Meaning of John 5:35

Jesus, speaking to the Jewish leaders, refers to John the Baptist as a "lamp that burned and gave light," highlighting John's divinely appointed role as a herald and witness to the truth of God. The phrase "you chose for a time to enjoy his light" points to the initial positive reception John received from many, including some of those to whom Jesus is speaking, when he began his ministry of repentance and pointed to the coming Messiah. This acknowledgment of John's past popularity, contrasted with their current rejection of Jesus, serves as a sharp rebuke, implying that their initial enthusiasm for John's message was superficial or temporary, and that they ultimately failed to recognize the greater light, Jesus Himself, that John proclaimed.

Context and Background

This verse appears in John's Gospel, chapter 5, following Jesus' healing of the man at the pool of Bethesda and His subsequent discourse with the Jewish authorities. The religious leaders were challenging Jesus' authority and His claims about Himself. Jesus defends His actions and identity by appealing to several witnesses: John the Baptist (v. 33-35), His own works (v. 36), the Father (v. 37), and the Scriptures (v. 39-47). This particular statement about John the Baptist is part of Jesus' defense, demonstrating that He had a divinely appointed forerunner whose testimony pointed to Jesus. The "you" Jesus addresses are the leaders who are hostile towards Him, contrasting their present rejection with their former willingness to listen to John.

Key Themes and Messages

• The Role of a Witness: John the Baptist was not the light itself, but a witness to the light. His purpose was to illuminate the way for others to find the true source of spiritual illumination.
• Temporary vs. Enduring Faith: The verse highlights the ephemeral nature of some responses to spiritual truth. People can be drawn to a message and its messenger for a season, finding temporary comfort or interest, but this does not equate to a deep, abiding commitment to the truth itself, especially when that truth demands more than passive enjoyment.
• The Rejection of True Light: By contrasting John's temporary popularity with their current rejection of Jesus, Jesus exposes the hypocrisy and spiritual blindness of His accusers. They were willing to embrace a preparatory light but rejected the ultimate Light.
• Divine Appointment: Jesus affirms John's divinely ordained ministry, underscoring that John's message and actions were not self-generated but were from God.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This verse has profound spiritual implications for believers today. It serves as a reminder that:

• Authentic discipleship involves more than initial enthusiasm. True faith is a commitment to the person of Jesus Christ, the Light of the World, not merely an appreciation for prophetic figures or exciting spiritual movements.
• We must discern the source of spiritual illumination. Just as people were drawn to John, they can be drawn to charismatic speakers or compelling ministries today. The crucial question is whether these point to Christ.
• Spiritual light demands a response. A "lamp" burns and gives light, implying active illumination. This light calls for a response, not just passive observation or temporary enjoyment.
• The danger of spiritual complacency. It is possible to be exposed to truth and even appreciate it for a time, yet remain unwilling to fully submit to its transformative power, especially when it conflicts with worldly desires or established norms.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This statement fits within the overarching narrative of John's Gospel, which emphasizes Jesus as the incarnate Word of God and the ultimate revelation of God's glory. John the Baptist's role as the one who prepares the way for Jesus (John 1:6-8, 1:19-28) is consistently presented. Jesus' identification as "the light of the world" (John 8:12, 9:5) is a central theme. The rejection Jesus faces from the religious establishment is also a recurring motif, highlighting the conflict between divine revelation and human tradition or pride. John the Baptist's ministry is framed as a crucial prelude to Jesus' own, and his witness is a vital part of the evidence for Jesus' identity.

Analogies

• A Beacon and a Ship: John the Baptist was like a powerful lighthouse, guiding ships towards the harbor. Many saw the beacon and were temporarily guided by its beam, but some, despite seeing the light, failed to steer their ships into safe harbor, perhaps due to their own agenda or a fear of the journey. Jesus, however, is the safe harbor itself.
• A Spotlight and the Main Actor: John was a spotlight illuminating the stage, drawing attention to the main actor who was about to enter. The audience enjoyed the brightness of the spotlight and the anticipation it created, but some failed to recognize or embrace the main actor when he appeared, remaining fixated on the preparatory illumination rather than the star performer.
• A Guide and the Destination: John was like a signpost pointing the way to a magnificent city. People admired the clarity of the signpost and the promise it held, but some chose not to travel to the city itself, content with the knowledge of its existence provided by the sign. Jesus is the city, the ultimate destination of faith.

Relation to Other Verses

• John 1:7-9: "He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world." This passage directly establishes John's role as a witness to the Light (Jesus).
• John 1:19-23: John's denial of being the Christ or Elijah, and his identification as "the voice of one calling in the wilderness, 'Make straight the way for the Lord,'" further clarifies his preparatory function.
• Matthew 11:7-11: Jesus speaks highly of John the Baptist, calling him "more than a prophet" and "the Elijah who was to come." This reinforces John's significant, divinely appointed role.
• John 3:28-30: John himself states, "You yourselves can testify that I said, 'I am not the Messiah, but I have been sent ahead of him.' The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who tends the bridegroom's wedding is overjoyed to hear the bridegroom's voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. He must become greater; I must become less." This demonstrates John's understanding of his subordinate and preparatory role in relation to Jesus.
• John 12:35-36: Jesus says, "Walking as children of the light while you have the light." This verse echoes the theme of responding to light and the danger of remaining in darkness.