But the testimony that I have is greater than that of John. For the works that the Father has given me to accomplish, the very works that I am doing, bear witness about me that the Father has sent me.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is pointing out that while John the Baptist was a crucial messenger, his own actions – the "very works" he was doing – were a far more direct and undeniable sign of his divine origin. These weren't just random acts; they were specific tasks the Father entrusted to him, demonstrating a power and authority that pointed directly back to the One who sent Him.
But the testimony that I have is greater than that of John. For the works that the Father has given me to accomplish, the very works that I am doing, bear witness about me that the Father has sent me.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is responding to the Jewish leaders' questioning of his authority and his healing of a man on the Sabbath. He has already pointed to John the Baptist's testimony and the Scriptures as evidence of his identity, but they are still resistant. Here, Jesus contrasts John's testimony with his own works, which he argues are a more powerful and direct witness to his divine mission from the Father.
John the Baptist's testimony was powerful, but Jesus points to something even more significant. What made these 'works' such undeniable proof?
Jesus emphasizes that the 'works that the Father has given me to accomplish' are a superior witness to his identity. These weren't just random acts; they were divinely appointed tasks, powerful demonstrations of God's presence and approval.
When Jesus talks about 'works,' we often think of grand miracles. But what else did these 'works' encompass in His divine mission?
While the spectacular miracles are undeniable, Jesus' mission involved more than just supernatural feats. The 'works' that testify to His divine mission include the broader scope of His Messianic task.
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Understand the original words
ergon · Greek Noun
In John, these refer to the miraculous acts and signs performed by Jesus, which function as divine evidence of His identity as the Son of God and His mission from the Father.
pater · Greek Noun
The first Person of the Trinity, the Creator and Source of all things, who orchestrates the plan of salvation and sends the Son to reconcile the world to Himself.
apostello · Greek Verb
To commission someone for a specific purpose or mission. In the New Testament, it specifically refers to the Father authorizing and dispatching the Son into the world to accomplish redemption.
Jesus is directly confronting the religious leaders who are questioning his authority. He points to his miraculous works – acts of healing and restoration that only God could perform – as undeniable proof of his divine mission, contrasting them with the testimony of John the Baptist.
c. AD 28
John the Baptist's Ministry
John the Baptist begins his public ministry, preaching repentance and baptizing in the Jordan River. He proclaims the imminent arrival of the Messiah.
c. AD 28-29
Jesus' Baptism and Temptation
Jesus is baptized by John the Baptist, and the Holy Spirit descends upon him, with a voice from heaven declaring him God's Son. He then retreats to the wilderness for forty days of temptation.
c. AD 29— this verse
Jesus' Early Ministry and Miracles
Jesus begins his public ministry, performing numerous miracles such as healing the sick, casting out demons, and raising the dead. These acts demonstrate his divine power and authority.
c. AD 29
Conflict in Jerusalem
During a visit to Jerusalem for a festival, Jesus heals a man at the Pool of Bethesda on the Sabbath, leading to a confrontation with Jewish religious leaders.
Jesus makes a similar argument here, stating that if His works don't prove who He is, then the listeners shouldn't believe Him. This reinforces the idea that His actions are the primary evidence of His divine mission.
Acts 2:22Peter echoes this sentiment, presenting Jesus to the crowds as someone 'attested to by God' through miracles, wonders, and signs. This shows how Jesus' miracles were understood by early believers as direct evidence of God's endorsement.
Hebrews 2:3-4This passage speaks of how salvation was first proclaimed by the Lord and then confirmed to us by those who heard Him, with God bearing witness through signs, wonders, various miracles, and distributions of the Holy Spirit. It highlights the consistent pattern of God using supernatural acts to validate His messengers.
Isaiah 35:5-6This Old Testament prophecy describes the signs that will accompany the coming of the Messiah, including the opening of the eyes of the blind, the unstopping of the ears of the deaf, and the lame leaping like a deer. Jesus' miracles directly fulfill these prophetic works, serving as a signpost to His identity.
barnesJohn 5:36: "But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me."
Greater witness - Stronger, more decisive evidence. The works - The miracles - healing the sick and raising the dead. Hath given me - Hath committed to me, or appointed me to do. Certain things he intrusted in his hands to accomplish. To finish - To do or to perform until the task is completed. The word is…
vincentJohn 5:36: "But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me."
Greater witness (τήν μαρτυρίαν μείζω)The article, omitted in A.V., has the force of my, as in John 5:34. Rev., the witness which I have is greater.Hath givenSee on John 5:22.To finish (ἵνα τελειώσω)Literally, in order that I should accomplish. Rev., accomplish. See on John 4:34.The same works (αὐτὰ…
Jesus is pointing out that while John the Baptist was a crucial messenger, his own actions – the "very works" he was doing – were a far more direct and undeniable sign of his divine origin. These weren't just random acts; they were specific tasks the Father entrusted to him, demonstrating a power and authority that pointed directly back to the One who sent Him.
Jesus is responding to the Jewish leaders' questioning of his authority and his healing of a man on the Sabbath. He has already pointed to John the Baptist's testimony and the Scriptures as evidence of his identity, but they are still resistant. Here, Jesus contrasts John's testimony with his own works, which he argues are a more powerful and direct witness to his divine mission from the Father.
Jesus is responding to the Jewish leaders' questioning of his authority and his healing of a man on the Sabbath. He has already pointed to John the Baptist's testimony and the Scriptures as evidence of his identity, but they are still resistant. Here, Jesus contrasts John's testimony with his own works, which he argues are a more powerful and direct witness to his divine mission from the Father.
"But the testimony that I have is greater than that of John. For the works that the Father has given me to accomplish, the very works that I am doing, bear witness about me that the Father has sent me." — Jesus is pointing out that while John the Baptist was a crucial messenger, his own actions – the "very works" he was doing – were a far more direct and undeniable sign of his divine origin. These wer…
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Last reviewed October 2026