In this
passage we hear for the first time that the Jews persecuted Jesus (v. 16). Jesus response captures the heart of all that
He is and does as He reveals Himself to be doing God’s work as one equal to God
(v. 17-18). Jesus then goes on to
further explain these truths in verses 19-30.
Notice how Jesus speaks of being able to do nothing on His own, only
what He sees the Father doing (v. 19).
Jesus has constant communion with the Father and His whole life is a
reflection of what the Father is like.
The Father and Son have a love relationship with each other (v.
20). The Son gives life (v. 21), and He
has been entrusted with judging (vs. 22).
In these verses Jesus clearly teaches His equality with the Father! Jesus concludes His keynote address with
evidence to back up this claim (v. 31-47).
He calls attention to several witnesses who confirm His identity (v.
31-40) but He is aware that they don`t receive these witnesses. He accuses them of accepting praise from one
another instead of seeking praise from God (v. 44) and also accuses them of not
believing Moses (v. 47) which would have greatly offended them.
JOURNALING AND PRAYER
1.
Accusations abound it todays reading! Think about a time when someone accused you
of something – can you honestly use in your defence that you were only
mimicking the character of God? This is
the type of character that Christians are to aspire to, the very character of
God! Ask the Holy Spirit to show you how
you are doing in this area. Spend some
time confessing any character issues the Holy Spirit revealed to you.
2.
Verses19-23 gives us insight into how the Godhead
functions. Jesus only does what He sees
the Father doing. He lives in complete
submission to the Father, even though they are equal. This is also how Christians are to live – in
complete submission to the Father. This
means that we don’t get a say. We are to
listen and obey what He tells us - another reason why it’s important to be in
the Word! Have you been obedient in
seeking God’s will for your time, money, family, entertainment choices,
etc.? Spend some time praying about
these things now – ask the Lord to show you how you can obey Him in each of
these areas.
