John 3:32
He testifies to what He has seen and heard, yet no one accepts His testimony.
He testifies
The word "testifies" comes from the Greek "martyrei," which is derived from "martureo," meaning to bear witness or give evidence. In the context of the Gospel of John, this term is significant as it underscores the role of Jesus as a divine witness to the truth of God. Jesus' testimony is not based on secondhand knowledge but on firsthand experience of the heavenly realities. This emphasizes His authority and authenticity as the Son of God, who reveals the divine will and character to humanity.

to what He has seen and heard
The phrase "to what He has seen and heard" highlights the direct and personal nature of Jesus' knowledge. The Greek words "heoraken" (seen) and "ekousen" (heard) suggest a complete and intimate understanding of divine truths. This is not mere intellectual knowledge but experiential, indicating that Jesus' teachings are rooted in His eternal relationship with the Father. Historically, this underscores the unique position of Jesus as the incarnate Word, who bridges the gap between heaven and earth, bringing a message that is both profound and transformative.

yet no one accepts His testimony
The phrase "yet no one accepts His testimony" reflects a tragic reality of human unbelief. The Greek word "lambanei" (accepts) implies receiving or taking hold of something offered. Despite the clarity and authority of Jesus' witness, many in His time—and indeed throughout history—have rejected His message. This rejection is not due to a lack of evidence but rather a spiritual blindness and hardness of heart. Scripturally, this echoes the broader theme of the Gospel of John, where light comes into the world, but people love darkness instead of light (John 3:19). It serves as a sobering reminder of the necessity of faith and the openness of heart required to truly receive the truth of Christ's testimony.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jesus Christ
The central figure in this passage, who is the one testifying to what He has seen and heard from the Father.

2. John the Baptist
The speaker in this context, who is explaining the role and testimony of Jesus.

3. The Disciples
Those who are learning from both John the Baptist and Jesus, witnessing the unfolding of Jesus' ministry.

4. The Jewish Leaders
Often skeptical of Jesus' testimony, representing those who do not accept His message.

5. The Heavenly Realm
The source of Jesus' testimony, as He speaks of what He has seen and heard from God.
Teaching Points
The Authority of Jesus' Testimony
Jesus speaks with authority because He has firsthand knowledge of the Father and the heavenly realm. His testimony is not secondhand or speculative.

The Rejection of Truth
Despite the truth and authority of Jesus' testimony, many choose to reject it. This highlights the human tendency to resist divine truth.

The Importance of Acceptance
Accepting Jesus' testimony is crucial for salvation. Believers are called to trust in His words and the truth He reveals.

The Role of Witnesses
Just as Jesus testifies to what He has seen and heard, believers are called to bear witness to the truth of the Gospel in their lives.

The Challenge of Faith
Faith involves accepting truths that may not be immediately visible or understandable, trusting in the testimony of Jesus as the Son of God.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding Jesus' unique relationship with the Father enhance our trust in His testimony?

2. In what ways can we be more receptive to the truths that Jesus testifies about, especially when they challenge our current beliefs or lifestyle?

3. How can we, as modern-day believers, effectively bear witness to the truth of Jesus' testimony in our communities?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure we are not rejecting the testimony of Jesus in our daily lives?

5. How do the additional scriptures connected to John 3:32 deepen our understanding of the importance of accepting Jesus' testimony?
Connections to Other Scriptures
John 1:18
This verse highlights that no one has seen God except the Son, who is in closest relationship with the Father, reinforcing Jesus' unique authority to testify about heavenly matters.

John 8:26
Jesus speaks of His authority to judge and testify, emphasizing that His words are from the Father who sent Him.

1 John 5:9-11
Discusses the testimony of God concerning His Son, affirming the truth of Jesus' witness.

Hebrews 2:3-4
Warns against neglecting the great salvation declared by the Lord and confirmed by those who heard Him, underscoring the importance of accepting Jesus' testimony.
Aenon Near to SalimC. Geikie, D. D.John 3:22-36
All Men May Come to ChristW. Bridge.John 3:22-36
Christ Attracts SinnersT. Watson.John 3:22-36
Christ Sufficient for AllBowden.John 3:22-36
Jesus and John and Their DisciplesBp. Ryle.John 3:22-36
John and JesusG. J. Brown, M. A.John 3:22-36
John First, Then JesusC. S. Robinson, D. D.John 3:22-36
John's Joy FulfilledW. Bridge.John 3:22-36
The Attractive Power of ChristBiblical TreasuryJohn 3:22-36
The Controversy About PurifyingA. Beith, D. D.John 3:22-36
The Masters and the DisciplesA. B. Grosart, D. D.John 3:22-36
The Ministry of JohnBp. Wordsworth.John 3:22-36
An Earthly MindJ. Trapp.John 3:31-36
Christ Above All as a TeacherD. Thomas, D. D.John 3:31-36
Christ is Above AllJ. Donne.John 3:31-36
Christ is God as Well as ManJ. Hamilton, D. D.John 3:31-36
Christ Often RefusedR. Brewin.John 3:31-36
Christ the Divine TeacherH. Bushnell, D. D.John 3:31-36
Christ's Testimony ReceiveJames Stratten.John 3:31-36
Christ's Testimony to be ReceivedA. Beith, D. D.John 3:31-36
Earthly MindednessJohn 3:31-36
Experience the Teacher's Best HelperC. H. Spurgeon.John 3:31-36
Few Hearers SavedTrain.John 3:31-36
John's Last Testimony to ChristA. B. Grosart, D. D.John 3:31-36
Many Men are Deaf to the Charms of the GospelJohn 3:31-36
SealRecovery of Jerusalem.John 3:31-36
Sealed unto ChristG. H. Smith.John 3:31-36
Sealing the TruthJohn 3:31-36
Set to His SealJames Stratten.John 3:31-36
The Best Evidence of the Truth of ChristianityJ. Parker, D. D.John 3:31-36
The Purpose of SealingA. Beith, D. D.John 3:31-36
The Sealed TestimonyW. G. Lewis.John 3:31-36
The Sureness of Christ's Testimony and its RejectionG. Hutcheson., Doddridge.John 3:31-36
The Testimony and the SealJohn 3:31-36
The Testimony of Human Experience to the Divinity of ChristH. W. Beecher.John 3:31-36
Why Men Refuse ChristArchdeacon Hare.John 3:31-36
People
Jesus, John, Nicodemus
Places
Aenon, Jerusalem, Jordan River, Judea, Salim
Topics
Accepts, Beareth, Bears, Ears, Gives, None, Receives, Receiveth, Takes, Testifies, Testifieth, Testify, Testimony, Witness, Yet
Dictionary of Bible Themes
John 3:31-34

     8496   witnessing, importance

John 3:32-34

     6604   acceptance, human

Library
Notes on the Third Century
Page 161. Line 1. He must be born again, &c. This is a compound citation from John iii. 3, and Mark x. 15, in the order named. Page 182. Line 17. For all things should work together, &c. See Romans viii. 28. Page 184. Lines 10-11. Being Satan is able, &c. 2 Corinthians xi. 14. Page 184. Last line. Like a sparrow, &c. Psalm cii. Page 187. Line 1. Mechanisms. This word is, in the original MS., mechanicismes.' Page 187. Line 7. Like the King's daughter, &c. Psalm xlv. 14. Page 188. Med. 39. The best
Thomas Traherne—Centuries of Meditations

September 14 Evening
Ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son.--I COR. 1:9. He received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.--Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God. Be ye . . . followers of God, as dear children.--If children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ. The brightness of his glory, and the express image of his
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

February 28 Morning
God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.--JOHN 3:16. God . . . hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; to wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us:
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

March 31 Evening
What communion hath light with darkness?--II COR. 6:14. Men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.--Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. Darkness hath blinded his eyes.--Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. The dark places of the earth are full of the habitations of cruelty.--Love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God;
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

January 26 Evening
The Lord Jesus Christ . . . shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body.--PHI. 3:20,21. Upon the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man above upon it. And I saw as the colour of amber, as the appearance of fire round about within it, from the appearance of his loins even upward, and from the appearance of his loins even downward, I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and it had brightness round about. This was the appearance of the
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

April 8 Evening
They shall see his face.--REV. 22:4. I beseech thee shew me thy glory. And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.--No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. Every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him.--I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh. I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

April 29 Evening
That blessed hope, . . . the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.--TIT. 2:13. Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil: whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus.--Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things.--When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe. The whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

November 18 Evening
I believed not the words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it; and, behold, the half was not told me.--I KGS. 10:7. The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.--We beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. My speech and my preaching was . . . in demonstration of the
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

April 2 Morning
If ye do return unto the Lord with all your hearts, then put away the strange gods and Ashtaroth from among you, and prepare your hearts unto the Lord, and serve him only.--I SAM. 7:3. Little children, keep yourselves from idols.--Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.--Ye cannot serve God and Mammon. Thou shalt worship no other
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

May 3 Evening
Perfecting holiness in the fear of God.--II COR. 7:1. Dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit. Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.--Teaching us that denying ungodliness and wordly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.--Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.--Not as though
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

June 11 Evening
Behold, I make all things new.--REV. 21:5. Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.--If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.--Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump.--The new man, which after God is created in righteousness
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

June 19 Morning
Holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.--HEB. 12:14. Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.--There shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth.--There is no spot in thee. Ye shall be holy: for I the Lord your God am holy.--As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: but as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

January 16 Morning
It pleased the Father, that in him should all fulness dwell.--COL. 1:19. The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.--God hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.--Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

September 3 Morning
Neither shall there be leaven seen with thee in all thy quarters.--EXO. 13:7. The fear of the Lord is to hate evil.--Abhor that which is evil.--Abstain from all appearance of evil.--Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled. If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump,
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

December 14 Evening
By nature the children of wrath, even as others.--EPH. 2:3. We ourselves also were sometime foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.--Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. Job answered the Lord, and said, Behold, I am vile: what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth.--The Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

January 14 Evening
[The woman's seed] shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.--GEN. 3:15. His visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men.--He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. This is your hour, and the power of darkness.--Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above. The Son of God was manifested, that he might
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

July 3 Morning
If children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ.--ROM. 8:17. If ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.--Thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.--Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will. Father, I will that
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

April 20 Morning
There shall cleave nought of the cursed thing to thine hand.--DEUT. 13:17. Come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing.--Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul.--Hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. Beloved, now are we the sons of God . . . And it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him: for we shall see him
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

June 21 Evening
I sought him, but I could not find him: I called him, but he gave me no answer.--SONG 5:6. O Lord, what shall I say, when Israel turneth their backs before their enemies! and the Lord said unto Joshua, Get thee up; wherefore liest thou thus upon thy face? Israel hath sinned, for they have even taken of the accursed thing . . . and they have put it even among their own stuff. Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear: but your iniquities
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

The Brazen Serpent
'Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness.'--JOHN iii. 14. This is the second of the instances in this Gospel in which our Lord lays His hand upon an institution or incident of the Old Testament, as shadowing forth some aspect of His work. In the first of these instances, under the image of the ladder that Jacob saw, our Lord presented Himself as the sole medium of communication between heaven and earth; here He goes a step further into the heart of His work, and under the image, very eloquent
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Christ's Musts
'... Even so must the Son of Man be lifted up.'--JOHN iii. 14. I have chosen this text for the sake of one word in it, that solemn 'must' which was so often on our Lord's lips. I have no purpose of dealing with the remainder of this clause, nor indeed with it at all, except as one instance of His use of the expression. But I have felt it might he interesting, and might set old truths in a brighter light, if we gather together the instances in which Christ speaks of the great necessity which dominated
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Lake and the River
God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.'--JOHN iii. 16. I venture to say that my text shows us a lake, a river, a pitcher, and a draught. 'God so loved the world'--that is the lake. A lake makes a river for itself--'God so loved the world that He gave His... Son.' But the river does not quench any one's thirst unless he has something to lift the water with: 'God so loved the world that He gave His...
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Teacher or Saviour?
'The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto Him, Rabbi, we know that Thou art a Teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that Thou doest, except God be with him.'--JOHN iii. 2. The connection in which the Evangelist introduces the story of Nicodemus throws great light on the aspect under which we are to regard it. He has just been saying that upon our Lord's first visit to Jerusalem at the Passover there was a considerable amount of interest excited, and a kind of imperfect faith
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Wind and Spirit
'The wind bloweth where it listeth, and them hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.'--JOHN iii. 8. Perhaps a gust of night wind swept round the chamber where Nicodemus sat listening to Jesus, and gave occasion for this condensed parable. But there is occasion sufficient for it in the word 'Spirit,' which, both in the language in which our Lord addressed the ruler of the Sanhedrim, and in that which John employed
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

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