Expert: Messianic Rabbi Yochanan Levine - 12/15/2007

Question
Hello Pastor John. I am a Christian and I have a two part question for you about John 8:14.

Part 1 of my question is this: Jesus says in Joh 5:31, "If I testify about myself, my testimony is not valid." But in John 8:14, he says the opposite. How do you reconcile this?

Part 2 of my question is this: Why is Jesus' testimony about himself valid? He explains in Joh 8:14 that it is valid because "I know where I came from and where I am going". However, it is not clear to me why this validates his claims about himself (particularly his claim in verse 12 to be the Light of the world, the promised Messiah).

Thank you so much, in advance, for your help.

Answer
Hi James,
A most interesting question I have not heard before. Thanks!

When studying the Bible we must always consider the context in which the verses appear.

Consider the John 5 teaching:

Jesus says:
30 I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just [why is his judgment just? Because he always listens to God and hence speaks truth.]; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.
31 If I bear witness of myself [i.e. based on my own opinion or authority], my witness is not true [as you are accusing me].
32 There is another that beareth witness of me [ie God]; and I know that the witness which he witnesseth of me is true.

Now lets look at the John 8 verses:

13 The Pharisees therefore said unto him, Thou bearest record of thyself; thy record is not true [Jesus had agreed with this exact point at John 5 above! IF he was bearing record on his own authority or opinion, on his own behalf as the rabbis were accusing, then his defense would not be valid according to the Law].
14 Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go. [I have a depth of spiritual understanding that you do not even comprehend! I know I came here from God! Where did you come from? Such a challenge!]
15 Ye judge after the flesh [ie in an unauthorized way based on your own limited views and opinions, so it is your record that is suspect, not mine!]; I judge no man [but God judges through me and His judgments are perfect!].

You see? According to Hebrew Law all matters had to be settled by 2 or more witnesses:

Deut.19:15 at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established. Jesus will cite this law in second!

Jesus says in John 5 that IF only he is witnessing to the truth of teachings they are nothing, but another also testifies that his words and acts are true, that is God! How then, he asks, can you challenge my authority? Especially since you are basing your judgments on the flesh (8:15)!

This view is confirmed by Jesus himself at:
John 8:17 It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true.
18 I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me.

And so in chapter 8 the rabbis make the same basic challenge, "You  bear witness of yourself against us and we are supposed to believe you? By what authority! We are the rabbis! Who do you think you are?"
Jesus then gives the same answer in slightly different words. He says, in effect, yes I bear witness of myself because I know that my teachings come from God! I know therefore that He is my second witness and I collaborate His testimony! Trump that!

Again:
John 8:17 It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true.
18 I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me.

The central point being dealt with here was Jesus' authority. "Who do you think you are!" they challenged.

He replies, in effect, I am one who bears the testimony of the God you claim to worship! Who are you!

Hope this helps,
~Pastor John