SCRIPTURE BY DOUG SMITH
Lesson Text: John 5:19-29
Related Scriptures: Luke 2:41-52; John 5: 1-17; 8:25-30; 10:31-39; Philippians 2:5-11
In these scriptures, we see that Jesus was identifying himself with God, His Father, which could be no doubt as to His claim to be God’s Son. Because of his unity with God, Jesus lived as God wanted him to live. In his conversation with the Jews at Jerusalem, this message was not received well. He further explained the relationship between God the Father, and himself God’s Son.
In Luke2:41-52, we see that Jesus, at a very early age began to turn his attention to the ministry. We also see that Jesus demonstrated wisdom beyond his years, which is not surprising since he stayed in close contact with his Heavenly Father( vs.49). “ How is it that you sought me? Wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?” In John 5:1-17,Jesus demonstrates his divinity by healing the man that was at the pool of Bethesda, not by placing him into the pool once the water was troubled, but by telling him to rise, take up thy bed, and walk.
In John 8:25-30, Jesus explains his divinity and everything that he has done and said to them was not of his own accord but was those things which he had been taught by his Father. In these verses, John 10:31-39, Jesus makes it absolutely clear, even according to their law not only of his divine nature, but he stated..” that the Father is in me, and I in him.” All of these things he spake unto them, under the threat of being stoned. Philippians 2:5-11, speaks of the incarnation, the act of the pre-existent Son of God, assuming a human body and human nature, without ceasing to be God. “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.”( vs.5).
SYNOPSIS BY JANICE HALL
This portion of the fifth chapter of John, shows how Jesus explains His relationship to the Father. The Son observes the Father and perfectly reflects Him. He, ( Jesus) as God the Son, does nothing independently. Jesus is fully submitted to the Father’s will and abide in a relationship of mutual, perfect love. The Son then tells the Jews that the Father will show Him even greater work.
God the Father gave this work of judgement to God the Son so Jesus would receive honor. Just as the Son judges , He also saves. To be saved is to receive the forgiveness, grace, mercy, and favor of Jesus through believing and hearing. To be in Christ is to have life, but to reject Him will cause separation from God for all of eternity.
In John 5: vs. 19, 24,25, we see the expression of “ Verily, verily..”, used which tells us that the words spoken here are very important both to be heard and heeded. Each time this phrase is expressed it is a strong claim to truth and there is no doubt regarding these things. Jesus is not merely aware of these truths, He is the One who originated them. These are ideas about which Jesus has personal, intimate knowledge.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION BY OLIVIA SAUNDERS
Have you ever heard the saying “ Like father, Like son”?.., well this is a perfect example of what Jesus allowed us to bear witness of their life. Just like in the spiritual realm so it is in the natural. Sometimes even from birth, when men become fathers they set the path for their sons to follow in their footsteps. Some grow up and follow suit, and some may not but in this case it was a pleasure and extremely beneficial for us today, that Jesus was a reflection of His Father, the Master.
In John 5, it is evident that Jesus makes it clear that He is the Son of God. If we pay close attention when we read the word of God, one can see that genealogy is very important, plays a key role in determining people’s lives, and what their future will be. For example, King David was the great grandson of Boaz and Ruth. Both Jesus and John the Baptist were earthly cousins by their mothers. Jesus made this bold statement and declaration because He honored His Father, far greater than receiving praise from people, because he knew nothing could be accomplished without God and so it is with us.
We are called to be everyday examples of who we serve. Jesus petitioned us to take up our cross and walk daily. Whether we can see Jesus or not He promised to always be with us, as God was with him.and we are that witness. We are encouraged, saints of God, because while we do the Lord’s work we are not alone. We can continually make every moment a God moment, and be a pathway to our peers.
