The Gospel Proclamation “ My Father is still working, and I also am working.” For this reason the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because he was not only breaking the sabbath, but was also calling God his own Father, thereby making himself equal to God. Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing on his own but only what he sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, the Son does likewise. The Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing and he will show him greater works than these, so that you will be astonished. Indeed just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whomever he wishes. The Father judges no one but has given all judgment to the Son, so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. ... anyone who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life, and does not come under judgment, but has passed from death to life. ... the hour is coming and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live. For just 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. Do not be astonished at this; for the hour is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and will come out - those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.
Prayerful Awareness In this passage, we find this Man Jesus, claiming the same authority to work as God, whom Jesus addresses as His Father. Jesus also clearly shows His total dependence on God, when He says “A Son cannot do anything on his own, but only what he sees his Father doing” (vs. 19) Jesus also claims the same authority to work as God, and even claims divine prerogatives, such as power over life and death and even final judgement. Obviously this Man Jesus, aught to be either insane or He ought to be truly God Himself. The Jews who thought Jesus was insane decided to kill Him. (vs. 18). Who do I think, Jesus is? Let me reflect ....
Prayer Starter The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in love. (Ps. 145:8)
