31 “If I testify about myself, my testimony is not true. 32 There is another who testifies in my favor, and I know that his testimony about me is true.
33 “You have sent to John and he has testified to the truth. 34 Not that I accept human testimony; but I mention it that you may be saved. 35 John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you chose for a time to enjoy his light.
36 “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. 37 And the Father who sent me has himself testified concerning me. You have never heard his voice nor seen his form, 38 nor does his word dwell in you, for you do not believe the one he sent. 39 You study[a] the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, 40 yet you refuse to come to me to have life.
41 “I do not accept glory from human beings, 42 but I know you. I know that you do not have the love of God in your hearts. 43 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. 44 How can you believe since you accept glory from one another but do not seek the glory that comes from the only God[b]?
45 “But do not think I will accuse you before the Father. Your accuser is Moses, on whom your hopes are set. 46 If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me. 47 But since you do not believe what he wrote, how are you going to believe what I say?”
Personal Reflection and Discussion
1. What was the last thing you shared about something that you witnessed?
2. John sites five things that give testimony to Jesus: John the Baptist, the works He does, the Father, Scripture, and Moses. Which is most powerful/impressive to you? Which, after reviewing, do you have a new appreciation for? Explain
3. What testimony to Jesus does each give?
4. How or why did the Scribes and Pharisees study the Scriptures and not see/find Jesus in them?
5. What is your view/opinion of Scripture? (See 2 Tim 3:15-17)
6. What is your view of personal testimonies people give?
7. What testimony do you have?
8. How do you know that the word of God abides in you? Where’s the proof located?
Prayer
Jesus, I find this passage frustrating, not because I don’t understand what it is saying, but because of the truth it contains. Sadly, there are those who hear Your Word and even study it, who are not touched by it as I have been, and who never come to faith. This I find extremely sad and frustrating. I want to be a messenger of Your Word. I want to be able to share Your Word effectively, and that in and through hearing it, people receive the gospel message it contains and come to an ever-growing faith in You. Help me, dear Jesus. Use me. Amen.
Greek Word of the Day
English Word: abiding | Transliterated Word: meno
To stay, continue, dwell, endure, last, live, permanent, remain, stay, survive. Of the relation in which one person or thing stands with another, chiefly in John’s writings; thus to remain in or with someone in heart, mind, and will. Persevering.
Family Engagement Activity
Have each family member make a tray of 20-40 things (with your approval). Give the other family members 20 seconds to view each tray individually, and have them go away from the tray and record as many things as they can remember. After everyone is finished, each family member then presents their list to the rest of the family. Items mentioned twice are cancelled out. Talk about the importance of sharing your encounters with Christ for others, including reading scripture and memorizing it.
Going Activities To Consider
Take the time today to write down a list of 5 similarities you have with God. Use one of those attributes to do ‘good to the resurrection’ – allowing Christ to live through you for those to come.