The
reading from John 5:30-47 takes place during a
“trial”, but it was not held in a courtroom. Jesus had just healed the
paralyzed man at the pool of Bethsaida, and the healing took place on the
Jewish Sabbath. The Jews had strict rules about what could and could not be
done on the Sabbath, and healing the sick was one of the things that could not
be done. The religious officials found out about the healing and confronted
Jesus about it. Jesus accepted responsibility for breaking the rules that
governed working on the Sabbath. He also accepted responsibility for claiming
to be equal to God.
Jewish
law was based on procedures and rules that Moses laid out in Deuteronomy 17:6
and Deuteronomy 19:5. The testimony of an accused person was not valid unless
it was backed up by more than one eyewitness and/or undeniable facts. During
the confrontation, Jesus referred to five people or things that could testify
regarding his actions-God, John the Baptist, Jesus’ miracles, the Scriptures and
Moses. Jesus had no need to prove himself because he had the backing of God,
John the Baptist and the Scriptures. He could be trusted because of his deeds.
When
Jesus introduced the testimony of God, he treated it as an independent
testimony. If his accusers objected, they would be admitting that Jesus and God
are one and the same, and their case would have been dealt a severe blow. John
the Baptist’s purpose was to lead people to the Messiah. Jesus’ miracles
authenticated the message that he and God are equal. If his accusers had
studied the Old Testament, they would have known that Jesus was the son of God.
The writings of Moses became a religion of works. This was contrary to Moses’
intention. Moses predicted the failure of the Israelites and promised a Saviour
to lead them if they would listen to the Saviour. The religious leaders had all
of this evidence, but they rejected it because of their pride and their
unwillingness to accept the evidence. They had a case of selective hearing and
tunnel vision. They saw and heard only the evidence that they wanted to see and
hear.
We
are also on trial when we are asked about our faith. Some questioners are
genuinely curious, but others are really rebelling against the truth. Their
purpose is to justify remaining on their current path-a path that leads to
destruction. If we can’t offer them a compelling reason to submit to Jesus,
they will not give up their control over their lives.
So
how can we tell if the person is a rebel or someone who is genuinely interested?
Here are a few ways:
1.
We are
challenged with a negative opinion of God and are expected to talk the other
person out of it. For example, the person might say something like, “God
doesn’t care about people or he would end all suffering.”
2.
The person
asks a question that has no definite answer, such as “What about people who
were never told about God? Are they lost and on the way to hell?”
3.
The person
tries to convince us that God does not exist.
4.
The
conversation changes as soon as we start to prove our point.
5.
The person
becomes angry or resorts to name-calling.
6.
Our
qualifications are called into question.
If
we find ourselves in a debate with a rebel, we are to politely end the
conversation.
In
contrast, people who are genuinely interested listen. They ask intelligent
questions. They are humble and receptive, especially when we answer their
questions with “I don’t know.” The conversation will naturally flow into
presentation of the Gospel.
When
we talk to the genuinely curious, we show God’s love. We show that we want to
be with God and want others to be with him. We will love the things and people
that he loves. We will hate the things and people that he hates. We will love
other Christians. We will long for his return. If we do these things, God the
heavenly judge will pronounce us “guilty” of being Christians and will sentence
us to eternal life with him in heaven.
1.
Swindoll,
Charles R.: Swindoll’s New Testament
Insights on John (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Inc.; 2010)
2.
Frederickson,
R.L. & Ogilvie, L.J.: The Preacher’s
Commentary Series, Vol. 27: John (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Inc.; 1982)
Good word Craig - I was thinking about 1 Peter 3:13-16 "After all, who in the ordinary way is likely to injure you for being enthusiastic for good? And if it should happen that you suffer “for righteousness’ sake”, that is a privilege. You need neither fear their threats nor worry about them; simply concentrate on being completely devoted to Christ in your hearts. Be ready at any time to give a quiet and reverent answer to any man who wants a reason for the hope that you have within you. Make sure that your conscience is perfectly clear, so that if men should speak slanderously of you as rogues they may come to feel ashamed of themselves for libelling your good Christian behaviour." (Philips)
ReplyDeleteThis implies that we are living in such a way that people notice our walk and are impressed enough to ask us about it... Ridicule is probable, but Jesus told us to expect that. Responding to the honest seeker is a joy and a privilege! And something that requires tact and wisdom.
Blessings on you.
Corey