The Witness of John the Baptist

Lesson #91

In this lesson we will look at the first of four witnesses given in John 5:33 – 47. These four witnesses are the witness of John the Baptist, the witness of works, the witness of the Father, and the witness of Scripture. For the witness of John the Baptist we will look at John 5:33 – 35: “You have sent to John, and he has testified to the truth. But the testimony which I receive is not from man, but I say these things so that you may be saved. He was the lamp that was burning and was shining and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light” (NASB).

Those to whom Jesus spoke have heard the testimony of John the Baptist concerning him. John spoke the truth about Jesus and that should have been enough. John gave a satisfactory answer and had his listeners believed him and embraced Jesus as the Messiah they would have been saved. On this testimony Jesus should have been able to rest his case, proving that he was the Messiah. Jesus states clearly that his testimony is not from man but was from God and that he is from God and is the Messiah. What Jesus was saying, John had already given testimony of and that should have been sufficient to convince those in doubt of who Jesus was.

Before John was confined in prison he was a lamp, a fountain of light that was shining before these people and in that light they were willing to rejoice for a while. This was not the true light, but was a lamp giving sufficient light to illuminate their minds and guide them to the source of true light which was found in Jesus. Once the people realized that Jesus was the Messiah and was the true source of light, the popularity of John decreased and their rejoicing with John ceased.

The point being made is that John was a valid and sufficient witness to Jesus being the Messiah and true light. His testimony stands as evidence that what Jesus was saying about himself was indeed true.

Prayer

Father, it is not much different today. People hear or read the claims of Jesus Christ being the Messiah and they must decide if it is true or not. Those who understand and believe are those who are saved and enjoy the many benefits of their relationship with Jesus. Those who are not sure or completely reject the claims are left under your wrath. Father, thank you for giving me understanding and causing me to be born again.