John 5:19-40
Summary for John 5:19-30: 5:19-30 a Jesus claimed that his work on the Sabbath was the same as God’s work on the Sabbath. Jesus claimed to be equal with God, doing the things God does. Yet he submitted to God’s will, doing only what ... the Father willed.5:21 b Most Jews firmly believed in resurrection but viewed it as something God alone could accomplish. Jesus claimed that he gives life.
5:22 c In addition to giving life, Jesus claimed the absolute authority to judge, which belongs to God alone.
5:23 d the Father ... sent him: In the ancient world, a person could send an authorized representative to seal a contract or make an authoritative decision. Jesus claimed to be God’s representative, so obeying Jesus is the same as obeying God, and dishonoring him is dishonoring God.
5:24 e Jesus is the giver of life as well as the judge (see 5:21-22 f), but he never works independently of the Father.
Summary for John 5:31-40: 5:31-40 g God’s law requires more than one witness in a trial (Deut 17:6 h), so Jesus acknowledged that his own testimony was admissible only when confirmed by other witnesses. Thus, he introduced a series of witnesses for his defense.
5:32 i The first witness for Jesus’ defense was God himself. Jesus might have had in mind God’s voice at his baptism (Mark 1:11 j) or the presence of God that enabled Jesus to perform miracles.
Summary for John 5:33-35: 5:33-35 k Jesus’ second witness was John the Baptist, who pointed to Jesus as Messiah (1:29-34 l).
5:36 m Jesus’ third witness, his teachings and miracles, were signs that unveiled his true identity and pointed to the Father who sent him.
Summary for John 5:39-40: 5:39-40 n Jesus’ fourth witness was the Scriptures. The Old Testament pointed to the Messiah, and Jesus fulfilled its prophecies (see Luke 24:25-27 o).
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