The Teachings of the Lord are Reliable

Rev. Enoch Thompson | February 18, 2024 | John 3:9-13

KEY VERSE:

I tell you the truth, we speak of what we know, and we testify to what we have seen, but still, you people do not accept our testimony. John 3:11 (NIV)

MESSAGE:

In any court of justice, the presence of reliable witnesses is very critical to arriving at just conclusions. The doubts or enquiries of Nicodemus called for evidence of how reliable the statements of the Lord Jesus were. The Lord undertakes to bring clarity to the reliability of His teachings.

In verse 11 He speaks in a plural to indicate the united testimony of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is not the testimony of one but three. The corroboration of three witnesses must be taken in the court of faith.

In the same verse, He indicates that what He was testifying to are things that were known to Him and that He had seen. In effect, His testimony is a true ocular witness. He also states that His doctrine is simplified, in verse 12, “I have spoken to you of earthly things . . .” His doctrine is evidence-based, “No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven — the Son of Man. John 3:13  (NIV). Since He came from Heaven, He alone could truly tell what Heaven expects and what Heaven offers. The doctrine of Christ is reliable and trustworthy!

FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:

Do you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour? Do you believe in the doctrine of Christ? You may well do, because it makes sense, and it is rooted in evidence.

PRAYER:

Lord, where shall we go but remain with you, for you have the words of life and truth. Help me to truly believe. For your dear Name’s sake, Amen.

THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.

SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!

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DAILY word study: WE

In John 3:11, the word "we" is translated in the Greek as "ἡμεῖς" (hemeis). This plural pronoun typically refers to a group of people or entities. However, in the context of Jesus' statement, where He speaks about heavenly matters and the testimony of God, "ἡμεῖς" carries deeper significance. The mention of "we" in this verse has led theologians to ponder its implications, particularly in relation to the doctrine of the Trinity. While the term itself doesn't explicitly denote the Trinity, it aligns with the broader biblical narrative of God's triune nature.

Throughout the Bible, there are instances where plural pronouns are used to denote divine activity or interaction. For example, in Genesis 1:26, God says, "Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness." This plural pronoun suggests a communal aspect within the Godhead. Additionally, in Isaiah 6:8, the prophet hears the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" Again, the plural pronoun "us" hints at the plurality within God's identity.

In the New Testament, particularly in the Gospel of John, there are several instances where Jesus speaks about His relationship with the Father and the Holy Spirit, indicating a complex unity. John 14:16 is one such example, where Jesus promises the Holy Spirit, saying, "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever."

In the context of John 3:11, Jesus' use of "ἡμεῖς" suggests a shared divine knowledge and authority between Himself, the Father, and the Holy Spirit. It reflects the interconnectedness and unity within the Godhead, emphasizing the collaborative nature of their work in revealing heavenly truths to humanity.

Reflections

How does recognizing the plurality within the Godhead deepen your understanding of God's relational nature and His involvement in our lives?