What Does it Mean to be a Witness for Messiah?
Message from Shabbat service at Tarzana, September 9, 2023
Yeshua's third extended teaching is on his Messianic Sonship (John 5:19-47). In verses 31-47 in Yeshua presents 5 witnesses in defense of his claim to be the Messianic Son. His first witness is the Father (vs.31-32, 37-38). While it is possible that the one spoken of in verse 31 could be that of John the Baptist (vs.33-35), it seems more probable that the Father is meant.
Yeshua's second witness is John the Baptist (vs. 33-35). Yeshua points out that John was the herald of the king. John said as much when he was questioned by those sent by the Sanhedrin to investigate John's ministry. He said, "I am the voice of one calling in the desert, 'Make straight the way for the Lord'" quoting Isaiah 40:3 (John 1:23).
The third witness to Yeshua's claim to be the Messianic Son is that of his works (vs.36). The works that Yeshua is to accomplish are no ordinary works. They are the "very works that the Father has given me to complete..." Such works bear the authenticating characteristics of God himself thereby testifying that Yeshua is the Messianic Son.
The fourth witness are the Scriptures themselves (vs. 39-40). Even though these Jewish leaders constantly and consistently studied and investigated the Scriptures, they failed to understand its most significant truth claim. Had they interpreted the Scripture rightly, they would have come to recognize Yeshua as the Messianic Son.
Yeshua's final testimony is that of Moses (vs. 45-47). Here we are met with an unexpected witness in support of Yeshua's claim. The Jewish leaders prided themselves in their connection to Moses, Israel's great lawgiver. Had they rightly understood the purpose of the Law they would not have "set their hopes" on Moses. They would have known that the Law was not a means of salvation, but rather a means by which they would know of their sinfulness and of God's provision of an atoning sacrifice that would not merely cover Israel's sin, but remove their sin and render them right with God.
Yeshua provided these witnesses not because he needs them to justify that he is telling the truth about who he is (John 8:13). He is telling the truth with or without these witnesses. So why the witnesses? Yeshua says that he brings to their attention these witnesses, "so that you might be saved" (vs.34).