A Study Of John 5:19-29
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.
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