This week, take one step to make your testimony visible:
- Share a short story of God’s faithfulness with a friend.
- Write down a recently answered prayer and thank Him.
- Be intentional in responding with grace instead of anger when tested.
Closing Question
The people in Jesus’ time had all the evidence but still refused to believe. What about you? What testimonies of Jesus have you already seen in your life? How are you responding to them today?
If this reflection blessed you, feel free to explore more topics in the popular categories. Discover how God is working in every area of life.
Immanuel and Me 
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