MONTHLY DEVOTIONAL FOR 3 APRIL
April 3, 2025
Day Twenty-Seven of Lent – Humiliation – Stripped of Garments
April 4, 2025
TODAY’S GOSPEL READING
3 APRIL, 2025
John 5:31-47
Jesus said to the Jews:
“If I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is not true.
But there is another who testifies on my behalf,
and I know that the testimony he gives on my behalf is true.
You sent emissaries to John, and he testified to the truth.
I do not accept human testimony,
but I say this so that you may be saved.
He was a burning and shining lamp,
and for a while you were content to rejoice in his light.
But I have testimony greater than John’s.
The works that the Father gave me to accomplish,
these works that I perform testify on my behalf
that the Father has sent me.
Moreover, the Father who sent me has testified on my behalf.
But you have never heard his voice nor seen his form,
and you do not have his word remaining in you,
because you do not believe in the one whom he has sent.
You search the Scriptures,
because you think you have eternal life through them;
even they testify on my behalf.
But you do not want to come to me to have life.
“I do not accept human praise;
moreover, I know that you do not have the love of God in you.
I came in the name of my Father,
but you do not accept me;
yet if another comes in his own name,
you will accept him.
How can you believe, when you accept praise from one another
and do not seek the praise that comes from the only God?
Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father:
the one who will accuse you is Moses,
in whom you have placed your hope.
For if you had believed Moses,
you would have believed me,
because he wrote about me.
But if you do not believe his writings,
how will you believe my words?”
THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD!
REFLECTION
In this passage, Jesus speaks about the testimony that validates His identity and mission. He highlights that His authority does not come from human approval but from the witness of the Father, the works He performs, and the Scriptures themselves. Despite these testimonies, many still refuse to believe in Him because their hearts are not aligned with God.
This reminds us to seek truth not in human recognition but in God’s word and works. Sometimes, we can become blinded by pride, personal desires, or the need for approval, missing the clear evidence of God’s presence in our lives. True faith requires humility and a willingness to accept Jesus on His terms, not ours.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, open our hearts to recognize and believe in the testimony of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Remove any pride or distractions that keep us from fully embracing Your truth. Help us to seek Your approval above all else and to live in obedience to Your word. Strengthen our faith so that we may bear witness to Your love and grace in our daily lives. Amen
