Proof That Jesus Was Sent by the Father

Introduction

Authentic $20 bill: security thread, watermark, color-shift, raised printing, and microprinting

Scripture Introduction

Jews were seeking to kill Jesus, because he was making himself equal with God. Jesus shares his authority and the confirmation that He was sent by the Father.

Connection: Jesus gives evidence for His claim to be the Christ.

Take Home: We are not called to uphold blind faith, but have received definitive confirmation of Jesus' identity and mission.

Potential Impact

Message Focus: Rooted in our faith

Miracles Bear Witness That Jesus Was Sent by the Father vv. 36-38

John 5:36 “But the testimony that I have is greater than that of John. For the works that the Father has given me to accomplish, the very works that I am doing, bear witness about me that the Father has sent me.”

Then Jeremiah knew that this was the word of Yahweh

Luke 5:23 “Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’?”

Predominantly, miracles are acts of God to confirm the message of God through the individual. Remember, not everyone receives a miracle.

2 Corinthians 12:12 “The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with utmost patience, with signs and wonders and mighty works.”

Hebrews 2:3–4 “how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard, while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will.”

We see this same concept with the Holy Spirit coming on individuals in a special manner (e.g. tongues) when certain groups of people are saved for the the first time (Jews, Samaritans, Gentiles, partially-taught disciples in Ephesus).

If the Father granted Jesus power to perform this miracle, then the Father must approve of the sayings of Jesus. No servant of God could claim to be God unless He was.

Jesus’ Miracles Were Not Done in a Corner

Eyewitness

NT 140 eyewitness details

The NT writers challenges readers to check out the verifiable facts.

Historical reporting

NT writers describe miracles like other historical events: with simple, unembellished accounts

The details of miracles is written for historical accuracy rather than proselytizing preacher with commentary, just facts.

Suffered Persecution

They could have saved themselves by recanting

Peter already did this three times before the resurrection.

No sane person will die for a lie they know is a lie.

Stop Looking for a Miracle

We can ask for a miracle, but we shouldn’t need a miracle.

Does God have to prove himself to you?

Stumbling Block to Faith

John 5:38 “and you do not have his word abiding in you, for you do not believe the one whom he has sent.”

They missed God working through Jesus because they relied on their traditions and their own understanding.

We can struggle with the in-breaking of God in our lives when someone is speaking the wisdom of God and we don’t want to hear it because it goes against what we think or want to hear. Our hearts (minds) are deceitful, who can understand it (Jer 17:9).

The Old Testament Bears Witness That Jesus Was Sent by the Father vv. 39-47

John 5:39 ESV

You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me,

Over thinking parenting and always preparing for the next phase.

Ninety-two occasions Jesus and his apostles supported their position by saying “it is written” (or the equivalent) and then quoting the Old Testament.

Jesus fulfills over 300 prophecies

Jesus is foreshadowed (Isaac, rock in the wilderness; Passover lamb; feasts)

Fulfilled Law

The civil law in no longer required, because the days of separation between Jews and Gentiles have ended.

Circumcision is fulfilled in the circumcision of the heart through the work of the Holy Spirit.

The purity laws of the OT are fulfilled in the cleaning work of Jesus

The Sabbath is fulfilled in the rest brought about by Jesus’ righteousness imputed to us

The ceremonial law is fulfilled by the atonement of Jesus

The moral law is now able to be kept through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit

Stumbling Block

John 5:39 “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me,”

They got distracted by the details and missed the message.

We must be cautious of getting caught up in the details and missing the point. Parables are often misused in this manner.

Are we so involved in “Bible study” that we fail to . . .

praise God, allow transformation, to be a part of the body of Christ, and become equipped for kingdom impact?

John 5:44 “How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?”

It is essential to not have the praise of humanity as the main measure of your faithfulness to God. God’s ways are higher than our ways, therefore, His ways will go against human opinions (Isa 55:9).

We shouldn’t look for the praises or appreciation of the people we serve. If we do, we will become hurt and upset. Instead, we should focus on the affirmation of the Father.

Summary

Miracles

Bear witness that Jesus was sent by the Father

Scripture

Bear witness that Jesus was sent by the Father

A Possible Next Step

Rejection of Witness

If there are chronic rejections of the confirmation Jesus was sent by the Father, there is a worldview problem hindering a proper interpretation of the evidence.