Week 15: John 5:30-47

CONTEXT: “How does this passage fit within the history behind it and verses around it?”
Place the passage within its literary surroundings or historical background as well as consider the circumstances in which it was written (see above for more context questions).
  1. What do we need to keep in mind from John 1-5:29 that prepares us to understand vv. 30-47?
  2. From what we have studied in the book of John, what do we already know about John the baptist? 
OBSERVATION: “What do I see in this passage?”
Examine the passage by making notes, asking questions, and considering the structure, tone, and wording of the passage (see above for more observation questions).
  1. Bearing witnesses is to declare the truth of something. A testimony is evidence given to support that truth. Name some of the testimonies and witnesses that show up in this passage.
  2. The people Jesus is speaking to have rejected him. Who is Jesus speaking to? How does Jesus describe their rejection in 5:38-47?
MEANING: “What does this passage mean?”
Consider the main point or idea that the original human author wanted his original audience to understand in a particular text from our study of context and observation thus far (see above for more meaning questions).
  1. The purpose for having multiple witnesses bear testimony is to establish truth (Deuteronomy 19:15). What truth is Jesus trying to establish here?
  2. Thinking about Jesus’ accusation in 5:38-47 as a whole, what is he accusing his hearers of?
APPLICATION: “How should this passage affect me today?”
Define shared principles between the original audience and us today and make a plan to put those principles into practice (see above for more application questions).
This is a stern passage to be considered seriously. 
Several roots of unbelief are mentioned in this passage:
  • not having God’s word abiding in you 
  • searching the Bible (Scriptures) rather than coming to Jesus 
  • receiving glory from one another rather than God
  • not believing the Bible
  1. What are some roots of unbelief that have started to grow in your own life? Take time to pray about these with someone.
  2. Name a few people (e.g., parents, mentors, authors, etc.) in your own life who have borne testimony about Jesus. How did they influence where you are today? What are some steps you can take this week to be a witness for Jesus to those around you?