John 5:33

“You sent delegations to question John about me and all he did was witness to you on my behalf regarding the truth of my claims.” John 5:33 EFP

This is an interesting text. If you read the passage you are left wondering when Jesus changes gears from one person’s testimony to the next.  Is he referring to John in the previous text?  If you read the passage it is possible to reach that conclusion.  I am certain Jesus is referring to his Father in the verse immediately preceding this one.  He is now adding a third witness to his list.  First, He provides himself as a witness.  Second, His Father’s witness precedes his witness.  Third, John’s witness precedes his Father’s witness.  How’s that?

If Jesus’ testimony were all there were, in his own words, it would not be sufficient. But God the Father affirms his status when he says, “This is my beloved son in whom I well pleased” on the occasion of his baptism by John the Baptist (Matthew 3:17).  That should be enough, considering the source.  But John the Baptist gives witness regarding the Messiah to the delegation from Jerusalem when in reference to Jesus he says, “He is the one who comes after me, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.” (John 1:27)  Later he adds, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins f the world.” 

I will never be Jesus.  I have not been called to carry the sins of this world on my shoulders.  But God calls me his son.  I want to live my life to honor him.  I also want his witness of me to be true.  I want those who know me best to see in me what God sees in me.  I am a work in progress, but the One working on me has assured me He will complete the work in his time.  Do I have a witness?