community group discussion guide
introduction
When Jesus cites the Scriptures as a witness to his identity, he is revealing two revolutionary truths about how we interact with the Bible.
First, we encounter Jesus’ personal theology of the Bible. He shows us that the Scriptures are not merely a collection of rules, histories, or moral codes. Instead, he reveals that the Bible is a cohesive, divine testimony. To Jesus, the Word of God is a living witness that speaks with a specific voice and a unified purpose.
Second, we learn the true goal of our study. It is a subtle but important distinction: The point of reading the Bible is not simply to “have read the Bible.” If we search the Scriptures but miss the Savior, we have missed the point entirely. Jesus makes it clear that the whole Bible — from the Law to the Prophets — is ultimately about him. We do not read to gain information alone; we read to find the One to whom every page points.
What role does the Bible play in your life?
read John 5:31-47 (NIV)
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. 39 You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, 40 yet you refuse to come to me to have life. 41 “I do not accept glory from human beings, 42 but I know you. I know that you do not have the love of God in your hearts. 43 I have come in my Father’s name, and you do not accept me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him. 44 How can you believe since you accept glory from one another but do not seek the glory that comes from the only God? 45 “But do not think I will accuse you before the Father. Your accuser is Moses, on whom your hopes are set. 46 If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me. 47 But since you do not believe what he wrote, how are you going to believe what I say?”
Take a few moments to reflect on the Scripture. Share some insights, questions, or points that strike you. Then read what follows.
context
John 5:1-15 describes Jesus’ healing of the man at the Pool of Bethesda. Because these things were done on the Sabbath, the Jewish leaders persecuted Jesus (5:16). In response, Jesus declares his oneness with the Father, his divine authority (5:19-30). This outraged the leaders, so much so that they wanted to kill Jesus (5:18). It’s helpful to bear in mind the “courtroom” nature of what’s happening in John 5. The Old Testament required more than one witness to validate claims made in legal proceedings. It’s in that sense that Jesus is saying that his self-testimony, by itself, wouldn’t be sufficient to back validate his claims. He’s not saying that what he says is untrue, nor is he saying that his claims are made true based on the witness of others. He is simply saying that his witness isn’t the only one.
Jesus’ claim about himself
Jesus infuriated the leaders because of his claim. If anyone else said what Jesus said, their outrage would be justified. But he was different, and they could not see it.
“They were not open to the Messiah that Jesus was turning out to be, one who thought the only glory worth pursuing was the glory of God.”
— B. B. Warfield
- Based on Jesus’ statements in verses 31-32, what is his purpose in pointing out other testimonies? Who does he mention first as a witness?
- What are the other witnesses that Jesus mentions in this passage? What do they show about him?
- Jesus says that he knows these leaders don’t have the love of God in their heart. What were they doing that was so wrong? What was their motivation for their behavior?
Jesus and the Bible
Tim Keller writes: “The Christian preachers in the early church saw everything in the Bible — absolutely everything — as pointing to Jesus. According to the New Testament preachers and authors, Jesus is the point of every part of the Bible, the climax of every theme in the Bible, the true and better version of every figure in the Bible…. Every nook and cranny of the Bible will tell you about Jesus if you really learn to read it with the spectacles of the Gospel. It’s all about him.”
“It’s all about him.”
— Keller
- Unpack verse 39. How do the Old Testament Scriptures testify about Jesus?
- These scholars and many others study the Bible and miss Jesus. 🤨 How it that possible?
- Pastor Bijan titled his sermon on this passage, “The Point of Every Sermon.” How can Jesus be the point of every sermon? What else would a sermon be about?
- Is your study of Scripture informed by the way Jesus interprets it as being about him?
announcements
- Saturday, February 21 | City Wide Worship NYC w/HFNY, 5-7 pm
Join Christians from churches all over the city for this quarterly inter-denominational, collaborative night of prayer and worship featuring songs written by local musicians. This is a fun opportunity for CGs to do together and for meeting other Christians in the city. - Saturday, February 22 | Mission & Budget Gathering, 1-2 pm, Rm. 406
Join us for a discussion of our 2026 budget where we will also provide an update on our mission and goals. - Sunday, March 1 | Church Family Meal, after both services on the 5th floor
Gather with your CG or sit with someone new for fellowship over a meal together. Overflow seating available on the 4th floor.
© 2026 Redeemer Presbyterian Church West Side
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com. Th
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