💬 Devotional on John 5:31–40 The Testimony About Jesus

📖 John 5:31–40 (NIV)

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 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.
  

(John 5:31–40, New International Version)

🔁 Repeated Words or Phrases

• Testify / testimony – verses 31–34, 36–37, 39
• Father / sent – verses 36–38
• Scriptures – verse 39
• Life – verses 34, 40

🎯 Theme

The testimony of John, Jesus’ works, the Father, and Scripture all point to Christ—yet many still refuse to come to Him for life.

🕊 Finding God (Observation)

• Jesus does not rely on human testimony (v.34)
• The Father has given Jesus works to complete (v.36)
• The Father testifies about the Son (v.37)
• The Scriptures themselves point to Jesus (v.39)
• God’s desire is to give life through His Son (v.40)

👤 Finding Man (Observation)

• People enjoyed John’s light for a time (v.35)
• They did not recognize or respond to Jesus (v.38)
• They studied Scripture but missed its true message (v.39)
• They refused to come to Jesus for life (v.40)

🪷 Interpretation: What This Tells Us About God

God never leaves us without testimony. Through the prophet John, through the miraculous works of Jesus, through the Father’s own voice, and through Scripture itself, God continually points humanity to His Son. The divine plan of salvation is both consistent and merciful—offering life to those who will simply come to Jesus.

🧍 Interpretation: What This Tells Us About Humanity

People can become so immersed in religion, tradition, and knowledge that they miss the living Person at the center—Jesus. We often settle for light without seeking its source, or study truth without submitting to it. Refusing to come to Christ is not due to lack of evidence, but resistance of heart.

🪞 Application

Am I approaching Scripture to encounter Jesus, or just to gain knowledge? Today, I will seek Jesus through the Word—not stopping at insight, but pursuing relationship. I will respond to the testimony given and come to Him for the life only He can give.

💓 Spiritual Touch

“These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.” (v.39–40) — Scripture points to a Person, not just principles. I must come to Him to live.

🙌 Prayer of Faith, Repentance, and Gratitude

Lord Jesus, I confess that I have sometimes read Your Word without truly seeking You. Forgive me for treating Scripture as information rather than invitation. Thank You for the many testimonies that point to You. Today, I come not only to know but to live in You. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

🌅 Live the Word for 24 Hours

• Pray before reading Scripture: "Jesus, I want to meet You."
• Journal how today’s Word leads you closer to Christ.
• Share one truth from this passage that pointed you to Jesus.