When my high-school math teacher solved a math problem on the blackboard, he would often write QED in large letters next to it. QED is an abbreviation of the Latin words, “Quod erat demonstrondum”, which means “What has been demonstrated”. What he was saying to us when he wrote QED on the board was, “The problem has been solved; it’s obvious!” “Let’s move on to the next problem!”
In John 5:30-47, Jesus gives us five witnesses to His deity.
- Himself – Jesus was completely unbiased because He was not seeking His own will, but the will of the One who sent Him. As He later told Philip, “He who sees Me sees the Father” (John 14:9). He told His accusers, “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30), and they picked up stones to stone Him to death because He was claiming to be God.
- John the Baptist – who claimed to be the forerunner of the Messiah, and the “friend of the Bridegroom”. Thousands of people came to listen to him and be baptized as a sign of repentance in preparation for Messiah’s arrival. John the Baptist referred to Jesus as “the Lord”, “the Lamb of God”, and “the Son of God”, and told his own disciples to follow Jesus.
- His works – Jesus’ miracles were examples of His divine power and substantiated His claims. As Nicodemus said to Jesus in John 3:2, “No one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” There were others in the Bible who performed miracles, but none of them claimed to be God.
- The Father – At Jesus’ baptism, the Father’s voice was heard from heaven saying, “Thou art My beloved Son, in Thee I am well-pleased” (Matthew 3:17; Mark 1:11; Luke 3:22). The voice of the Father from heaven also came on two other occasions: at Jesus’ transfiguration (Luke 9:35), and after His triumphal entry into Jerusalem (John 12:28). It wasn’t thunder they were hearing. They heard His words, loud and clear, on all three occasions!
- The Scriptures – Jesus Christ is not merely in the New Testament Gospels and Epistles. He is also found directly and indirectly in the Old Testament Scriptures: the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings. He is found in the promises to Adam, Abraham, Moses, and David. He is also in the symbolism of the ceremonial Law and sacrifices. Jesus tells the Jewish leaders in John 5:39, “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is these that bear witness of Me”. The Old Testament Scriptures were a signpost that pointed to Jesus.
- The Conclusion: Q.E.D.! The problem is solved! It’s been demonstrated! It’s obvious! Let’s move on to a deeper relationship with God the Son: the Lord Jesus Christ!
