John 5:33

John 5:33, in plain English

Jesus reminds them that they sent people to John the Baptist, and John told them the truth about who Jesus is.

Why it's here

The authorities had respected John enough to send an official delegation. John told them plainly that Jesus was the one. They heard it and ignored it.

Who's speaking

Jesus points to a witness they already know and originally respected, reminding them of testimony they chose to disregard.

Where it sits in the story

They asked John who the Messiah was, and John pointed straight to Jesus. They had their answer and chose to ignore it. Sometimes the problem is not a lack of evidence; it is a refusal to accept what the evidence shows.

The scholarly reading

Jesus cites the first human witness: John the Baptist, to whom the Jews themselves had sent envoys (John 1:19-28). John 'testified to the truth' (memarturēken tē alētheia), using the perfect tense to indicate the lasting validity of his testimony.

Language and setting

By referencing the delegation sent to John (1:19-27), Jesus points to testimony the authorities themselves solicited and initially valued. Their rejection of John's witness to Jesus exposes the inconsistency of their position.

Voice

Jesus calls on the testimony of John the Baptist, a witness the authorities themselves had sought out and initially respected.

Significance

Jesus' first witness is John the Baptist, the very one the authorities sent their own delegation to investigate. John testified to the truth about Jesus, and they heard it firsthand. Their rejection of Jesus despite this testimony makes their opposition inexcusable.

31If I testify about Myself, My testimony is not valid.

32There is another who testifies about Me, and I know that His testimony about Me is valid.

33You have sent to John, and he has testified to the truth.

34Even though I do not accept human testimony, I say these things so that you may be saved.

35John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you were willing for a season to bask in his light.

Read all of John 5 — A man who has been an invalid for thirty-eight years is told to pick up his mat and walk. The Pharisees are more concerned about the day of the week.