College Press Bible Study Textbook Series

John 5:39-47

THE WITNESS OF THE SCRIPTURES

Text 5:39-47

Ye search the scriptures, because ye think that in them ye have eternal life; and these are they which bear witness of me;

and ye will not come to me, that ye may have life.

I receive not glory from men.

But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in yourselves.

I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.

How can ye believe, who receive glory one of another, and the glory that cometh from the only God ye seek not?

Think not that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, on whom ye have set your hope.

For if ye believed Moses, ye would believe me; for he wrote of me.

But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?

Queries

Why did the Jews search the Scriptures?

Why would Jesus not accuse them?

Where did Moses write concerning Jesus?

Paraphrase

You are searching the Scriptures because you think you have eternal life through searching them; and these very Scriptures which you search so diligently are testifying of Me. But still, you are not willing to come unto Me so that you might have eternal life. The glory of men is not My motive in making these claims to deity, but I know you do not receive Me because you do not have the love of God in your hearts. I have come with the authority and nature of My Father, and you do not receive me, but if another come in his own authority and seeking the glory of men, you will accept him. How is it possible for you to believe, seeing that you are always seeking approval from one another, and not the approval of the only true God? Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father, for Moses, the very person upon whom you have built your hopes, he is the one accusing you. If you really believed Moses you would believe in Me, for he wrote concerning Me. But if you do not believe what Moses wrote concerning Me in the Scriptures, how can you believe what I say?

Summary

The incomparable and irrefutable witness of the Scriptures is called to testify to the deity of Jesus. This same testimony also produces judgment upon the unbelieving Jew.

Comment

The Greek verb eraunte (search) of John 5:39 may be interpreted two ways. It may be either in the indicative mood (mood of stating a fact) or in the imperative mood (mood of command). The verb has been translated both Ye are searching the scriptures. and Search the scriptures. The context, however calls for the indicative mood rather than the imperative for the following reasons: (a) They were searching the Scriptures for a reason, e.g., because ye think, etc.. which would preclude the necessity for a command for them to search the scriptures. (b) Jesus is basing His whole argument as to their unbelief on their perverted use of the Scriptures. (c) The practice of the-Jews at that time was to study each word minutely, and to build absurd mystical and allegorical interpretations around these word studies.

With all their diligent searching, their tedious allegorical interpretations, and their rote memorization of the Law, the Jews rejected the Messiah when He came to them. There are at least two reasons for this: (a) Their minds were made up as to what the Messiah must be before they read the Scriptures. Then they read the prophecies and perverted them to conform to their prejudiced ideals. (b) They were Bibliolatrists (Bible worshippers): they worshipped the words of the Bible. The Bible should NOT be worshipped. Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth and the Lifethe Bible is merely the INSPIRED RECORD of God's revelation. The true function of the Scripture is expressed by Jesus Himself, These are they which testify concerning me. Only when we have the Scriptures in our minds and written on our hearts (cf. Hebrews 8:10)only when they bring us into a personal relationship of trust and obedience to the Person of Christ do we have life from them, Entrance into the promises of God's Word comes by the free gift of God, but only to those who have become sons of God through the adoption covenant recorded in the New Testament, i.e., the plan of salvation.

John 5:40 very definitely shows salvation to be more than a passive acceptance of a soverign, irresistable grace of God. Jesus affirms the free will of man. Man is partially responsible for his own eternal destiny (cf. John 7:17; John 8:44).

Jesus rebuked the Jews for their superstitious and fruitless searching of the Scriptures in John 5:39-40. The Jews then probably reasoned: He is angry because we did not give Him our praise and approval for healing on the Sabbath. Jesus anticipates their reasoning and answers, I receive not the glory of men. What the Lord is saying is this, I am not making these claims to deity and doing these works for ambition's sake (to win the applause of men). I am claiming deity and showing you your error because I want to save you (cf. John 5:34). The statement of John 5:41 does not mean that we should refuse to praise the name of Christ. Christ's motive in doing His works and making His claims was not selfish glory-seeking, but deep self-sacrificing love. This very sacrificial motive, however, earned for Him exaltation from God and praise from men (cf. Philippians 2:5-11).

What was the real reason for their failure to acknowledge Him as the Messiah? It was not that He was a praise-seeker. The real reason was their lack of the love of God in their hearts (cf. 1 John 2:5; 1 John 4:7-9; Romans 5:5-8). They had no real spiritual knowledge of God or love for God's will and purpose; thus it was impossible for them to recognize the presence of God in Christ.

John 5:43 shows the correctness of the statement of John 5:42 (complete lack of fellowship of the Jews with God's will). Jesus came in the effulgence of God's glory and was the very image of His substance, but they rejected Him. If a mortal comes in his own authority, patterning his programs after their desires, they will receive him. Jesus may have had in mind all the false Christs and insurrectionists who came before Him, and would come after Him (cf. Acts 5:36-37). The worldling offers men a comparatively easy and glorious path to fame or satisfaction. Jesus offers only the strait (confined) and humiliating road to satisfaction.

The root of their unbelief was their earthly idea of glory, what they could win or bestow. This incapacitated them from seeing the glory of Christ, which was divine and heavenly, which men could not give or remove (The Expositor's Greek Testament). According to John 5:44 the Jews made the praise and glory of men their goal and standard. So long as they sought only the praise of men and measured themselves by human comparisons it was impossible for them to believe (cf. 2 Corinthians 10:12). they were, by such action, without understanding. In order to trust in the mercy of God and believe His promises one must need to believe in God. One can only need to believe in God when one has compared himself with God and has seen his lost estate. The next step one must take is to desire the approval, or praise, of God and His salvation. The Jews were not interested in God's approval (cf. Matthew 6:1 ff; Matthew 23:5; John 12:43).

Jesus says in John 5:45, Do not complacently suppose that in rejecting Me you have done away with the possibility of being accused before God! The very Moses in whom you base your hopes will accuse you through his writings, for he prophecied of My deity which you have rejected. The Greek word kategoreso has been translated accuse here. It is a composite of kata (against) and agoreuo (speak in the public assembly), hence, bring a public accusation against. We have the English word categorize from this word.

Jesus would not need to condemn or accuse them for their rejection of Him, since the prophecied Messiah of the Pentateuch would cause their esteemed Moses to condemn them. In spite of their claiming to be the disciples of Moses (John 9:28), they did not believe his writings.

John 5:46 is another of the numerous places where Jesus bears witness to the fact that Moses was the author of some portion of the Scriptures, and further that Moses prophecied concerning the Christ. In other instances, Jesus establishes Moses as the author of the Pentateuch (cf. Luke 24:44).

If they had believed Moses they would have believed Him (John 5:46). The converse is now given if they believe not the words Moses has written how shall they believe the words of Jesus? If they could not believe Moses-' words, and seek the approval of God how could they believe the words of Christ which came to them without the recommendation of use and age?

That which had been the greatest advantage and privilege of the Jew (cf. Romans 3:1-4) became their accuser and condemner (cf. Romans 2:1-29). Knowledge carries with it responsibility. The greater one's privilege or position is, the greater is the responsibility and condemnation for failure (James 3:1).

Quiz

Is Jesus commanding them to search the Scriptures, or merely stating the fact that they do so, in John 5:39?

Give two reasons why the Jews could not come to Jesus even though they searched the Scriptures diligently.

How does John 5:40 refute the doctrine of irresistible grace?

In what way does Christ not seek the praise of men?

Why do they receive one who comes in his own name, but not Jesus Who came in the name of the Father?

How does Moses accuse the Jews?

Give two Scripture references which show the greater the position, the greater the responsibility.

SPECIAL STUDY NO. 3

Christianity stands or falls with the deity of Jesus. The Fourth Gospel is vigorously attacked by hostile critics because it so plainly declares the deity of Jesus of Nazareth. The unbeliever assumes that once he has destroyed the historicity of John's Gospel, he has destroyed the deity of Jesus, since the remainder of the New Testament (according to the unbelieving critic) makes no such claims as the Gospel of John.
We introduce here a term paper written by Miss LaDonna Woods, student at Ozark Bible College. Her paper is a very comprehensive and well-organized compilation of facts gathered from many sources. The author gratefully acknowledges Miss Wood's permission to reproduce the study. The reader will notice that Christ's deity is asserted and substantiated throughout the entire New Testament.

THE DEITY OF JESUS

by LaDonna Woods
I. CLAIMS OF JESUS

The Son of Man

This was Jesus-' favorite name for Himself. It occurs about seventy times in the Gospels: Matthew, 30 times; Mark 5:1-43 times; Luke, 25 times; John 10:1-42 times.

It was used in Daniel 7:13-14; Daniel 7:27 as name for the coming Messiah. Jesus-' adoption of it is thought to have been equivalent to a claim of Messiahship.

He also carried this title with Him to heaven (Acts 7:56).

II.

The Son of God

Jesus called Himself the Son of God in John 5:25. John tells us in John 5:18 that the Jews sought to kill Him because he not only broke the Sabbath, but also called God His own Father, making himself equal with God. Three times Jesus categorically said, I am the Son of God: Mark 14:61-62; John 9:35-37; John 10:36.

III.

Expressions of Himself that can be predicated only of deity:

I am the Way the Truth and the Life (John 14:6).

I am the door; by Me if any man enter in he shall be saved and shall go in and out, and shall find pasture (John 10:9).

No man can come unto the Father but by Me (John 14:6).

I am the Bread of Life (John 6:35; John 6:38).

I am the Life (John 11:25; John 14:6).

I am the Resurrection (John 11:25).

He that believes on Me shall never Die (John 11:26).

I am the Messiah (John 4:25-26).

Before Abraham was I am (John 8:58).

Father, glorify Me with the glory I had with Thee before the world was (John 17:5). (a clear declaration of His pre-incarnate existence).

He that has seen Me has seen the Father (John 14:9).

I and the Father are one (John 10:30).

All power on earth and in heaven has been given unto me (Matthew 28:18).

I am with you always, even unto the end of the world (Matthew 28:20).

I am the Light of the world (John 8:12).

I am the good Shepherd (John 10:11).

You are of this world; I am not of this world. You are from beneath; I am from above (John 8:23).

Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day, and he saw it and was glad (John 8:56).

Moses wrote of Me (John 5:46).

The Father, He has borne witness of Me (John 5:37).

Except you believe that I am He, you shall die in your sins (John 8:24).

Blessed are your eyes, for I say unto you many kings and prophets desired to see the things that you see, but did not see them, and to hear the things which you hear, but did not hear them (Luke 10:23-24).

The queen of Sheba came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon. A greater than Solomon is here. The Ninevites repented at the preaching of Jonah, Here is a greater than Jonah (Matthew 12:41-42).

Who else could have said such things about himself? Only God incarnate! Of whom else could we say them? None except the Son of the living God. Let us now consider what the apostles had to say concerning the deity of Jesus.

II. THE APOSTLES-' CLAIMS CONCERNING CHRIST

Peter

When at Caesarea Philippi Jesus asked His disciples who men said that He was, Peter answered and said unto Him, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God (Matthew 16:13-20). This is told also in Mark 8:27-29 and Luke 9:18-20.

It had been some three years since Peter had first accepted Jesus as the Messiah (John 1:41-42). A year later he called Him Lord (Luke 5:8), Half a year later he called Him the holy One of God (John 6:68-69). Now, after two and one-half years of association with Jesus he expresses his conviction in the deity of Jesus.

The Rock (Matthew 16:18) on which Christ would build His church is not Peter, but the truth which Peter confessed, that Jesus is the Son of God. The deity of Jesus is the foundation upon which the church rests, the fundamental creed of Christendom.

II.

John

Jesus was in the beginning.

In John 1:1-3 we are reminded of the opening words of Genesis. Jesus is called God and Creator. John is very positive that Jesus was a personality existing from eternity, and that He had a hand in the creation of the universe. In John 17:5 Jesus is quoted as referring to the glory He had with the Father before the world was.

Jesus is also called the Word in John 1:1; that is, Jesus was God's expression of Himself to mankind. Jesus was God. Jesus was like God. Jesus was God's message to mankind.

Jesus is the Light of the world.

John tells us this in John 1:4-13; John 8:12; John 9:5; John 12:46. This is one of the keynotes in John's thought about Jesus (cf. 1 John 1:5-7). It means that Jesus, as Light of the world, is the One who makes clear the meaning and destiny of human existence.

The Incarnation (John 1:14-18).

God became a man in order to win man to Himself. God could have made man with an instinct to do His will; but He chose rather to give man the power to decide for himself his attitude toward his Creator. But God is a spirit; and man is hedged in by the limitations of a material body, and has scant conception of what a Spirit is. So the Creator came to His creatures in the form of one of them to give them an idea of the kind of being He is. God is like Jesus. Jesus is like God.

III.

Jesus is called the Son of God by:

Mark (Mark 1:1)

John (John 3:16; John 3:18; John 20:31)

John the Baptist (John 1:34)

Nathanael (John 1:49)

Peter (Matthew 16:16)

Martha (John 11:27)

The Disciples (Matthew 14:33)

Gabriel (Luke 1:32-35)

These are the claims of some of Jesus-' apostles and disciples concerning His deity. Let us take a general look at the Scriptures.

NAMES AND TITLES APPLIED BY THE SCRIPTURES TO CHRIST

The Christ, the Messiah, Saviour, Redeemer, Wonderful Counsellor, Faithful Witness, the Word of God, the Truth, the Light of the World, the Way, the Good Shepherd, Mediator, Deliverer, the Great High Priest, the Author and Perfector of our Faith, the Captain of our Salvation, Our Advocate, the Son of God, the Son of Man, God, the Holy One of God, only begotten Son, Mighty God, the image of God, everlasting Father, Lord, Lord of All, Lord of Glory, Lord of Lords, blessed and only Potentate, King of Israel, King of Kings, Ruler of the kings of the Earth, Prince of Life, Prince of Peace, the Son of David, the Branch, David, Root and Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star, Immanuel, the second Adam, the Lamb of God, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End, the beginning of the creation of God, the First born of all creation, the Amen.
Only Jesus could be rightfully named all these names. It is not enough, however, for one just to be called these names, for they merely claim deity. We must have proof if we are to trust in Jesus as divine. This proof is found in the fulfillment by Jesus of the Old Testament prophecies, in the amazing character of Jesus, in the miracles which Jesus performed, in His resurrection and in His ascension.

III. PROPHECIES OF THE OLD TESTAMENT, AND THEIR FULFILLMENT IN JESUS CHRIST

The complete story of Jesus-' life: its main features, events, and accompanying incidents, even in minutest detail, is plainly foretold in the Old Testament Scriptures.

Birth

Prophecy that a Messiah was to come:

Jesus accepted the Old Testament prophecies which declared the absolute deity of the coming Messiah, as referring to Himself. Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign; Behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14). This is a clear statement of the birth of Christ. It also plainly says that the Son born of this virgin should be called Immanuel, literally, God with us.

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). The names of this child are the names of deity! The child to be born, the Son to be given, was to be very God, as clearly deity as God the Father Himself, and in fact, a very manifestation of the Father.

Genesis 3:15 The Seed of Woman

The Deliverer from sin must be:

Of the seed of woman

Temporarily hindered

Finally victorious

Paul writes, but when the fulness of time came, God sent forth his Son, born of woman (Galatians 4:4-5).

The Deity of Christ is substantiated by the virgin birth.

It was prophesied that the Christ would be born of a virgin. (Isaiah 7:14).

Matthew 1:20-21 is the fulfillment of this prophecy.

It was prophesied that He would be born in Bethlehem. Micah 5:2 fulfilled Matthew 2:6; Luke 2:47 (cf. John 7:42).

It was prophesied that He was to be of David's family.

Old Testament.

2 Samuel 7:12-16; Psalms 89:3-4; Psalms 110:1; Genesis 49:8-10

New Testament

Matthew 1:1, Revelation 22:16; Romans 1:3

His Life

Prophesied that He would sojourn in Egypt

Hosea 11:1 fulfilled Matthew 2:13-15

Prophesied that Jesus would live at Nazareth

Isaiah 11:1; Jeremiah 23:5; Zechariah 3:8 fulfilled Matthew 2:23; Luke 4:16

Jesus-' Ministry

Prophesied that He would proclaim a jubilee to the world. Isaiah 61:1 fulfilled Luke 4:16-21

Prophesied His ministry to be one of healing. Isaiah 53:4 fulfilled Matthew 8:14-17

Prophesied He would teach by parables. Isaiah 6:9-10; Psalms 78:2 fulfilled Matthew 13:14-35

Prophesied He would be rejected by the rulers.

Psalms 69:4; Psalms 118:22 fulfilled Matthew 21:42; Mark 12:10-11; Luke 20:17; Acts 4:11-12; 1 Peter 2:4

Isaiah 53:1 fulfilled John 12:37-41; John 15:25 (cf. Psalms 35:19; Psalms 119:4).

III

His Death in Prophecy

Prophesied that He would be betrayed by a friend for thirty pieces of silver.

Zechariah 11:12-13; Psalms 41:9 fulfilled Matthew 27:9-10; John 13:18.

Prophesied that He would be given vinegar and gall.

Psalms 69:21 fulfilled Matthew 27:34; John 19:29

Prophesied that they would cast lots for His garments.

Psalms 22:18 fulfilled John 19:24

Even His dying words were foretold.

Psalms 22:1-31; Psalms 33:5 fulfilled Matthew 27:46

Prophesied that not a bone of His body would be broken.

Exodus 12:46; Numbers 9:12; Psalms 34:20 fulfilled John 19:36

Prophesied that His side would be pierced.

Zechariah 12:10; Psalms 22:16 fulfilled John 19:37

His Burial in Prophecy

It was prophesied that He would be buried by a rich man, Isaiah 53:9; Matthew 27:57-60 (The fact is stated in Matthew, but the prophecy is not quoted).

His Resurrection in Prophecy

Prophesied that He would rise from the dead the third day: Matthew 12:40, Luke 24:46. No particular passage is quoted from the Old Testament for this, but Jesus likens His burial and resurrection to Jonah's entombment in the belly of the whale.

That He would rise from the dead as prophesied is Peter's application of Psalms 16:8 ff in his sermon in Acts 2:25-32 (cf. also Acts 13:33-35 and Psalms 2:1-12).

Jesus said, it is written, that the Christ should suffer, and rise again from the dead the third day (Luke 24:46).

Christ is the theme of the Bible (John 5:39; Hebrews 10:7). He is the Word of God (John 1:1-18; Revelation 19:13), and the Bible is the Word of God (Hebrews 4:13). He is the Word incarnate, and the Bible is the Word written.

He is the theme of the whole Bible. Not only in the New Testament but in the Old Testament as well, He is the central figure. Throughout the Book the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy (Revelation 19:10). In 1 Peter 1:10-11 it is declared that the sufferings of Christ and the glory that shall follow constitute the theme of the Old Testament writers.

We have already seen some of the prophecies concerning Christ in the Psalms that were completely fulfilled. There are many more references to the prophetic nature of the Psalms yet in the New Testament.

When Christ was talking to His apostles after His resurrection, He definitely mentioned the Psalms (Luke 24:44). There are many references to the Second Psalm in the New Testament, and their application to our Lord is clear:

1. Psalms 2:1-12 is applied to Christ in Acts 4:23-26; Acts 27:1-44; Acts 28:1-31.

2. Psalms 2:7: I will tell of the decree Jehovah said unto me, Thou art my son. In Acts 13:35 the same words are applied to Christ: Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. That the Lord Jesus is the One spoken of here is shown by the New Testament references to this verse. In Hebrews 1:4-5, His superiority to the angels is deduced from the fact that to none of the angels did God ever say, Thou art my Son; and in Hebrews 5:5, it is declared specifically that the words of this seventh verse of the Second Psalm refers to Christ. This day have I begotten thee The day referred to here is the day of His resurrection, as is seen by Paul's words in Acts 13:32-33 declaring the glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers, God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee. On that day He became the first begotten from the dead. Others had been raised from the dead, but in their case it was only resuscitation of the natural body; He was the first to come forth with an immortal and glorified body.

3. Psalms 22:1-31; Psalms 23:1-6; Psalms 24:1-10 are all Shepherd Psalms: In the New Testament our Lord is presented as a Shepherd in three ways: (1) In John 10:1-42 He is the Good Shepherd giving His life for the sheep (John 10:11); (2) In Hebrews 13:20 He is the Great Shepherd, brought again from the dead. through the blood of the everlasting covenant, Who is now in resurrection power and glory caring for His flock; (3) In 1 Peter 5:4 He is the Chief Shepherd who will one day appear to reward His under-shepherds and take immediate charge of His sheep. All these relationships are set forth in the three Shepherd Psalms: (1) In Psalms 22:1-31 the Good Shepherd lays down His life for His sheep; (2) In Psalms 23:1-6 the Great Shepherd is leading His sheep and caring for them; (3) In Psalms 24:1-10 He is the King of glory, in His appearing at the end of the age.

We have seen how the prophecies of the Old Testament fulfilled in Christ show that He truly is the promised One, the Messiah. Let us now look at the character of Jesus while He was here among men. Even though He came as a man we can see from a study of His earthly life that He was divine, the One sent forth from God.

IV. CHRIST'S UNPARALLELED CHARACTER (John 18:19-40)

Challenge of a Perfect Life

He prayed for forgiveness of His murderers Luke 23:34

He laid down His life for the unrighteous. Romans 5:8

His enemies find no fault in Him

Pilate said, Behold, the man, I find no fault in him. John 19:4-6.

Bovee said, Even if we should reject all other miracles of the Christ, yet we have the miracle of Christ Himself.

III

Characteristics of an Ideal Man

He was a man of strength, not a weakling (Matthew 4:1-10) Jesus withstood the temptation of Satan. Even Samson, a physical giant, could not do that.

Jesus was a man of power, not an incompetent (John 18:1-11)

As a man alone against a great mob of people who were sent to take Him, He caused the mob to fall to the ground when he said, I am He.

Jesus was a man of courage, not a coward (Luke 9:51-56)

Knowing that a horrible death awaited Him at Jerusalem, he set his face steadfastly to go to Jerusalem.

Jesus was a man of compassion (John 11:30-36).

Men sometimes look upon tears from the eyes of men as a sign of weakness, but they most certainly are not. Severity, harshness, coldness, are not signs of real manhood. Tears reveal a heart. A powerful man without a heart is more liable to be a menace than a blessing. The coward may be brazen, but a courageous man may yet be tender to the point of tears. Jesus-' tears for the suffering but enhance Him as the Man of men.

Jesus was a man of forgiveness (Luke 23:23-38)

Could we only experience Christ's humiliation when He was mocked, jostled, lied about, spat upon, thorn-crowned, and then nailed to the cross to die in the most excruciating agony, actually praying in the midst of His agony for the forgiveness of those who were cursing, mocking and taunting Him, we should have some idea of the degree of forgiving grace which He possessed. There is none to equal it! (cf. 1 Peter 2:21-25)

From these instances alone we have the picture of One who perfectly fulfills every characteristic of the ideal man. He is the one and only such fulfillment the world has ever known!
Such a man as this would be able to do great wonders. Jesus did do many miracles while He was here on this earth in the form of man. Let us look at some of these miracles.

V. MIRACLES OF JESUS

Jesus said, The works which the Father has given me to do, the very works that I do, bear witness of me (John 5:36).

Aside from supernatural manifestations such as angelic announcements, virgin birth, the star that guided the Magi, Jesus passing through hostile mobs, cleansing the temple, His transfiguration, soldiers falling, darkness at the crucifixion, the tombs opened, the earthquake, Jesus-' resurrection, angel appearances, there are recorded thirty-five miracles which Jesus wrought. Below are a few of the more outstanding ones:

Bodily Cures

Healing the nobleman's son at a distance (John 4:41-54)

Healing a leper (Matthew 8:2-4; Mark 1:40-45; Luke 5:12-15)

Healing the lame man at the pool (John 5:2-9)

Many others!

Miracles over the forces of nature

Turning the water into wine (John 2:1-11)

The draught of fishes near Capernaum (Luke 5:1-11)

Stilling the tempest (Matthew 8:23-27; Mark 4:35-41; Luke 8:22-25)

Feeding the five thousand (Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6:34-44; Luke 9:11-17; John 6:1-14)

Walking on the water (Matthew 14:22-33; Mark 6:45-52, John 6:19)

Jesus feeds the four thousand (Matthew 15:32-39; Mark 8:1-9)

Cures of Demoniacs

One healed in a synagogue (Mark 1:21-28)

Blind and dumb one healed (Matthew 12:22; Luke 11:14)

Syro-Phoenician woman's daughter healed (Matthew 15:21-28; Mark 7:24-30)

Three raised from the dead

Jairus-' daughter (Matthew 9:18-26; Mark 5:22-43; Luke 8:41-56)

Widow's son at Nain (Luke 7:11-15)

Lazarus (John 11:1-44)

Other Miracles

Purpose of the Miracles

Jesus-' miracles imply an exercise of creative power a life-giving source. They were a part of God's way of authenticating Jesus-' mission. Jesus said that if He had not done the works that no other ever did, they would not have had sin (John 15:24) thus indicating that He regarded His miracles as proof that He was from God. Then, too, His miracles were the natural expression of His sympathy for suffering humanity (Mark 2:10; John 5:36; John 14:11-12).

We could not leave this study of the deity of Jesus without discussing how His resurrection and ascension definitely show forth His deity.

V. THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS

It is absolutely certain that the apostles of Christ, and the first teachers of Christianity asserted the fact of Jesus-' resurrection (every recorded sermon in the book of Acts mentions His resurrection as its basis, plus all the mention of it in the Epistles).
Should the question arise whether the things told of Christ be the very things which the apostles and first preachers delivered concerning Him, we must rely upon the evidence we possess of the genuineness of the Scriptures. On the subject of the resurrection we need no such discussion, for such a doubt cannot be entertained. The only points we could discuss on this subject is whether the apostles knowingly published a falsehood or whether they were themselves deceived; whether either of these suppositions be possible. It is very unlikely that the first supposition is true. The nature of the undertaking, and of the men; the extreme unlikelihood that such men should engage in such a measure as a scheme; their personal toils and dangers and sufferings in the cause; their appropriation of their whole time to the object; their zeal and earnestness, their sincerity, relives any suspicion of imposture.
Some would like to resolve the conduct of the apostles into misguided enthusiasm; which would class the evidence of Christ's resurrection with the numerous stories of the apparitions of dead men. There are many circumstances found in the Bible which destroy this hypothesis completely.
It was not one person who saw Jesus after His resurrection, but many; they saw Him not only separately, but together, not only by night, but by day, not at a distance but near, not once but several times; they not only saw Him, but touched Him, conversed with Him, ate with Him and examined His person to satisfy their doubts.
These facts are recorded in the Bible. Here are the appearances Jesus made after His resurrection:

To Mary Magdalene (Mark 16:9-10)

To the other women (Matthew 28:9-10)

To two disciples on the way to Emmaus (Mark 16:12-13; Luke 24:13-32)

To Peter (Luke 24:34)

To the eleven (Mark 16:14; Luke 24:36; John 20:19)

To the eleven (John 20:26-31 Thomas present)

To the seven (John 21:1-25)

To the eleven (and 500 at once?) (Matthew 28:16-20)

To James (1 Corinthians 15:7)

10.

Ascension (Mark 16:19; Luke 24:44; Acts 1:6-11)

In 1 Corinthians 15:5-8 and Acts 9:1-9 we learn that Jesus also appeared, twenty-seven years after the Resurrection, to the arch-enemy of the church, Saul of Tarsus!

The statement in Acts 1:3, showed himself alive by many proofs by the space of forty days, speaking things concerning the kingdom of God, along with similar statements in Acts 10:41; Acts 13:31, implies the possibility that He may have made many appearances besides those recorded and that His post-resurrection ministry may have been more extensive than we know.

With all these accounts, the writings of five different men, plus the conversion of the most determined and feared persecutor of Christianity, how could anyone doubt that Jesus did rise from the dead and did show Himself alive to eyewitnesses? We know such testimony would stand up in any court of any nation as evidence to establish the fact beyond a reasonable doubt! If any person persists in rejecting the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, he rejects the historic evidence and testimony which, above all other history, meets the test of sound canons of credibility. Such a person could not believe any history!

VII. THE ASCENSION OF JESUS

The final miraculous event in Jesus-' life as a man here on earth occurred forty days after His resurrection. After His resurrection, Jesus appeared unto His apostles, teaching them things concerning the kingdom of God. He gave to them the Great Commission to go into all parts of the world and preach the gospel, and also the promise of the Holy Spirit. On the final day, as they were all assembled together on the Mount of Olives, Jesus was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight (Acts 1:9). As the apostles stood watching, two men in white apparel appeared and told the apostles that Jesus would one day come again in like manner as they beheld Him going (Acts 1:1-11).

We do know that Jesus returned to His heavenly glory. Stephen tells us, as he is being stoned for preaching the deity of Jesus, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God (Acts 7:56).

VIII. CONCLUSION

We have set forth the names and titles which ascribe deity unto Jesus of Nazareth. It is not enough, however, to accept these claims unsubstantiated.
We then proceed to prove the deity of Jesus of Nazareth by: (1) fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in His Person; (2) the undeniable perfect character of Jesus; (3) the miracles He actually performed; (4) His own bodily resurrection foretold by Himself as proof for His claims to be the Son of God; (5) His ascension to the right hand of God.
The resurrection and the ascension of Jesus would have been stupendous events to behold. Yet we will one day witness just as great an event the day when Jesus comes again. Those who have believed and trusted Jesus those who have obeyed Him and remained faithful shall be caught up with Him to be with Him forever. We must remain strong in our faith, never doubting. We must believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God. If we believe this, then we will believe in the deity of Jesus, for we know that this is the central theme of the entire Bible.

SPECIAL STUDY NO. 4

The earthly ministry of the Lord of Glory was fraught with controversy and objection. It is surprising to some to discover this fact. It is even more surprising to recognize that Jesus actually performed some of His miracles (such as the one in John 5:1-47) to touch off controversy.

Again, we are indebted to Seth Wilson, Dean of Ozark Bible College. He has compiled all the research and has graciously permitted us to introduce it here as Special Study No. 4.
The ministry of Jesus, judged by modern standards, would appear unsuccessful, ill-prosecuted and certainly not an ideally peaceful ministry.

Notice that controversy began almost immediately at the commencement of His public ministry. The controversy, however, did not intensify and cause determinate conclusions by the Jews until the Second Year of His ministry (John 5:1-47).

CONTROVERSIES AND OBJECTIONS IN JESUS-' MINISTRY
by Seth Wilson

FIRST PASSOVER Cleansing of temple in Jerusalem (John 2:1-25). Jewish officials challenge His authority to do it: Does Nicodemus-' coming at night indicate that Jesus was a controversial figure? (John 3:1-36)

Beginning of Galilean Ministry, 8-9 months after first Passover at Nazareth; sermon in Synagogue, pushed to the cliff Luke 4:23-30

At Capernaum; paralytic forgiven; scribes and Pharisees thought it blasphemy (Matthew 9:2-8; Mark 2:1-12; Luke 5:18-26). (Note Pharisees following from Jerusalem)

At Matthew's house; feast with publicans and sinners; Pharisees object (Matthew 9:10-13; Mark 2:15-17; Luke 5:29-32).

Objection implied in the question of John the Baptist's disciples about fasting (Matthew 9:14-17; Mark 2:18-22; Luke 5:33-39).

SECOND PASSOVER

At pool in Jerusalem; heals lame man on Sabbath; first definite effort of Jews to kill Him (John 5:1-47, esp. John 5:18).

In grain fields; 2nd Sabbath controversy - - - over plucking grain (Matthew 12:1-8; Mark 2:23-28; Luke 6:1-5).

In Synagogue; 3rd Sabbath controversy; heals man with the withered hand (Matthew 12:9-14; Mark 3:1-6; Luke 6:6-11).

In house of Simon the Pharisee; Simon's mental objections to Jesus-' letting sinful woman touch Him (Luke 7:36-50).

At Capernaum; very busy with great crowds; dumb demoniac healed; Pharisees claim He is possessed by Beelzebub (Matthew 12:22-37; Mark 3:22-30); His family attempts to interfere, seeming to object to the strenuousness of His ministry (Matthew 12:46-50).

East side of Galilean sea, land of Gadarenes; casts out demons; people ask Him to leave (Matthew 5:43; Mark 5:17; Luke 8:37).

At Nazareth, last visit recorded; general unbelief and rejection (Matthew 13:54-58; Mark 6:1-6).

THIRD PASSOVER NEAR

Fed 5000; sermon on Bread of Life at Capernaum; This is a hard saying, who can receive it? They forsook Him (John 6:1-71).

General Condition:

John 7:1 the Jews seek to kill Him.

Capernaum: Jerusalem Pharisees publicly criticize Jesus for His disciple's eating with unwashed hands (Matthew 15:1-20; Mark 7:1-23).

At Magadan; Pharisees and Sadducees demand a sign from heaven (Matthew 15:39; Matthew 16:1-4; Mark 8:10-12).

At Caesarea Philippi; Peter objects to the first plain prediction of Jesus-' death (Matthew 16:21-26; Mark 8:31-38; Luke 9:22-26).

At Capernaum; Jesus-' unbelieving brothers object to His staying in seclusion, and urge Him to go to the Feast of Tabernacles (John 7:3-9).

FEAST OF TABERNACLES (Six months before His death)

Jerusalem during the Feast; the rulers seek to kill Him (John 7:14-24). They seek to arrest Him (John 7:30). Disputing over their freedom and fatherhood (Joh. 8:-31-47). They accuse Jesus of being a Samaritan and having a demon, and object to the promise that believers will never see death, they take up stones to stone Him (John 8:48-59).

Jerusalem; man born blind healed on the Sabbath. The healed man is excommunicated. brief exchange between Jesus and Pharisees on blindness and guilt (John 9:1-41). Dispute among the Jews about the sermon on the Good Shepherd (John 10:19-21).

Judea; dumb demoniac healed and Jesus again accused of demon possession Luke 11:14-26.

Dining in house of Pharisee; Jesus does not wash His hands, Pharisees astonished. they press Him hard to catch something for which to accuse Him (Luke 11:37-54).

In a Synagogue on Sabbath; healing a bent woman; ruler of synagogue indignant (Luke 13:11-17).

FEAST OF DEDICATION

Jerusalem; Jesus tells Jews I and the Father are one. They take up stones to stone Him. They accuse Him of blasphemy and try again to arrest Him (John 10:34-39).

DEPARTURE TO PEREA (Three months before His death)

In Perea; Herod seeks to kill Jesus (Luke 13:31-35).

In home of Pharisee on Sabbath; man with dropsy healed. Jesus accused of unlawful action (Luke 14:1-6).

Publicans and sinners come to Jesus; Pharisees murmur (Luke 14:1-35).

Teaching in Perea; Pharisees scoff at Him (Luke 16:1-31).

After raising Lazarus from dead; priests and Pharisees seek to put Jesus and Lazarus both to death (Joh. 11:-43-54).

Last Journey to Jerusalem; Pharisees test Him with question about divorce (Matthew 19:1-9; Mark 10:1-12).

At Jericho; Zacchaeus receives Jesus, the people sneer (Luke 19:1-10).

Few days before Passover; chief priests demand anyone knowing where Jesus is must inform so they may arrest Him (John 11:55-57).

Feast in Bethany; Judas objects to Mary's anointing Jesus as being wasteful (Matthew 26:6-13; Mark 14:3-9; Joh. 12:-1-8).

TRIUMPHAL ENTRY

Crowds praising Him; Pharisees say, Teacher rebuke thy disciples (Luke 19:37-40).

Next day (Monday); cleanses Temple again, (Matthew 21:12-17; Mark 11:15-19; Luke 19:45-48).

Healing in the Temple; children praise; priests and scribes object (Matthew 21:14 ff).

Next day (Tuesday) in Temple; Jesus-' authority challenged by priests (Matthew 21:23-27; Mark 11:27-33; Luke 20:1-8). A trap question about tribute to Caesar (Matthew 22:15-22; Mark 12:13-17; Luke 20:20-26).

The Sadducees-' question about marriage in resurrection. The Lawyer's question about the greatest commandment. Jesus-' question about David's son being David's Lord (Matthew 22:23-46; Mark 12:18-37; Luke 20:27-44).

Disciples warned against the Pharisees and their hypocrisies (Matthew 23:1-39).

Last Tuesday or Wednesday; Reflections about the coming of the Greeks to Jesus; many believe but will not confess for fear of the Jews (John 12:20-50).

Thursday night; Trials before Annas, Caiaphas, Sanhedrin, Pilate, Herod, Pilate. Mockings and charges at the trials and at the Crucifixion.

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