John 5:21-23 -- For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom he will. 22 For the Father judges no one, but has given 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.
In today's verses we see Jesus continuing to explain His relationship with God the Father and the authority He has.
First, He brings up raising the dead and giving life. Healing a man who had been sick and feeble for thirty-eight years is no small thing, but now Jesus tells them His power goes beyond that. He can do what the Father can do.
Second, He mentions judgment. The religious authorities were ready to pour out their judgement on Jesus for breaking Sabbath laws and traditions, but He now tells them He has ultimate authority to judge. At this point I can only imagine the people who have confronted Jesus are in complete and total shock at this point.
Jesus then says it was done this way so all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. He goes further to say those who do not honor the Son, do not honor the Father who sent Him. We already saw back in verse eighteen these religious authorities already wanted to kill Jesus. Now that He is making clear exactly who He is, this would've dumped rocket fuel on their already burning desire to kill Him.
For us reading the Gospels two thousand plus years later, it's easy to see Jesus' words and miracles in two separate categories. We have nifty verses and headers in our Bible that breaks things down. That's wonderful and helpful but remember this all happened during a feast in Jerusalem, around the Temple. There were people everywhere. They saw Jesus heal, do wonders, and signs. Then turn and speak this way to the religious authorities.
For those authorities they only saw what they wanted to, which was a breaking of Sabbath law and tradition. They did not take in the whole picture before passing their judgment.
Christian, be careful not to break Jesus into pieces. Pieces can get lost or easily overlooked. We must look at the whole of Him if we are going to walk as He walked. Where the pharisees dismissed His miracles and went after Him for His words. Modern Christians tend to dismiss His words and go after Him for his miracles. Do you know the whole Jesus?
It's something to think about today. Don't take my word on it, be the Berean and get into your Bible, hear His words, and see His actions for yourself!
You are loved. You are prayed over. You are not alone.
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