Daily Bible Plan - John 5 (Part 2)

22. December 2025

Devotion by Reverend Joseph Antwi

Theme: UNLEASHED2LOVE (Unleashed to Love) - John 5:30 - 47 & Psalm 2 Series: Gospel of John

Fortified City Church / Love City Church / Basel French Assembly / Luzern City Fellowship / ⁠PIWC Bern / ⁠Global prayer family

🌟 INTRODUCTION

Shalom, Basel City District, and everyone reading this devotion.

What an amazing journey we have been on through the Gospel of John. Step by step, Scripture has been revealing to us who Jesus truly is. He is not only a miracle worker. He is not merely a teacher. He is the Son of God, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)

This devotion is more than reading verses. It is about meditating on the Word. It is about allowing the Word to shape us. It is about becoming living proof of Scripture. (James 1:22) The goal is that the Word does not remain on the page. The Word must become visible through our lives.

As we come to John chapter 5 verses 30 to 47, Jesus speaks plainly about truth and authority. He explains who He is. He explains where His authority comes from. He explains why rejecting Him is rejecting life itself. Psalm 2 then strengthens this revelation by showing us the Messiah as God’s appointed King and Son. Together, these passages anchor our faith in truth and remind us that love has both grace and authority.

PART ONE: JOHN 5:30–47 - Love Confirmed by Witness and Truth

1. Jesus Does Not Bear Witness Alone

📖 John 5:30–31

Jesus was often doubted by religious leaders. They questioned His authority and His identity. Jesus responded clearly.

“If I bear witness of Myself, My witness is not true.” (John 5:31)

This reveals a Kingdom principle. Authority is established by sending and by witness. (Romans 10:15) Even Jesus, though fully God, submitted to this principle while walking on earth.

Jesus teaches that if people struggle to believe Him, they should believe the One who sent Him. That One is the Father. (John 5:36–37)

Though Jesus is God in the flesh (John 1:1; John 1:14) and conceived by the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:35), He willingly walked in submission to the Father. His being sent is itself a witness.

2. The Father Is the First and Highest Witness

📖 John 5:32; John 5:37

Jesus declared that the Father bears witness of Him. This means Jesus is not self-appointed. Heaven approved Him.

“And the Father Himself, who sent Me, has testified of Me.” (John 5:37)

True ministry is never self-generated. It is confirmed by God. (Hebrews 5:4) Jesus did not appear randomly. He came on divine assignment. (John 6:38)

3. The Works of Jesus Are a Living Witness

📖 John 5:36

Jesus explained that the works the Father gave Him to do testify about Him.

The miracles of Jesus were not for show. They were evidence. No one who is not from God can do what Jesus did. (John 9:33)

He healed the sick (Matthew 8:16–17). He opened blind eyes (John 9:6–7). He raised the dead (John 11:43–44). He forgave sins (Mark 2:5–12). These works testified that God Himself was at work in Him. (Acts 2:22)

Jesus also said believers would do greater works because He was going to the Father. (John 14:12)

4. John the Baptist as a Human Witness

📖 John 5:33–35

Jesus pointed to John the Baptist as a witness to the truth.

John was sent to prepare the way. (Isaiah 40:3; John 1:6–8) He did not glorify himself. He testified by saying, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29)

God often uses people to confirm callings and truth and not to replace Him(Acts 13:2–3; 1 Timothy 1:18)!

5. The Scriptures Are the Final Witness

📖 John 5:39; John 5:45–47

Jesus said that the Scriptures testify of Him.

“You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life, and these are they which testify of Me.” (John 5:39)

He also said that Moses wrote about Him. (John 5:46)

The Law and the prophets point to Christ. (Luke 24:27) Rejecting Christ is rejecting life. (John 3:18; 1 John 5:12)

PART TWO: PSALM 2 - Love Enthroned in Authority

6. God’s Messiah Is Opposed but Not Defeated

📖 Psalm 2:1–3

Psalm 2 opens with the nations raging and rulers plotting against the Lord and His Anointed. This reveals that resistance to Christ is not new. The world has always resisted God’s authority.

Yet rebellion does not cancel God’s plan. It only reveals the need for surrender.

7. God’s Response Is Sovereign Authority

📖 Psalm 2:4–6

God is not threatened by human rebellion. He laughs. He remains enthroned.

“I have set My King on My holy hill of Zion.” (Psalm 2:6)

This points directly to Jesus. He is not campaigning for authority. He already reigns.

8. The Son Is Declared and Exalted

📖 Psalm 2:7

“You are My Son. Today I have begotten You.”

This verse is fulfilled in Christ. (Acts 13:33; Hebrews 1:5) Jesus is the Son declared by the Father. John 5 confirms this same truth. The Son gives life. The Son executes judgment. (John 5:21–22)

9. A Call to Wisdom and Surrender

📖 Psalm 2:10–12

The psalm ends with an invitation. Kings are called to be wise. People are called to serve the Lord with reverence.

“Kiss the Son, lest He be angry.” (Psalm 2:12)

This is not fear-based submission. It is loving surrender. Blessed are all who put their trust in Him.

FINAL REFLECTION

John 5 shows us the witnesses of Christ. Psalm 2 shows us the reign of Christ. Together, they reveal that Jesus is both Savior and King.

Love came among us. Love was witnessed. Love was rejected by some. Love now reigns in glory. (John 1:14; Psalm 2:6)

This is Unleashed2Love. Love that saves. Love that reigns. Love that calls us to believe, submit, and live transformed lives.

Blessed are all who put their trust in Him. (Psalm 2:12)