Today’s Reading: John 5:16-24

 

Today’s Big Points

1. Jesus gave them the answer

2. Jesus sets a great example

3. God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit …the Life-Giver

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BIG IDEA:

Right before this part of John, Jesus healed a man who had been sick and unable to move for 38 years. The religious leaders were convinced that Jesus had broken one of their rules in healing the man and instructing him to carry his mat on the Sabbath. Now, we read Jesus’ response to those angry men. His response definitely did not calm the leaders—it actually made them angrier! They were angry that Jesus called God his Father, implying that he was equal with God. They thought this statement was a terrible sin called blasphemy. They didn’t realize or believe Jesus was God’s son.

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The Jewish leaders knew exactly who Jesus was claiming to be here and it’s the reason they ended up killing Jesus. Nice men and good teachers don’t get murdered by the established governmental powers. Only threats to their power could put Jesus in danger of death from them. The religious leaders saw Jesus as a threat—not just because of his popularity and influence, but because He repeatedly claimed to be equal with God the Father. Jesus' claims were radical, but his life backed them up, and his influence is still seen all over the world.

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Jesus goes on to explain his relationship with God the Father, and we learn three important truths:

1) Jesus always obeyed the Father. Jesus did nothing on his own, he completely and joyfully surrendered his will and what he wanted to do to the Father. He did this perfectly to take our place. He knew we wouldn’t always obey. He also did this as our example, showing us how to surrender and to do what God wants us to do.

2) Jesus and the Father love and know each other. Jesus and his Father perfectly love each other. This amazing relationship of love and trust is one that we get to join in on and experience! Later in the gospel of John, Jesus prays that we would all be one just as he and the Father are one. (John 17)

3) Jesus and the Father work together. The Trinity (God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit) have the same heart and mind. Together they share and carry out the plan to rescue humanity and restore creation. We should be so grateful for that plan!

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Questions to Ponder

For Adults:

• Why is Jesus’ obedience to the Father so important for you and me?

• In what ways can you—as a child of God—love and know him better? What can you do to join in his work in the world around you?

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For Teens:

• What qualities do you think make a good father? (or mother/grandfather/grandmother)

• What is one thing you learned today about Jesus and the Father?

• How did Jesus obey the Father?

• Why should we be grateful that the Trinity works together?

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For Kids:

• Who did Jesus say was his father?

• How did the religious leaders respond? Why?

• What is one thing you learned today about Jesus and the Father?

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BIG PRAYER:

God,

Thank you for being a good Father. You are a good Father to Jesus your son and you are a good Father to me. Thank you that I can become your child because I believe in Jesus—who he is and what he has done. Thank you that I am not your enemy, but I am your son or daughter. Thank you for welcoming me into your home and into your family. Help me to live out my new identity as your child. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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