3. Various testimonies about Jesus (5:31-47)

Jn 5:31 does not contradict 8:14, which, in a separate context, makes a different point. In the present passage, Jesus claimed that not only his actions (vv.17-30) but his endorsement came from beyond himself (vv.31-32). John the Baptist gave testimony to Jesus (vv.33-35), but weightier authorization came from the work given him, from his Father who gave it, and from Scripture. The attitude of the hearers toward Jesus showed that they had not accepted this testimony (vv.36-40). They were intransigent in their unbelief (vv.41-44). But that is hardly to be wondered at. Their culpable rejection of the testimony of Moses to Christ was a precursor to their present unbelief (vv.45-47).