What does John 5:36 mean?

Jesus has angered local religious leaders by violating their traditions and claiming to be equal with God (John 5:18). Jesus provides several examples of His equality with God the Father (John 5:19–30). At the same time, Jesus notes that human beings feel a natural, reasonable urge for evidence (Romans 1:18–20; 1 John 4:1). This is why Jewish law required two or three witnesses to establish any critical fact (Numbers 35:30; Deuteronomy 17:6). In the interest of reaching lost souls, Jesus is willing to provide that evidence. In prior verses, Jesus has given the first of these: human testimony, which came from John the Baptist (John 5:33).

In this verse, Jesus explains the second form of evidence: direct observation. Jesus notes that He has performed miracles—"works"—which demonstrate that He has godly power. These are events some of His critics have seen first-hand, so Jesus calls this form of testimony "greater" than the witness of John the Baptist. The Baptist's words are compelling, but he performed no miracles (John 10:41). The real-world miracles of Jesus are far more powerful evidence than any human testimony.

This is a major purpose for this entire Gospel. John specifically focuses on seven of Jesus' miracles, calling them "signs" (John 2:11). The purpose of choosing only these few incidents is to prove that Jesus is, in fact, God (John 20:30–31). God uses miracles sparingly to prove His message (Hebrews 2:3–4). The fact that Jesus is wielding the power of God is meant to inspire faith in those who see His works (John 3:2).

The third form of evidence Jesus refers to is that of Scripture, beginning in the next verse.