How does John 5:36 connect to the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies? Setting the Scene in John 5:36 “ But I have testimony greater than that of John. The works that the Father has given Me to accomplish—the very works I am doing—testify about Me, that the Father has sent Me.” (John 5:36) The Prophetic Expectation for Messianic Works • From Genesis onward, Scripture anticipates a Redeemer whose deeds would unmistakably reveal His divine commission. • The Old Testament frames miracles not as random wonders but as covenant signs—proof that God is acting in history (Exodus 4:1-8; 1 Kings 18:36-39). • Israel therefore expected Messiah’s ministry to echo Moses’ signs, Elijah’s power, and David’s shepherd-heart—yet on a grander scale (Deuteronomy 18:15-19; Ezekiel 34:23-24). Specific Old Testament Prophecies Fulfilled by Jesus’ Works • Healing the blind, deaf, lame, and mute – Isaiah 35:5-6; Psalm 146:8. • Preaching good news to the poor and setting captives free – Isaiah 61:1-2 (cf. Luke 4:18-21). • Raising the dead – foreshadowed in 1 Kings 17:17-24; 2 Kings 4:32-35; fulfilled in Luke 7:11-17; John 11:38-44. • Multiplying food – 2 Kings 4:42-44 anticipates John 6:1-14. • Authority over wind and sea – Psalm 107:28-30 prefigures Mark 4:35-41. • Comprehensive restorative ministry – Isaiah 42:6-7; 53:4-5 realized throughout the Gospels. Jesus’ Works as Divine Testimony Beyond Human Witness • John the Baptist’s testimony pointed to Jesus (John 1:29-34), yet Jesus insists His miracles provide an even “greater” witness—direct confirmation from the Father. • Each sign acts like a courtroom exhibit proving the case that Jesus is the sent Son (John 10:25, 37-38). • The works not only match prophecy; they surpass expectation—showing that the promised Servant is also the divine Lord (Isaiah 9:6; Micah 5:2). Implications for Our Confidence in Scripture • New-Testament miracles are historically rooted fulfillments of specific Old-Testament promises; they secure the unity and reliability of the whole canon. • Because prophecy and fulfillment mesh perfectly, believers can trust every word God has spoken (Numbers 23:19; 2 Timothy 3:16). • The same “greater testimony” that convinced first-century eyewitnesses now strengthens our faith: Jesus is indeed the promised Messiah, sent and endorsed by the Father through works foretold centuries in advance. |
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