A study of John 5:19-29 reveals father and son equality and the son’s obedience to the father, the key to passing from death to life, and Jesus’ authority to execute judgement.
A study of John 5:19-29 reveals father and son equality and the son’s obedience to the father.
Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise. (ESV, John 5:19)
Jesus was accused of breaking the Jewish sabbath because he healed a man on it, But he defends the miracle in 5:17 by saying his father always works and he does too. However, the claim also implies equality with the father. And that is what especially infuriates his accusers. To the point they want to kill him. So, you might expect Jesus to back off a little. Instead, in V.19, he pushes forward.
He starts with the words “truly, truly” which is a way of saying, “Listen up. This is really important.” Some scholars point out an imagery of apprenticeship in V.19-20. It was common in that day for sons to learn the trade of their fathers as an apprentice. And perhaps, Jesus drew from the experience of learning from Joseph, the trade of carpentry.
Furthermore, what he as God the Son does, comes from God the Father. Which reinforces the claim of equality. Because the son does “likewise” as the father. In addition, the “likewise” demonstrates the son’s submissive obedience to the father’s will. However, this submission is based on a sense of mutual love and purpose, not a hierarchy of authority. Therefore, as the son who acts according to the father’s will, Jesus is the complete revelation of God the Father.
A study of John 5:19-29 reveals the key to passing from death to life.
Whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. (ESV, John 5:24)
Jesus holds the key to eternal life. He says in V. 21, the “Son gives life to whom he will.” And identifies who he is talking about in V.24. Whoever hears Jesus’ word and believes. Therefore, the key to passing from death to life does not follow an action plan. But a person. Jesus Christ.
The Greek word for “hear” is akŏuō, which means to hear, give audience, come to the ears, and understand. And the Greek word for “believes” is pistĕuō, which means to entrust, commit, and have faith in. In other words, something occurs in the heart of a person after they hear Jesus’ words that leads to belief. Something beyond intellectual assent. But involves a willful decision of faith. And the moment you make that decision you pass from eternal death to eternal life.
It sounds straightforward. Simple. And anyone can do it, which is true. But not everyone does. Did the infirmed man by the pool believe Jesus could perform miracles after Jesus healed him? Absolutely! But did he believe in Jesus? Doesn’t appear so. Because that would take a personal committment. What about the Jews? Nope. They wouldn’t let go of their self-righteous legalism.
A study of John 5:19-29 reveals Jesus’ authority to execute judgment.
For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself. And he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man. (ESV, John 5:26-27)
Only God has life in himself. Therefore, to say the Son also has life in himself confirms that he too is God. And it is appropriate for the Son to serve as eternal judge. Why? Because he has shared our human experience. Including our temptation, but he was without sin. And most importantly, he died as a sacrifice to atone for our sins.
And yet, by his own words, not everyone who appears before his judgment seat passes into heaven.
On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness. (ESV, Matthew 7:22-23)
Jesus doesn’t malign their good deeds.
They were likely righteous acts. But righteous acts are not enough. God requires a righteous heart. And that occurs through repentance, confession of sin, and forgiveness.
But then, Jesus calls himself the “Son of man.” Why? The term originates in the Old Testament book of Daniel. As Daniel records a dream.
And behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, (ESV, Daniel 7:13-14)
In Daniel’s dream one called “a son of man” would rule an eternal kingdom. By using the term to refer to himself, Jesus confirms himself as the fulfillment of Daniel’s prophecy. The Messiah sent from the father to establish the kingdom of heaven.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
Looking for a small group Bible Study?
This four week study dives directly into God’s word. It includes an individual study with an exegetical approach that examines word meaning, provides background information, and thought provoking questions for reflection and journaling, And a weekly, group study guide that promotes a lively group discussion around other scripture references, personal stories, and life experiences that help apply scriptural truth to life.
A study of John 5:1-18 demonstrates receiving from, but not recognizing the savior, a focus on legalism rather than grace, a call for repentance, and a constantly working God.
A study of John 5:1-18 demonstrates receiving from, but not recognizing the Savior.
When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, “Do you want to be healed?” The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me.” (ESV, John 5:3-7)
Jesus visited Jerusalem during the time of a Jewish feast and passed the pool of Bethseda near the sheep gate. Its waters were periodically disturbed by what the people believed was an angel stirring the water. Although modern Bible scholars suggest it was underground springs feeding into it. But infirmed people gathered around the pool when a disturbance was anticipated because they believed the first sick person into the pool afterwards was healed.
Jesus arrives, surveys the crowd of sick people gathered around the pool and picks out one person. A man identified as an invalid for 38 years. Jesus asks if he wants to be healed. Which is like asking a starving wolf if he enjoys lamb. The man calls Jesus “sir” which is the Greek word Kyrie and indicates general respect.
So, there is no evidence of faith on his part. He doesn’t recognize Jesus or know he is the Son of God. Or that Jesus is contemplating a miracle. But replies he is too infirmed to ever reach the pool first after it is stirred. A New Testament example of victimhood. Perhaps, to evoke pity so Jesus might stick around and help him into the water. But Jesus did something much better.
He tells the man, “Get up, take up your bed, and walk.”
A study of John 5:1-18 demonstrates a focus on legalism rather than grace.
So the Jews said to the man who had been healed, “It is the Sabbath, and it is not lawful for you to take up your bed.” But he answered them, “The man who healed me, that man said to me, ‘Take up your bed, and walk.’” (ESV, John 5:10-11)
You’d think an invalid of 38 years might express a little gratitude for such a radical, life changing miracle. Maybe exchange names. But the man Just stands, rolls up the bedroll, and walks…away. But then, he meets Jews who rebuke him for breaking the Sabbath law by carrying the bedroll. Not the original sabbath commandment given by God, but an extra interpretation they added to it. Caught in the act, the man offers a quick excuse. The guy that healed him, told him to.
Wow! Don’t thank Jesus for healing you. Or even ask his name. But shift the blame on him to excuse your own actions. Not that any of us would do such a thing today. Praise God while everything is going well, but when things go wrong point accusing fingers at God with righteous indignation and ask, “why did you let this happen?”
So, the healed man blames Jesus to avoid trouble. The Jews can only focus on their legalistic view of the sabbath. Everyone is blind to grace. And no one considers the miracle a reason to glorify God.
A study of John 5:1-18 demonstrates a call for repentance.
Afterward Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, “See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse may happen to you.” (ESV, John 5:14)
Later Jesus encountered the man again in the temple. And now Jesus addresses his spiritual condition. Specifically, the need to address his sin. Why? So that something worse doesn’t happen to him.
Did Jesus speak from divine knowledge about past sinful behavior that caused the man’s illness? Perhaps. Scripture does speak about physical consequences to sin. But the eternal consequence to sin is worse. Because to reject Jeus is to miss salvation. Living with a physical disability on earth is difficult. But loss of salvation is forever.
Jesus was calling the man to repentance. And the same applies to us today. It doesn’t mean we won’t sin again. But to turn away from our sin and towards the righteousness of God. Because Jesus is interested in more than our well-being on earth. He seeks our presence in heaven.
A study of John 5:1-18 demonstrates Jesus is a constantly working God.
The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had healed him. (ESV, John 5:15)
The man had two opportunities to follow Jesus. And he walked away both times. Even worse. On the second time, he points Jesus out to the Jews who confront him about healing on the sabbath. The Greek term for “the Jews” is hoi Ioudaioi. Techically, it refers to a group of Jewish people. But the apostle John used it frequently to refer to the Jewish leaders that opposed Jesus. They were often members of the Sanhedrin who focused on enforcing rabbinic traditions over the meaning of scripture. And according to their interpretation, for Jesus to miraculously heal the man and for that man to carry his mat were both forms of work that violated the sabbath. And then, Jesus drops a bomb.
Jesus answered them, “My Father is working until now, and I am working.”
Wait. Does this contradict Genesis chapter two that says God rested on the seventh day? No, because Genesis 2:3 says God rested from his work of creation. Not that he rested from everything. God doesn’t take holidays or every sabbath off. Why? The apostle Paul tells us here:
And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. (ESV, Colossians 1:17)
The Greek word for “hold together” is συνίστημι, which means stand together, cohere, and sustained. And it indicates a present, ongoing action. In other words, the universe is not self-sufficent. God created it and actively holds it together. Furthermore, God is always present and operating in the lives of humanity. And orchestrating circumstances and events as he works towards his sovereign purpose.
But what really infuriated the Jews is that Jesus had the audacity to claim equality with God. It amounted to blasphemy in their minds. But a claim proved at the resurrection.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
Looking for a small group Bible Study?
This four week study dives directly into God’s word. It includes an individual study with an exegetical approach that examines word meaning, provides background information, and thought provoking questions for reflection and journaling, And a weekly, group study guide that promotes a lively group discussion around other scripture references, personal stories, and life experiences that help apply scriptural truth to life.
A study of John 4:43-54 reveals seeing is not always believing, desperate people turn to God, and belief in Jesus changes you and those around you.
A study of John 4:43-54 reveals seeing is not always believing.
So when he came to Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him, having seen all that he had done in Jerusalem at the feast. For they too had gone to the feast. (ESV, John 4:45)
After leaving Samaria, Jesus traveled to Galilee and stopped at Cana where he had turned the water into wine at a wedding reception. But verses 44 and 45 seem to contradict each other. In verse 44, Jesus says, “a prophet is without honor in his home town.” And verse 45 says “The Galileans welcomed him having seen all that he had done in Jerusalem.” What should we make of this?
To understand, let’s consider two of the Greek words used. In V.44, the Greek word for “honor” is timē, which means esteem, dignity, honor, and precious. And the Greek word in V.45 for “having seen” is heōrakotes, which means to see or perceive. In other words, the people witnessed the things Jesus did in Jerusalem. They were present to observe his cleansing of the temple and miracles. But there is no indication it meant anything to them. No respect or honor for him as the Messiah or even a prophet. Entertaining perhaps. Amazing for sure. But it didn’t move them to put their faith in him. Or cause them to believe he was the Son of God. They welcome him for another show. But not as the God they should worship.
We see this same attitude expressed today. No one denies Jesus’ miracles. The wisdom of his teaching. Or his exemplary moral life as a religious leader. But seeing is not believing. You can see him, but keep him at arms length. Stop short of confessing him as Lord. It is an intellectual acknowledgement, but not a commitment of genuine faith. That is the requirement of true discipleship.
A study of John 4:43-54 reveals that desperate people turn to God.
When this man heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went to him and asked him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. (ESV, John 4:47)
However, people will turn to God as a last resort. When they’ve tried everything else without success. And from the neighboring city of Capernum, an official comes and appeals to Jesus. The Greek word for “official” is basilikos and indicates someone who serves a king in an official capacity. He begs Jesus to go with him to his house and heal his son who is ill and on the brink of death.
There is no indication the man has any faith in Jesus. No declaration of Jesus as Lord. Or even an acknowledgement Jesus is a prophet from God. But he knew of Jesus’ miracles. And he was down to his last option and desperate for one. In response, Jesus expressed frustration. Why did the people demand miracles to believe in him? And treat him like he was a performer for their entertainment? When in fact, his miracles demonstrated his divinity as the Son of God. So that people would believe and put their faith in him.
And the same is true for today. We ask Jesus to solve our problems when he wants to save us from sin. And often express hopelessness for our circumstances with words like, “All we can do now is pray.” When prayer should be our first response. Because it’s not throwing your hands up in surrender. But reaching up to an almighty God. Although God does not quarantee a miracle, he does promise to never leave or forsake us. And despite the hard hearts of those gathered around him, Jesus tells the official. “Go. Your son will live.”
A study of John 4:43-54 reveals belief in Jesus changes your life and those around you.
The father knew that was the hour when Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live.” And he himself believed, and all his household. (ESV, John 4:53)
Give the official some credit. He did, at least, take Jesus at his word and leave. He met one of his servants on the way who shared good news. His son had returned to full health. And what did the official do? He asked at what time his son was healed.
There is a popular saying today: Trust but verify. It’s often used when an agreement is made with someone considered untrustworthy. And don’t keep their word. Go ahead and make the agreement. But verify they hold up their end of the deal.
That is unecessary with God because he always keeps his word. But when the servant verified his son was healed the exact moment Jesus said he would live, the official knew it was by the power of Jesus. And then he believed.
The Greek word for “believed” is pistĕuō, which means to have faith in, to trust, and entrust one’s spiritual well-being to Christ. It represents genuine belief in Jesus Christ as the Son of God. Most Christ-followers today believe in Jesus without the benefit of witnessing a miracle. But trust Jesus’ claim that he is the Son of God. And place their faith in him as the Savior of the world.
And like the Samaritan woman, the official did not keep his new faith to himself. But shared it with his family and led them to believe in Jesus too. He asked Jesus to heal his son and ended up with something much better. Spiritual healing and eternal life for his entire family. In other words, he made disciples of the ones with whom he carried the most influence. And so should we.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
Looking for a small group Bible Study?
This four week study dives directly into God’s word. It includes an individual study with an exegetical approach that examines word meaning, provides background information, and thought provoking questions for reflection and journaling, And a weekly, group study guide that promotes a lively group discussion around other scripture references, personal stories, and life experiences that help apply scriptural truth to life.
A study of John 4:1-42 reveals Jesus Christ is the living water that satisfies the soul, and the God of true worship who saves sinners.
A study of John 4:1-42 reveals that Jesus Christ is the living water.
Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” (ESV, John 4:10)
Jesus and his disciples were on their way from Galilee to Judea. The road they traveled passed through Samaria and they stopped to rest near the town of Sychar. Jesus waits at Jacob’s well, named after his forefather, while his disciples go in town to buy food. As he rests, a Samaritan woman from town comes to draw from the well. And Jesus asks her for a drink of water.
She is surprised Jesus speaks to her because it breaks two social conventions. First, in Jewish culture, men did not speak to women in public. And second, there was long history of racial prejudice and animosity between Samaritans and Jews. And the woman is quick to note both in her reply. She was probably thinking to herself, who is this guy who doesn’t understand or play by the rules?
But like his encounter with Nicodemus, Jesus cuts straight to spiritual truth. If she knew who he was she would ask him for “living water.” The words are composed of the Greek zaō for “living” and hýdōr for “water.” And represent regeneration and eternal life. Her curiosity piqued, the woman keeps the conversation going with another practial observation. You don’t even have a bucket. How will you access this living water?
A study of John 4:1-42 reveals that Jesus satisfies the soul
Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (ESV, John 4:13-14)
But Jesus didn’t answer her question. Why? Because he WAS the living water. And remains so today. He satisfies the spiritual thirst of our human soul. And provides the refreshing spring of eternal life. He ends the search for meaning, purpose, and significance. Explains why we’re here. What happens when we die. And how to live an abundant life on earth.
Now he has her complete attention. And the conversation flips. From her satisying his physical thirst to him satisfying her spiritual thirst. But first, she carries some baggage that must be addressed. The same problem with sin that we all carry today. And Jesus uncovers it with a simple statement. “Go call your husband and come here.”
A study of John 4:1-42 reveals that Jesus is the God of true worship
The woman said to him, “I know that Messiah is coming (he who is called Christ). When he comes, he will tell us all things.” Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am he. (ESV, John 4:25-26)
Jesus points out her sin. Not in general. But specifically. She has been married and divorced five times and currently lives with a man outside of marriage. And now she is flabergasted. A stranger she has just met knows the familar and unsavory details of her life. And her reaction is also familar. Because it reflects ours as well.
Admitting sin
Rather than admit and confess our sin, we rationalize and deflect. Talk about religion in general terms. Discuss spirituality as a human endeavor. Quote obscure Biblical passages out of context to make sweeping claims. And then defend our goodness. “I’m not so bad.” “Everybody is doing it.” “We all make mistakes.” And, “my life is not nearly as bad as the guy down the street.”
The woman tried to dodge the spiritual discussion. But like a fish on the line, Jesus slowly drew her in, narrowing the discussion along the way until she is out of excuses. And she reaches the pinnacle of her religious belief. The awaited Messiah. He will explain it all when he comes. She declares it as a discussion ender. Top rung on the ladder. Where the other person has no other comeback. But to her complete astonishment, Jesus replies that’s who he is.
He is literally the end of all spiritual discussion. Especially concerning worship. Because true worship is in spirit and truth. It’s not contingent on location or building architecture. Nor defined by celebration or reverence. A litany of traditions, confessions, and creeds. But is directed to God through the person of Jesus Christ. As we reflect on, praise, and exalt his name.
A study of John 4:1-42 reveals that Jesus saves sinners
They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world.” (ESV, John 4:42)
Right after Jesus revealed himself as Messiah to the woman, the disciples return with food. And things get a bit confusing. The disciples want to ask Jesus why he is talking to a Samaritan woman but don’t. Then try to give him food to eat, but he declines talking instead about spiritual food that nourishes him and fields white for harvest. In the mean time, the Samaritan woman leaves her water jar behind, rushes into town, and excitedly tells everyone about her encounter with Jesus at the well. A man who knew everything about her. Could he be the Christ?
Many from the town went out to meet him. They convinced him to stay with them for two more days. And when he left, many professed their faith in him as Savior of the world. The story demonstrates both the influence of personal witness and the transforming power of Jesus Christ. He cares about and pursues people that others reject and spiritually transforms all who believe in and respond to his gift of salvation.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
Looking for a small group Bible Study?
This four week study dives directly into God’s word. It includes an individual study with an exegetical approach that examines word meaning, provides background information, and thought provoking questions for reflection and journaling, And a weekly, group study guide that promotes a lively group discussion around other scripture references, personal stories, and life experiences that help apply scriptural truth to life.
A study of John 3:22-36 covers when ministries compete. Motives should be examined, humility expressed, and Jesus exalted.
A study of John 3:22-36 covers when ministries compete. Motives should be examined
And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, he who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you bore witness—look, he is baptizing, and all are going to him.” (ESV, John 3:26)
Jesus’ final command to his followers before ascending to heaven was to make disciples. It is our primary mission. And should unite us in a common cause. So, why is it rather than cooperating, we often compete? Both among and within churches.
Our church is better than your church. With ministries for everyone. Cooler worship. And relevant sermons that pack a spiritual punch. Seldom said out loud, of course. But hinted in subtle ways. Like mentioning our tremendous church growth. The near, professional level of our worship team. Multitude of baptisms. And so on.
We smile and say “praise” God at the glowing report of another church. But a twinge of jealousy pricks our hearts. And we secretly rejoice when they encounter hardship. We should examine our motives when these feelings arise. Because it is sin that drives apart rather than unifies in godly purpose. And we should confess them to God who cleanses us with his forgiveness.
However, it’s not new. Ministry jealousy appears front and center in this scripture passage. The crowds following Jesus were increasing as more people followed him rather than John the Baptist. And John’s disciples went to him about this unsettling shift in ministry popularity. Their concern pressing. Worry in their voices. Followers were flocking to Jesus instead of John. And while they didn’t come out and say it, you can sense it on the tip of their tongues. “Jesus is taking away all our followers. We have to do something!”
A study of John 3:22-36 covers when ministries compete. Humility should be expressed
You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. He must increase, but I must decrease.” (ESV, John 3:28-30)
In my mid 20’s, I attended a church Bible Study composed of young, entry level professionals. It was taught by a businessman who had reached the pinnacle of professional success. A senior leadership position in the company. Big home in an exclusive neighborhood. Expensive cars. But during one class he shared he had also reached a point in his Christian faith where material possessions were no longer important to him. He could easily give all these things up and still be happy. As we all quietly digested this humble brag, a voice in the back asked, “Can I have them?”
Expressing humility
John the Baptist made a humble statement about himself in John 1:20. He was not the Christ, but sent before him. Furthermore, he says in 1:27. “He who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.” It was the kind of unpretentious claim you expect from a minister. Humble. Contrite. But never tested. Until now. Because now, John’s thriving ministry was actually fading into the background. And perhaps, to the surprise of his disciples, rather than devise a new ministry growth plan, John the Baptist affirmed that, “He must increase, but I must decrease.”
It was an expression of genuine humility. Which is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking about yourself less. John understood that his mission was to pave the way for Jesus. And it demonstrates another truth. God calls every Christ-follower to serve in a form of ministry. Some are high profile. Others behind the scenes. But all are equally important in the Kingdom of God. Furthermore, God does not measure your level of success but of your faithfulness. And to acknowledge in everything that all credit goes to God.
A study of John 3:22-36 covers when ministries compete. Jesus should be exalted
He who comes from above is above all. He bears witness to what he has seen and heard, yet no one receives his testimony.Whoever receives his testimony sets his seal to this, that God is true. (ESV, John 3:31-33)
The word “above” is repeated twice in the first sentence, but has different meanings. The Greek word for “from above” is anōthĕn, which means from above, the top, from the first, and from the beginning. It refers to the divine, eternal Son of God. The second “above all” is the Greek word ĕpanō, and means amount, place, and rank. In other words, John exalts Jesus as the almighty God who reigns supreme. It is the antidote to ministry competition,comparison, and jealousy. By exalting Jesus’ name in praise.
It places us in humble submission to our Savior and Lord. And encourages us to celebrate every spiritual victory without scoring who gets the gets the credit. By reminding us we all serve the Kingdom of God for the glory of God.
Sure. Positive affirmation and the words, “good job” are always appreciated. But the ultimate satisfaction awaits when Jesus says, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
Looking for a small group Bible Study?
This four week study dives directly into God’s word. It includes an individual study with an exegetical approach that examines word meaning, provides background information, and thought provoking questions for reflection and journaling, And a weekly, group study guide that promotes a lively group discussion around other scripture references, personal stories, and life experiences that help apply scriptural truth to life.
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