The Gospel of John 5:16-30 (Jesus saying he is God) – Angelic Wars
angelic wars; musical novel; Rick E Norris; Christian author

The Gospel of John 5:16-30 (Jesus saying he is God)



 

Now we move forward in John 5:16-30 where Jesus says he is God. Though he doesn't use that word, “God,” to those of his day, he was saying the same thing.

16 So, because Jesus was doing these things on the Sabbath, the Jewish leaders began to persecute him. 17 In his defense Jesus said to them, “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working.” 18 For this reason they tried all the more to kill him; not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.

19 Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. 20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, and he will show him even greater works than these, so that you will be amazed. 21 For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it. 22 Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son, 23 that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him.

24 “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life. 25 Very truly I tell you, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live. 26 For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself. 27 And he has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man.

28 “Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice 29 and come out—those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned. 30 By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me.

Questions for discussion:

  1. What is Jesus saying that makes the religious leaders angry enough to want to kill him?
  2. What authority is Jesus saying that he has in this section?
  3. Do you feel like you have experienced a new life when you accepted Jesus?



Leave a Comment:

5 comments
Rick says July 30, 2023

Rick’s thoughts:

1. What is Jesus saying that makes the religious leaders angry enough to want to kill him?

Jesus was “working” on the Sabbath. He also is saying that God is his Father and in the Jewish traditions, sons imitate their fathers. He is, in fact, making himself equal with God. More to the point, the claims that He made. The deeds that He did. His threat to their religious system. His threat to their way of life. The people with whom He socialized. The lack of respect He had for their religious traditions. These six things caused outraged among the religious rulers. In addition, Jesus’ Claims Outweighed Their Authority. Consequently, they wanted to see Jesus dead.

2. What authority is Jesus saying that he has in this section?

He has the authority to judge all of humankind because the Father gave him that authority. (Acts 10:42; 17:31-32), He also is saying that whoever believes in him has eternal life and is not subject to eternal death. Jesus equates himself with the Father with the power to raise the dead.

3. Do you feel like you have experienced a new life when you accepted Jesus?

It is hard to describe. Throughout my life, whether pursuing my career, raising children, or enjoying my marriage, Jesus has been a constant presence. The miracles and great things the doors he has opened (and closed) have set me on a course that has come into focus in my later life. Though I have had my challenges with temptations, Jesus has always stood by me through the Holy Spirit.

Reply
Ashaba Timothy says July 31, 2023

Jesus is the way and truth if accepted into our lives, John 3: 16 , 16 for God gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth in him will not perish but have an everlasting life

Reply
    Rick says July 31, 2023

    Hi Ashaba,

    Thank you for your comments. What you have written in seen from everything from merchandise to automobile bumper stickers. It does narrow down the reason why Jesus came into this world.

    Reply
van says August 2, 2023

Jesus is saying He is the Son of God and the authority He has is what is given to Him by the Father.
For me it has been a continual re-acceptance more than a one time event. Each time it is like drawing closer and getting nearer.

Reply
    Rick says August 3, 2023

    Hey Van,

    Thanks for your comments. I agree with your second statement about the relationship with Jesus constantly building up over time. I guess that is real love.

    Reply
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