John 5:36

But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.

John 5:36 (KJV)

Context

Jesus speaks these words to Jewish leaders who question His authority after He healed a man on the Sabbath and claimed to be the Son of God. In the preceding verses, He acknowledges John the Baptist as a witness to His identity, but now He points to a greater witness.

Meaning

The “greater witness” is stronger and more decisive than John’s testimony. The “works” include not only miracles such as healing the sick and raising the dead, but also the entire Messianic mission the Father gave Him to accomplish. The Greek verb translated “to finish” (teleioō) means to complete a task, pointing to the full obedience of Jesus to the Father’s plan.

Jesus emphasizes that these works are not self-originated; the Father gave them to Him. They testify that the Father sent Him, confirming His divine authority and unity with the Father. This is part of a series of witnesses in John 5: John the Baptist (vv. 33-35), Jesus’s works (v. 36), the Father (v. 37), and the Scriptures (v. 39).

Biblical connections

Jesus’s statement that He can do nothing of Himself (John 5:30) reinforces that His works are from the Father. In John 19:30, His final cry “It is finished” shows the completion of the work the Father gave Him.

Application

Jesus’s works are tangible evidence of His divine mission. They call us to examine the testimony of His miracles, teachings, and redemptive death and resurrection, and to place our faith in Him as the One sent by the Father.

Reflection

The Father’s approval rests on the Son’s finished work. As we recognize this witness, we are encouraged to trust that Jesus is indeed the promised Messiah and to follow Him with confidence.