I do not accept testimony from a human being, but I say this so that you may be saved. John 5:34 NABRE
Jesus is responding to questions about His preaching, authority, challenged about healing on the Sabbath and claiming to be the Son of God. He speaks about others testifying for Him, including John the Baptist and He says His Father testifies on his behalf. John was a human and did testify about Jesus coming but Jesus is only mentioning Him to the religious authorities listening because they know John and will listen about John. Referencing John may influence those listening to change their ways and be saved. But Jesus for His part does not require testimony from any human being, rather Jesus trust in His Father and depends on the will of His Father for all things. Jesus is providing good advice because human praise or incrimination generally can be suspect. Humans often have personal motives to say or do something good for another as well as saying or doing something bad. This of course is not always true, but Jesus’ advice leads us to depend on the judgement of God, not rely on human testimony to live a joy filled life.
Jesus often deflects praise and recriminations; He stays focused on His mission and doing everything He can to please His Father. Doing the will of God leads to a path more open than any other and lives of comfort and beauty. If we receive human accolades then there is no reason to have reward from God. But all we do to be seen by God only while doing the will of God, leaves room for God to provide praise and testimony on our behalf. Do God’s will, live without human praise and know that God who sees all will reward all.
Are you influenced by the praise of others? Do you seek God’s will and God’s testimony?
All we do to be seen by God only while doing the will of God, leaves room for God to provide praise and testimony on our behalf. Do God's will, live without human praise and know that God who sees all will reward all. Click To Tweet#bible #godisgreat #jesus #christianity #dailybibleverse @youversion #BeAnEncourager #testimony #will #John #everybodyalways #god #jesuschrist #jesussaves #godisgood #dailydevotion #biblestudy #scripture #bibleverse #verseoftheday #cross #last #gospels #loveeachother #godisgreat #thisVineyard #youversion #everythingalways