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Writer's pictureKe Jiang

John 5:19-38 I seek not to please myself but him who sent me

John 5:19-38 (NIV)


19 Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.

20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, and he will show him even greater works than these, so that you will be amazed.

21 For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it.

22 Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son,

23 that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him.

24 Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.

25 Very truly I tell you, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live.

26 For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself.

27 And he has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man.

28 Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice

29 and come out—those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned.

30 By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me.

31 If I testify about myself, my testimony is not true.

32 There is another who testifies in my favor, and I know that his testimony about me is true.

33 You have sent to John and he has testified to the truth.

34 Not that I accept human testimony; but I mention it that you may be saved.

35 John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you chose for a time to enjoy his light.

36 I have testimony weightier than that of John. For the works that the Father has given me to finish—the very works that I am doing—testify that the Father has sent me.

37 And the Father who sent me has himself testified concerning me. You have never heard his voice nor seen his form,

38 nor does his word dwell in you, for you do not believe the one he sent.


In this passage, Jesus speaks clearly about His relationship with the Father and the greater works He is doing. He emphasizes that His actions are not self-initiated, but are in perfect alignment with the Father’s will. Jesus’ actions are a direct reflection of God’s heart, and His works serve as a greater testimony than even John the Baptist’s.


I seek not to please myself but him who sent me
I seek not to please myself but him who sent me

The focus of this passage is not on the miracles and signs alone but on the deeper reality of who Jesus is and the authority He has been given. Jesus speaks of His power to give life to the dead, indicating His divine authority and the eternal life He offers to those who believe in Him. The miracles He performs are not just for physical healing but are signs that point to a deeper spiritual truth: the restoration of eternal life through faith in Him.


Jesus also emphasizes that judgment has been given to Him by the Father. This is not a judgment based on human standards but one rooted in God’s will, as He judges with perfect justice and righteousness. It is an invitation for people to honor Him as they would the Father, revealing the unity and divinity between them. Those who hear and believe His words are granted eternal life, a life that transcends physical death.


We are also reminded that true testimony does not come from human sources alone. While John the Baptist bore witness to the truth, Jesus’ works testify of the Father’s authority, and His words reflect the will of the Father. This is a call to look beyond the external signs and focus on the eternal truth Jesus brings.


As we reflect on this passage, let us remember that Jesus is not only the giver of physical healing but the bringer of eternal life. His authority is not based on human approval or understanding, but on His perfect alignment with the Father. Let us seek to honor Him, not for the miracles He performs, but for who He is—the Son of God who gives life and judgment according to God’s perfect will. Through Him, we can have life that transcends death, and through Him, we experience the true testimony of the Father.

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