Gospel of John 09.vp

62

The Gospe l of John

b. The Jews reaction: the desire to kill Jesus for the offense of blasphemy , 5.18 – This was why the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God. (1) He appears to take on privileges and prerogatives associated with God alone (i.e., the right to work on the Sabbath, 5.17).

(2) In so doing Jesus indirectly makes the claim of his own deity, i.e., of a position equal to God.

IV. Jesus Defends His Identity and Authority, John 5.19-47

A. Jesus’ relationship to the Father: ten truths regarding the unity of the Father to the Son, 5.19-29

This is one of the richest portions of Scripture anywhere which gives us Jesus’ firsthand account of his understanding of himself, his identity, and his relationship to the Father. This unit of Scripture provides us with unequivocal proof of Jesus’ self consciousness as being united with God in a unique and dynamic way, implying throughout that he shares with the Father the same essence, prerogatives, and authority.

1. The Son does nothing of his own accord , but only does what he sees the Father doing , 5.19.

2. The Father loves the Son and reveals to him all that he is doing, 5.20.

3. As the Father raises the dead and gives them life , so the Son gives life to whom he will, 5.21.