John 3 - His Testimony Is True

"And he that saw it bare record, and his record (testimony) is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe” (John 19:35, KJV).

Loved ones, as you read John, it becomes apparent that recording signs was not John's only method in producing belief. Consider the statement John makes in our text about witnessing the crucifixion.

The purpose of this testimony is so “that ye might believe” (John 19:35), which is the same stated purpose as the signs: "that ye might believe" (John 20:31).

In addition to signs, a second strategy the Apostle John employs to produce faith in the reader is testimony. He records a series of testimonies about Jesus and, as an eyewitness, claims "his testimony is true" (John 19:35; 21:24).

John The Baptist

One way John reveals Jesus' identity is by telling stories where the characters offer profound testimony about Jesus. It starts all the way back with John the Baptizer being introduced as, “6 a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light” (John 1:6-8).

The first human character in the gospel is a "witness" who "testifies." The word "witness" could be translated as "testifier," and the word "testify" could be translated as "bear witness."

Whenever you see the words "testify" or "bear witness," those are the same Greek word (martureo). It's pronounced martureo, and it's used repeatedly. Notice also he came to bear witness "so that all might believe" (John 1:7).

Just like the signs, testimony is intended to produce belief, and belief is intended to produce life. But what did John testify about Jesus? Just reading through the first chapter, you find several things John the Baptist testified about Jesus.

John testified that Jesus ranks higher than him, because of His preexistence (John 1:15, 30). He testified that he is unworthy to even untie the thong on Jesus' sandal (John 1:27). He testified that Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29, 36).

He testified that the Spirit descended upon Jesus at His baptism (John 1:32). He testified that Jesus is the Son of God (John 1:34). Not only that, but when his own disciples heard his testimony, they left him to become followers of Jesus (John 1:37). That is his goal. Don't follow John, follow Jesus.

The List of Witnesses

John the Baptist is an excellent witness about Jesus. His testimony led to followers, but he was not the only one to do this. Andrew testifies to Peter, "We have found the Messiah…the Christ" (John 1:41).

Philip testifies to Nathanael, “We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph” (John 1:45). Nathanael then testifies saying, "Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel" (John 1:49). Each of these testimonies produces more followers!

Let’s add up all the things we learn about Jesus in these testimonies: He was preexistent. He is greater than John the Baptizer. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. The Holy Spirit came upon Him. He is the Son of God. He is the Messiah. The Law and Prophets write of Him. He is the King of Israel!

As the Gospel continues, more characters meet Jesus and testify great things about Him!

Nicodemus says, "Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him" (John 3:2).

The woman at the well says to her fellow Samaritans, "Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?" (John 4:29). Then we find out, “And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did” (John 4:39).

Her testimony produced belief! In fact, once the Samaritans meet Jesus, they all testify, "And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world” (John 4:42).

It is intentional the way John structures His Gospel. It's a major theme that cuts through the whole story, and it's teaching us about Jesus. In John 5, during a discussion about His relationship with the Father, Jesus clearly and dangerously articulates His equality with God (John 5:17-30).

Then He supports His claim with His own list of witnesses: John the Baptist testified about Him, His works testify about Him, the Father testifies about Him, and Scripture testifies about Him (John 5:31-47; cf. John 8:12-19).

After feeding the 5,000 the crowds testify: "This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world" (John 6:14). When some decided to no longer follow Jesus due to His hard sayings, Peter proclaims, "68 Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. 69 And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God" (John 6:68-69).

During disputes, some would say, “40 Of a truth this is the Prophet. 41 Others said, This is the Christ. But some said, Shall Christ come out of Galilee?” (John 7:40- 41).

Even Jesus testifies about Himself (John 8:18) in His famous "I Am" statements.

I Am the bread of life (John 6:35, 48).

I Am the light of the world (John 8:12; 9:5).

I Am the door (John 10:7, 9).

I Am the good shepherd (John 10:11, 14).

I Am the resurrection and the life (John 11:25).

I Am the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6).

I Am the true vine (John 15:1-11).

The list of testimonies is extensive and grows and culminates in the post-resurrection testimony of Thomas: "My Lord and my God!" (John 20:28).

So, who is Jesus? If you look at the testimonies from all the eyewitnesses, you get to see Jesus in all His glory. Don’t you just wish you could have been there? Don’t you wish you could have seen the signs and heard the testimonies, but we are 2,000 years removed from the incarnation.

That's why I love the Gospel of John. These testimonies are written down for me. And you. And anyone who picks up the Gospel of John. And they are intended to produce faith in all of us who couldn't see it for ourselves. That's why we need the testimonies. That's why they are recorded. That's also why Jesus tells Thomas, “Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed” (John 20:29).

That's us. That's a call to us. How can we believe without seeing? Trust the testimonies and follow the signs. Those who do are blessed—those who do inherit eternal life.