| Series | Living with the Romans |
|---|---|
| Theme | 3. Pilate and his soldiers - Pilato ma ana fitafita |
| Season | Amataga o le Leni (First day in Lent) |
| Colour | Lanu Violē |
| Special Day | Aso Lulu o le Lefulefu (Ash Wednesday) |
Scripture Focus: Ioane 5:36-39
But the testimony which I have is greater than that of John, for the works which the Father gave me to accomplish, the very works that I do, testify about me, that the Father has sent me. The Father himself, who sent me, has testified about me. You have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his form. You don’t have his word living in you; because you don’t believe him whom he sent. “You search the Scriptures, because you think that in them you have eternal life; and these are they which testify about me.
- John 5:36-39 (WEB)
Study:
Jesus here emphasizes the power of his works as evidence of his divine origin. He states his testimony surpasses John the Baptist’s because his actions – the miracles and teachings performed at the Father’s direction – inherently affirm his identity. The Father’s own testimony of Jesus is crucial, yet inaccessible to those who haven’t experienced him through faith. The verse highlights a key problem: the people diligently study the scriptures, believing they lead to eternal life, but they fail to recognize the very one the scriptures point to. They search for life *in* the letters but miss the Living Word *behind* the letters.
Application:
We often fall into the trap of treating the Bible as an end in itself, memorizing verses or debating interpretations, without allowing it to lead us to a deeper relationship with Jesus. It's not enough to *know about* Jesus; we must *know* Jesus. The scriptures are powerful because they reveal God's character and plan, culminating in the person of Jesus Christ. If our study does not move us closer to faith in and obedience to Christ, it risks becoming a purely intellectual exercise, devoid of life-changing power. Just like the people Jesus addressed, we can miss the truth staring us in the face if we are not open to recognizing God’s work in our lives.
Reflection Questions:
- Do I often treat the Bible as a rulebook rather than a revelation of God’s love and character?
- How can I move beyond simply studying the scriptures to experiencing Jesus through them?
- In what ways does Jesus’s “testimony” - his actions and words - speak to me today?
- Am I actively looking for God’s work in my life, or am I focused solely on understanding doctrine?
Prayer:
Lord, forgive me for times when I have treated your Word as merely an academic pursuit. Open my eyes to see Jesus in the scriptures, and open my heart to receive his transformative power. Help me to live a life that reflects the truth I have learned, and to be a witness to your love and grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Tags:Jesus, scripture, testimony, John, Father, faith, study, obedience, eternal life, Pilate, Romans, Lent, Ash Wednesday