The answer is: Nature and creation

John 5:31-47

In the Gospel of John, particularly in chapters 5 and 6, we see a fascinating exploration of witness and testimony surrounding Jesus’ identity and mission. Jesus mentions specific witnesses like John the Baptist, who prepared the way, and even his own miraculous works, demonstrating his divine authority. But interestingly, nature and creation are conceptually left out of this direct list of witnesses, despite their role as silent proclaimers of God’s majesty throughout the Scriptures.

Throughout the Bible, creation frequently speaks to God's grandeur. Think about Psalm 19:1, which tells us that "the heavens declare the glory of God." Even in the New Testament, Romans 1:20 emphasizes that the invisible qualities of God are clearly visible through what has been made. Here, it's as if creation adds its own quiet testimony to the divinity of Jesus and the truth they all represent, functioning in a symbiotic relationship with the human-centered narratives.

Furthermore, the word "witness" holds significant weight in Hebrews, emphasizing those who testify about faith and divine truth. When Jesus spoke of witnesses in John 5, he was tying the fringe narratives of natural order into a theological narrative that supersedes human proclamation. So remember, though creation doesn't make the list as a direct witness in John, it certainly plays a supporting role in shouting the truth of who Jesus is—a harmonious tune that resonates throughout Biblical literature!