John 5:19-30

The authority of the Son of God -- John 5:19-30: In a lengthy reply to the Jews Jesus gave proof of His deity and ministry. Jesus declared that the Son can do nothing on His own. As the Son of God, Jesus did what He saw the Father do. Jesus had said that He was equal with God. Therefore, He could do nothing contrary to God. Jesus said, "The Father will show him even greater things, and you will be amazed. Just as the Father raises the dead and gives life, so the Son gives life to anyone he wants to." The Jews knew that only God could do these great miracles but in their self righteousness they still denied Jesus as the Christ. They were judging Jesus now, but He would be the one who would judge them at the final judgment. "The Father does not judge anyone, but he has made his Son the judge of everyone." Jesus proclaimed Himself to be equal with God. He deserved the same honor due the Father. "The Father wants all people to honor the Son as much as they honor him. When anyone refuses to honor the Son that is the same as refusing to honor the Father who sent him." The only way to avoid eternal condemnation and to receive eternal life is to believe that Jesus is the Messiah and to serve Him with all of your heart. There can be no spiritual and eternal life apart from Jesus Christ. Judgment is coming and only those who are faithful in Christ will be saved. "Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation." (John 5:28-29) Let us be like Jesus. He said, "I obey him, and I do not just try to please myself." It was a tragedy that Jesus was offering these Jews eternal life and they were rejecting Him. Sadly, the same tragedy is repeated among many in our day. Jesus offers eternal life to people and He is rejected.