If I testify about myself, my testimony is not valid.

There is another who testifies in my favour, and I know that His testimony about me is valid. John 5:31-32 Just recently as I was relaxing and watching a comedy on television the situation was presented whereby a young man began to express a romantic interest in a young woman. He announced that he was not going to give up until she agreed to be his. As you can imagine, given that nature of this sinful world in which we live, his pursuit of the young woman descended into an awkward stalking relationship. The point I found myself reflecting upon as that television show proceeded was from a much purer point of view. This was the young mans commitment to building a relationship with the woman. He took a long view of how the relationship might develop. How like the point that the Apostle John brings us to as He describes the life and ministry of the LORD Jesus Christ in his gospel. In the fifth chapter of that gospel John describes the defence that Jesus gives as He responds to the constant persecution which comes from His enemies. His defence focuses upon the truth about Himself and the rules of evidence which are set out in the Scriptures. In everything that Jesus says here He has a long view of the issues that are involved. His enemies want to put Jesus to death. Jesus looks beyond His own death to the Day of Judgement which was coming. When Jesus brings in the very human testimony of John the Baptist which these enemies had sought out and even gloried in for a season he speaks about the fact that human testimony and opinion does not amount to very much when it comes to the things of God. There is a much weightier testimony available which is that which the Father Himself has given in His Word. Jesus however makes use of Johns testimony, because He knows that it is something which these enemies had witnesses and to a certain extent it was something that they respected. He make use of it for one reason only, in verse 34 Jesus states this, I mention it that you might be saved. With this we are given a glimpse into the heart of the LORD Jesus Christ. While these enemies as committed to a policy of bringing Jesus to the cross He is pursuing a very different path. The LORD Jesus Christ is seeking to save these enemies. He is presenting evidence that just might touch their hearts and bring them to repentance. He is demonstrating Himself as the friend of sinners. The Apostle Paul puts it this way in his letter to the Romans. But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8) Think about this for a few moments. While you were the enemy of God Christ was dying for you. What does this mean? It means that while you were rebelling, committed to a sinful path in life, seeking to destroy the testimony of the Gospel, behaving in all kinds of wicked ways, the LORD Jesus Christ was not sitting in the wings of history waiting for the opportunity to destroy you. He was dying for you. He is interceding for you. He is reaching out his hands in gracious love to you offering you hope and healing. He has taken upon Himself your sin. He bore it all in agony upon the cross of Calvary. In essence He is speaking to you and saying it does not matter what you have done in the past. It does not matter how deep into iniquity you have descended. There is no amount of sin which will be able to keep from you the love of God. If you will come to Him, believing that He is the Son of God who gave His life as a ransom for you, then you will be saved. The question is however will you come to Him in faith?