John (10)

Introduction: Faith is submission to reality. Here is what I mean. There may be a bridge that connects to land masses. A person might be told time and again of how beautiful the bridge is. They might be told how strong it is. They might even stand and watch all the traffic that crosses the bridge and in their mind give an ascent to the fact that the bridge is trustworthy. But they haven't yet responded in faith until they step on the bridge and submit to the reality of what actually is the bridge.

Often times, Jesus is viewed in the same way as the bridge. From afar, people offer notions about Him. They pray to him. They acknowledge His historical presence. They affirm His impact on culture and society. They may even give mental ascent to his death, burial, and resurrection. But remain in unbelief and condemnation from God the Father because they have not truly submitted to the reality of Jesus Christ the Son of God.

John the apostle is building bridges. He is writing this gospel for this very purpose. He is presenting the reality of Jesus Christ the Son of God. He is revealing Jesus’ identity and miracles, and sacrificial death and resurrection in order that you might believe, and that in believing you would have life in the name of Christ.

Today we are focusing on chapter 5 of John’s gospel where Jesus is revealed as the working Son of God. In this chapter, Jesus claims to be the Son of God and this reality posses a great stumbling block to the Jews. Even as their unbelief is exposed, John records Jesus’ own testimony of defense to these rejecters of reality. In Jesus’ answer we have the blessing of observing 4 testimonies that break down unbelief, calling us to a submission to reality.

First, read with me from 1-18 in order to set the stage and get the context of this truth. (read)

The setting for the Son of God. (1-18)

Transition: Briefly explain and make observation that set up Jesus’ reply to the rejecters. A question to keep in mind as we work through this text is.. “How were the Jews unbelief being exposed?”

Jesus claims to be the Son of God. (19-30)

Transition: How does Jesus unfold His claim?

The Son only does what the Father does. (19) (parenting?)

Out of love the Father reveals His work to His Son. (20a)

There will be greater work so that you will marvel. (20b) What is that work?

Giving life. (21)

Giving judgment. (22) Why has Father given this work of judgment to the Son? Honor to the Father! (23) Jesus is beginning to reveal the roots of their unbelief. if they do not honor the the son, they are not honoring the Father who sent Him. The Jews thought their rejection of jesus was a means of honoring the Father. However, they were in fact dishonoring God by dishonoring the Son whom He sent.

A Key Call to faith: (24) In order to be removed from the judgment of death row, must hear the word of Christ, and believe the Father! To those whom the Son will to give it, they will have eternal life. (Even as we saw in 1:13, even as we are taught in Romans 10:17 )

In 25-29 Jesus gives further explanation to the Call to Faith. Jesus is not just concerned about being understood or that His true identity would be recognized… No, He is calling sinners to repentance.

When? Now (25)

What? The dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and live. (25) (This means spiritual birth and new life)

Why? Because the Father has given what He has to the Son. LIFE. (26)

How? The execution of judgment has been given to the Son of Man. (27) (1:51- Nathaniel, 3:14- Nicodemus) (Dan. 7)

How should they respond? Don't be amazed at this, for an hour is coming… (28-29) A glimpse into the future and final judgement.

Transition: As we observe in verse 30, Jesus is making this claim to be the Son of God because He accomplishes the will of the One who sent Him. (30) Jesus is not working alone.

Transition: As has been noted by several authors over the years like … This eye witness testimony about Jesus claim to be the Son of God must lead us to one of three conclusions. Jesus is either a lunatic, lier, or Lord. And so from verse 31 and following, Jesus gives four key testimonies for why He is in fact the Son of God.

Four key testimonies (31-47)

Jesus’ claim is true. He is not a lone witness. (31)

1. Testimony of John (32-36a)

It is tested and true (32-33)

You believed him, and his testimony was concerning me. (34-35)

Transition: However, there is a testimony greater than John B. (36a)

2. Testimony of works (36b)

Greater than that of John B.

Jesus gives evidence to Jon’s testimony by ...

Turning water to wine

Healing a sick boy without even being there.

By healing a man lame for 38 years.

3. Testimony of the Father (37-38)

His word is loud and clear (Matt 3:16-17)

However this is a testimony they are not capable of hearing.

Transition: Jesus is pointedly exposing their unbelief.

4. Testimony of Scripture (39-47)

A testimony is meant to convince a person of reality. However, if the testimony is not true it will obviously either fail to convince or the jury will fail believe the testimony. In this case, the testimony of Scripture is clear, but the mindset of the jury is wrong.

So far, what are the implication of unbelief? They wont believe a trustworthy prophet. They do not have God’s abiding word. They refuse to come to or receive Jesus. They do not have the abiding love of God. Seeking the wrong glory. Set their hope on the wrong man. Believing the wrong word.

It is very possible to be full of the Bible and not full of life. How? By missing the whole point of the Bible.. which is Jesus.

The Bible is our authority for faith and life. It contain every ounce of truth that we need for faithfulness to God and living for His glory as His redeemed people. However, we do not worship the ink on page. No, rather we worship the Savior that the inspired ink on page reveals.

Do not for a mili-second thin that Jesus is saying it is okay to neglect our Bibles. As we have observed through Jesus’ own testimony, He fixed His identity and ministry on the authority of the Scriptures. Rather, He is offering a correction by reminding us that the whole of Scripture is leading us to Himself. One of the questions we need to always be asking as we read and study Scripture is, “How does this text lead us to Christ?”

Closing: Jesus claims and defends His identity as the Son of God. We do not stand as the jury of His defence. Rather, we are presented with the truth of His argument so that we might submit to Him by faith and have life in His name. We do not make Jesus the Son of God by receiving Him , just as those who reject Him cannot make Him not be the Son of God. No, Jesus is the Son of God. He has accomplished the will and work of the Father. He has accomplished every necessary work to fulfill all righteousness. He is the bridge to God. We will either remain in our rejection of unbelief and refuse to trust Him, or we will submit to Him by faith and trust His finished work so that we might cross the bridge and be reconciled with God. There are only two responses for us today… Remain in unbelief and receive the consequences of eternal death for our sin. Or trust in Christ and receive Him by faith and enjoy the fruit of eternal life with God. Which testimony is true of you today?