35. John was like a lamp that burned and gave light. For a while you chose to enjoy his light.
36. "The witness I have is more important than John's. I am doing the very work the Father gave me to finish. It gives witness that the Father has sent me.
37. "The Father who sent me has himself given witness about me. You have never heard his voice. You have never seen what he really looks like.
38. And his word does not live in you. This is because you do not believe the One he sent.
39. "You study the Scriptures carefully. You study them because you think they will give you eternal life. The Scriptures you study give witness about me.
40. But you refuse to come to me and receive life.
41. "I do not accept praise from people.
42. But I know you. I know that you do not have love for God in your hearts.
43. I have come in my Father's name, and you do not accept me. But if someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him.
44. "You accept praise from one another. But you make no effort to receive the praise that comes from the only God. So how can you believe?
45. "Do not think I will bring charges against you in front of the Father. Moses is the one who does that. And he is the one you build your hopes on.
46. "Do you believe Moses? Then you should believe me. He wrote about me.