What Jesus Did! 'Believe My Words and Deeds' — John 5:35-36

Wednesday, April 13, 2022

[Jesus said,] "John [the Baptizer] was like a burning and shining lamp, and you were excited for a while about his message. But I have a greater witness than John — my teachings and my miracles. The Father gave me these works to accomplish, and they prove that he sent me."
— John 5:35-36 NLT

Key Thought

How do you decide about Jesus? Is he just a good guy? Is he anything more than a great teacher? Jesus asks us to make a decision based on the witnesses to him, including his words and deeds. He asks us to listen to him. He invites us to examine his miracles. Then he challenges us to decide about him. Is he a blasphemer? Is he self-deluded? Or is he God's Son, the Messiah, and the Savior of the world? Of course, many of us made that decision long ago. Does that mean we should take that decision for granted? Of course not! Nothing builds our faith quite like spending time with Jesus in the Gospels. So why not rededicate some time this spring to reading through Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John? [1] Look to Jesus' great witnesses, his teachings and miracles, to build your faith.

[1] The total number of chapters in the four Gospels combined is 89, so even at just one chapter per day, it is possible to read all the Gospels in about three months.

Today's Prayer

Father, thank you for giving a powerful testimony to Jesus in the Gospels. Thank you for the unique way each of these Gospels presents the story of Jesus. Build my faith and strengthen my commitment as I seek to get to know Jesus even better by studying his words and his mighty deeds. I pray this confidently in his name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • John 20:30-31
  • John 10:22-30, 36-38
  • John 15:23-25

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Illustration

Illustration of John 5:35-36 NLT — "John [the Baptizer] was like a burning and shining lamp, and you were excited for a while about his message."

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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