15. John 5:30-47 Jesus, The Fulfillment of Scripture

March 16th, 2025
by Jongseung Park

1. SCRIPTURE

30 “I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me. 31 If I alone bear witness about myself, my testimony is not true. 32 There is another who bears witness about me, and I know that the testimony that he bears about me is true. 33 You sent to John, and he has borne witness to the truth. 34 Not that the testimony that I receive is from man, but I say these things so that you may be saved. 35 He was a burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light. 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. 37 And the Father who sent me has himself borne witness about me. His voice you have never heard, his form you have never seen,

38 and you do not have his word abiding in you, for you do not believe the one whom he has sent. 39 You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me,

40 yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life. 41 I do not receive glory from people. 42 But I know that you do not have the love of God within you. 43 I have come in my Father's name, and you do not receive me. If another comes in his own name, you will receive him. 44 How can you believe, when you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God? 45 Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father. There is one who accuses you: Moses, on whom you have set your hope. 46 For if you believed Moses, you would believe me; for he wrote of me. 47 But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?”

2. OBSERVATIONS :

What does this passage reveal about God?

Jesus is fully submitted to the Father’s will (v. 30).
God has provided multiple witnesses to confirm who Jesus is (vv. 32-36).
God’s Word always points to Jesus (v. 39). Jesus is the fulfillment of all that was written.
Jesus doesn’t seek glory from people, unlike those who care more about recognition from others (v. 41).

What does this passage reveal about human nature?

"you do not have his message in your hearts. (NLT)", "does his word dwell in you,
(NIV)" People often pursue knowledge alone, rather than seeking true intimacy with God and following Jesus in their lives (v. 38).
People can be blind to God’s truth because of their false beliefs or misconceptions (vv. 39-40). the Jewish leaders had a false understanding of the Messiah based on their own set expectations, which is why they failed to recognize Jesus as the true Messiah. They likely expected a political or military savior, but Jesus came to offer salvation in a completely different way. Their misconceptions and preconceived beliefs prevented them from fully accepting Him.
People love status, human praise, and religious rituals more than God's truth, seeking human approval over God's approval (vv. 41-44).

What did this passage mean to its original audience?

Jesus was speaking to Jewish religious leaders who took great pride in knowing Scripture. He challenged them by saying that while they knew the words, they missed the meaning. This was shocking to them because they believed they were the experts on Moses and the Law.

3. APPLICATION:

How does this passage impact my attitude?

- The Jewish leaders knew Scripture well and were obsessed with rituals, but they missed a true relationship with God and Jesus, and they didn’t follow Him. This makes me ask: Am I reading the Bible just to gain knowledge, or am I truly seeking Jesus through it and following Him? I don’t want my faith to be just about knowledge—I want to be a true follower of Him.

- The religious leaders thought they knew God, but their false beliefs blinded them. I need to be open to God correcting me when I’m wrong, rather than holding onto my own ideas. I want a humble and teachable heart, always willing to grow in understanding.

How does this passage challenge my actions?
When I read the Bible, I will ask: How should this change my heart and actions? I will focus on applying Scripture, not just studying it.

4. PRAYER:

Dear God,

Thank You for reminding me that faith isn’t about knowing facts. Yes, it’s about following Jesus. Help me to to stay humble, and to pursue a genuine relationship with Jesus. Open my eyes to how You are working in my life, and guide me to follow You wholeheartedly.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

Posted in The Gospel of John