Sermon nugget Tues April 1
Theme- Evidence for truth
Verses- John 5:36
36 "I have testimony weightier than that of John. For the very work that the Father has given me to finish, and which I am doing, testifies that the Father has sent me.
(NIV)
God’s TESTIMONY OF WORKS – vs. 36
The works of Jesus become a testimony of who He is. Do you remember why Nicodemus came to Christ? “Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God for no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him.” Many say, “I would believe in God if only he would show me a miracle.” Herod said that when Jesus was on trial. Some mocked him on the cross, “if you are the Son of God, come on down.” Jesus rebuked the Israelites by saying, “Unless you people see miraculous signs and wonders you will never believe.”
But in fact, people did witness miracles, and healings that served as a witness to His identity. Hebrews 2:3, 4 “how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard him. God also testified to it by signs, wonders and various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to His will.”
When John questioned what was going on when he was in prison Jesus tells the messenger to tell John what you have seen and heard. “The blind received sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised and the good news is preached to the poor. Blessed is the man who does not fall away on account of me.”
The works of Jesus include more than miracles, they include His words, His love, and kindnesses, teachings, the social needs, the washing of feet, and the manner of His character. We know someone not just by what he says, but by what he does, and those who have lived and walked with Christ point to his works.
The main work of Jesus was to bring to mankind redemption. It included the cross, the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord, which we recently celebrated. Although there were many who have performed miracles, only Jesus claimed to be the Son of God. All the disciples and prophets point to Jesus and made no personal claim of spiritual power. But the one miracle that separates Jesus from all the rest is the cross and resurrection -the one sign that testifies of His reality then and now.
Pastor Dale
