Now when Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard, ‘Jesus is making and baptizing more disciples than John’— although it was not Jesus himself but his disciples who baptized— he left Judea and started back to Galilee. (John 4: 1-3) If I testify about myself, my testimony is not true. There is another who testifies on my behalf, and I know that his testimony to me is true. You sent messengers to John, and he testified to the truth. Not that I accept such human testimony, but I say these things so that you may be saved. He was a burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light. But I have a testimony greater than John’s. (John 5:31-36)

The Pharisees were grudging supporters of John the Baptist. They agreed with John on the need for repentance of sins... if mostly by others.

But repentance and even forgiveness is not enough. The greater testimony of Jesus starts with these, but goes well beyond. The farther beyond, the less the Pharisees liked what they heard from Jesus.

Unlike the Pharisees I want to hear and accept the greater testimony. But like the Pharisees I find it difficult to do so.