John 5, Part 3

Scripture: John 5:19-30

Observation: Jesus reveals His authority. Jesus begins by saying He does nothing "from Himself" (aph heautou), meaning He does not act independently from God. He is distinct but not separate from the Father. Jesus' relationship with the Father is unique; they are one (see John 10:30), therefore Jesus' actions are a reflection of the Father's: He does only what He sees His Father doing. Yet we see His humility in His total obedience of the Father: He does not seek His own will but that of His Father (v.30). In this way Jesus is the full revelation of the Father. We also see revealed the love the Father has for His Son, in that He "shows Him all that He Himself is doing" (v.20). There is nothing hidden from the Son because His Father loves Him.

Jesus tells those listening that the miracles they have seen so far are just the beginning: "He will show Him greater works than these, so that you will be astonished" (v.20). These greater works are works of judgment which the Father has given authority over to the Son. The Father has given the Son authority because of who He is, "so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father" (v.23). Failure to honor the Son is failure to honor the Father.

Application: The Father sent many prophets, judges, and holy men before Jesus. Men like Moses, Joshua, Samuel, Elijah and Elisha all performed miracles by the power of God and for His Glory. But none ever placed himself on an equal level with God. None ever claimed equal honor with God as Jesus did. Jesus made clear that honoring God was and is dependent upon honoring Him. To the Jews who refused Jesus and to many today who wish to see Him as merely a prophet or less than God, this statement is blasphemous. But to those who love Jesus and honor Him as we honor the Father, these words identify Him for who He is.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, Your claims are not empty words. You showed us that You were sent by the Father to do His will, and You did it because it was also Your will. You are not just a prophet, or an angel. You are God, King, and Savior, and I worship You because You deserve all the honor, the glory and the praise. In Your Precious Name I pray, Amen.