John 5:31-47

31If I say great things about myself, nobody would know that my words are true.

32But there is someone else who speaks about me. I know that what he says about me is true.

33You have sent your people to ask John about me. What he has told you about me is true.

34I do not need any man to speak on my behalf. But I am telling you this to help you. Then God will be able to save you.

35John was like a light that shone brightly. For a certain time, you enjoyed the light that he gave.

36But it is not only John who shows who I am. There are other things that show it more strongly. My Father has given work to me so that I could finish it. These are the things that I do, and they show who I am. They show clearly that the Father has sent me.

37Also, the Father himself has spoken about me. You have never heard his voice. And you have never seen his shape.

38I am the one that he has sent. You do not receive his message because you do not believe in me.

39You study carefully what the Bible teaches. You think that those books will give you life with God. And it is true, those books do speak about who I am.

40But then you refuse to come to me so that you may have life with God!

41I do not think that it is important for people to praise me.

42But I know what kind of people you are. I know that you do not really love God.

43I have come with my Father's authority, but you do not accept me. But if someone else comes with his own authority, then you will accept him.

44You like to praise each other. That makes you happy. But what about God himself? You do not try to do good things so that he will praise you. That is why you will never believe in me.

45But I will not have to tell the Father that you are guilty. No, it is Moses who will do that. You think that Moses is the one who will show that you are right. But he is the one who will show that you are guilty.

46Moses wrote about me. So, if you had really believed Moses, you would believe me.

47But you do not believe what Moses wrote. So you will never believe what I say.’