Testimony
by Rachael Stelzer
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I have testimony weightier than that of John (John 5:36).
Jesus was in trouble with the priests and teachers of the law. He had healed a crippled man on the Sabbath day, which, while not expressly forbidden by Mosaic law, went against the traditions of the religious leaders. They even told the healed man off for carrying his mat, an action that constituted work, according to their traditions.
For this formerly crippled man, Jesus’ authority was obvious – he had healed him, and he told him to pick up his mat and walk, so that was good enough for him. But not for the teachers of the law. And Jesus had further outraged them by speaking about God as his own father. They persecuted and even tried to kill him. And so, Jesus began to lay out for them the case for the defence.
‘If I testify about myself, my testimony is not true.’ Obviously, they could not just believe the one who told them he was the son of God. He would say that. Who else would they believe?
‘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.’
But Jesus continued.
‘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.’
Jesus’ meaning? ‘If you don’t believe me, and if you don’t believe John, believe the miracles. Believe the water turned to wine, the healings, the feeding of 5000, the raising of Lazarus. And listen to my Father’s words. All these show that I am from the Father and that I am who I say I am – the Son of God.’
Jesus goes on to criticise the religious leaders for their inability to listen to God and for their petty legalism. If they knew and listened to God, and if they sought out a relationship with God over rule-following, then they would recognise Jesus as God’s son.
All of me wants to stand on Jesus’ side and say, ‘Yeah, Lord! You tell those self-satisfied religious types!’
But a little nagging part of me realises that I sometimes prioritise the rules over relationships. I do the right thing when I could do the best thing. I can stand right in front of the Son of God and get things completely wrong.
Thanks be to Jesus, who forgives and restores me and seeks a relationship with me rather than my obedience to rules. What a loving and gracious God we serve!
Lord Jesus, I come to you, the Saviour of the world. Keep my eyes fixed on you. Help me read your word and see you on every page. Help me to learn from you and love like you. Amen.
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