Sermon Tone Analysis

Introduction

Introduction

John chapter five opens with Jesus entering Jerusalem for one of the Jewish feasts where he heals a man who had been paralyzed for 38 years.

jn 5.

Jesus continues his argument (vs.

19-30) by making amazing claims about himself.

He claims to be "the Son of God," "the One sent by the Father," "the Source of all life" (physical and spiritual), "the Judge of all the world" (all history is heading toward a confrontation with him), and "the Raiser of the dead," the One who one day will empty all the cemeteries of the earth.

Knowing their heart, Jesus’ argument then continues as he shapes it in the form of a court trial.

Under Jewish law it was necessary to have 2 or 3 witnesses

deut

“Witness” is a common word in John’s writings.

(Gospel 47, Epistles 17, ) The verb occurs 33 times in this Gospel.

Jesus gives 5 specific sources of testimony about himself.

Today I’d like to present to you those five testimonies in a message entitled “Called to the Witness Stand”

Number of Occurrences of “Testimony” and “Testify” (in Gr.) in John’s Writings

Gospel

Epistles

Revelation

Total

Total Occurrences in the NT

Noun

14

7

9

30

60

Verb

33

10

4

47

76

Totals

47

17

13

77

136

The verb occurs 33 times.

Jesus gives 5 specific sources of testimony about himself.

Today I’d like to present to you those five testimonies in a message entitled “Called to the Witness Stand”

“Witness” is a common word in this Gospel.

The verb martyreo occurs 33 times.

Jesus gives 5 specific sources of testimony about himself.

Under Jewish law it is necessary to have 2 or 3 witnesses

John 5.

1st Witness is Jesus

When Jesus says that his testimony “is not true” he doesn’t not mean that he’s bearing false witness.

Under Jewish law a man could not testify on his own behalf.

When you acknowledge Jesus as Lord, His testimony is more than enough.

jn 5.31

jn 8

- Jesus’ point was that if He bore witness to Himself, it would not be accepted by the Jewish authorities.

Under Jewish law a man could not testify on his own behalf.

- Jesus’ point here is that self - exaltation is perfectly valid because an individual is the only one who knows his own full experience.

Jesus affirmed who He was.

People need to come to know who Jesus is!

“Know Jesus, know peace!

No Jesus, no peace!

People can hear the same truth preached right out of scripture for years and years and never believe it, but because of God’s great mercy he provides more testimony …

2nd Witness is John

John’s credentials

jn 5.31-

John’s humility (He pointed his own disciples to Jesus)

John’s message

John was only a lamp, not the true Light.

The Jews were stirred for a short time, but there excitement lessoned over time.

It’s not a dynamic speaker or the next great event that’s going to change people’s lives!

3rd Witness is Jesus’ Own Miracles

Jesus’ works was proof that God was with Him and worked through Him.

Nicodemus’ words

jn

You can’t argue with the miracle working power of Jesus Christ, yet many still do!

The Lesson from the ex-blind man

john 9.30-

4th Witness is God the Father

When or how does the Father give this witness?

Jesus’ baptism

The mount of transfiguration

The Triumphal Entry

Although it would be wonderful to hear the audible voice of God, most likely Jesus was referring to the inner work of God in which He impresses on people’s hearts that Jesus is the Truth!

- The “word” or “logic” for everything!

5th Witness is The Word

jn 5.

The Jewish religious leaders studied the Old Testament with great diligence.

They believed that if one could comprehend the words of the text, he would gain a share in the world to come.

They considered those ignorant of the Law to be under a curse (7:49).

Similarly many people today think Bible study is an end in itself rather than a function leading to the knowledge of God and godliness.

Similarly many people today thing Bible study is an end in itself rather than a

10 reasons Americans go to church -- and 9 reasons they don't

5th Witness is Moses

(CNN & Pew Research Center)

“If American religion were traded at a stock exchange, your broker might be advising you to sell.

The trend lines don't look great and haven't for quite some time.”

10 Reasons Americans Go To Church

1.

To become closer to God. (81%)

2. So their children will have a moral foundation.

(69%)

3. To become a better person.

(68%)

4. For comfort in times of trouble or sorrow.

(66%)

5.

They find the sermons valuable.

(59%)

6.

To be part of a faith community.

(57%)

7. To continue their family's religious traditions.

(37%)

8.

They feel obligated to go.

(31%)

9. To meet new people or socialize.

(19%)

10.

To please their family, spouse or partner.

(16%)

9 Reason They Don’t Attend

1.

They practice their faith in "other ways."

(37%)

2. They are not believers.

(28%)

3.

No reason is "very important."

(26%)

4. They haven't found a house of worship they like.

(23%)

5.

They don't like the sermons.

(18%)

6.

They don't feel welcome.

(14%)

7.

They don't have the time.

(12%)

8. Poor health or mobility.

(9%)

9.

No house of worship in their area.