Scripture: John 5:19-20

The Relationship to the Father

Studying John in Bible Study Fellowship this year, I learned many truths about Jesus that encouraged as well as challenged me. I wish to share one truth: Jesus is equal with God.

The Son-side of the relationship to his Father:

• “The Son can do nothing by himself.” (5:19a) The Son is so “in tune” with his Father, that he cannot and would not act on his own, apart from his Father’s will. His relationship with his Father is based on utter obedience, dependence and submission and this gave authority to his work and word.
How does this truth about Jesus challenge me? Surrendering to God means to obey God’s Word and to fully trust and depend on him. Do I fully rely on him, or do I follow my own ideas and desires and then ask God to bless them?

• “Whatever the Father does the Son also does.” (5:19b) Jesus is actively doing what his Father wants to accomplish through him.
God also calls his people and believers to active service. It is not enough to know God’s will, but also to do God’s will. Doing God’s will inspires and matures your faith.
How does this truth challenge me? Do I serve him and go and tell others about him? What stands in my way of doing it? Active faith may involve doing difficult things. Are all my excuses to serve and to spread the Gospel self-centered? (I’m too busy; others can do it better; I’m not good enough; I’m too shy; I’m happy in my comfort zone.)

The Father-side of the relationship:

• “The Father loves the Son…” (5:20a) It is a perfect love. They have a special, unique, personal and intimate relationship. He is God’s unique Son.
How does this encourage me? To look at this ideal relationship between Father and Son, is to try to have the same love relationship, to put him first in my life, as illustrated in the words of the first commandment  “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” (Matthew 22:36)

• “The Father shows him all he does.” (5:20a) The Son knows what the Father does and the Father reveals everything he does to the Son. He is equal with God and one with God. Jesus has come to make God known to us. To know God, to serve him and to experience his love is his wonderful gift to us. How amazing and encouraging this is!

• “To your amazement, he will show him even greater things than these.” (5:20b) There are no limitations to what Jesus can do as he acts on his Father's authority. How often do we put limitations on what Jesus can do through us?

In these verses, Jesus reveals his divine identity and authority. He is God’s unique Son, and he is equal with God.