The Word God Spells

John 5: 31-47
Ex 32: 7-14 / Ps 106:19-23

How can you believe if you accept praise from one another, yet make no effort to obtain the praise that comes from the only God?
(John 5: 44)

Give witness to Jesus this Lent,
Let men know our faith is God-sent.
Good deeds that only seek men’s praise,
Will never gain God’s gift of grace.

Jesus said, “If I testify about myself, my testimony is not valid. There is another who testifies in my favor, and I know that his testimony about me is valid. 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 very work that the Father has given me to finish, and which I am doing, testifies 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 diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life. I do not accept praise from men, 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 if you accept praise from one another, yet make no effort to obtain the praise 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?” - John 5:31-47

Reflection

According to Jewish custom, the testimony of a person must be corroborated by at least two other witnesses before it can be accepted as truth. In order to prove His case that He was indeed the Son of God, Jesus cited three other testimonies other than His own. The first was John the Baptist, “a lamp that burned and gave light,” and who referred to Him as the “Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world” (Jn.1:29), and “have seen and testified that He is the Son of God” (Jn.1:34). The second “weightier” proof of His Divinity were the miracles themselves that Jesus performed, like the healing of the sick man by the pool of Bethesda. Finally, the third “witness” were the Scriptures; these the Jews read diligently, but failed to see that since the time of Moses they had always testified about Jesus.

The same may be said about nominal Christians in the present day. How many of us are “lamps” that shine the light of Christ? Can it be said that we let our light shine before others, that they may see our good deeds and give glory to God? (Mt.5:16) As Jesus pointed out, how can we be pleasing to God when we are more concerned about the praises of men? All too often we hesitate to stand up to our friends and associates as witnesses for Jesus because we are afraid to displease them.

Do we really have the love of God in our hearts? If so, how often do we read Holy Scriptures to know more about Jesus and the will of the Father? Many Christians who never let the Word of God live in their hearts have been lured by the antichrist, who “comes in his own name.” We see this man everyday in three t.v. stations he owns.

Lord Jesus, may we always testify to your Name, and never be swayed by false prophets who profess to be sons of God. Let Your Word be our constant guide. Amen.