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The Son and the Father Work Together

John 5:19-23
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. 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. 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. Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son, that all may honour the Son just as they honour the Father. Whoever does not honour the Son does not honour the Father, who sent him. (NIVUK)

The relationship between God the Father and God the Son is difficult for some to understand because it is a unique relationship - there is no exact parallel in our human experience.  So, it is wonderful to have the words of the Lord Jesus telling us how He relates with His Father.  Firstly: Jesus is not independent of the Father: He only does what Father God does, and there is nothing the Father does which the Son does not also do.  Secondly: Father God hides nothing from the Son; the Father and Son totally trust each other because they totally love each other.

Thirdly: even greater than healing the sick, Jesus (the Son) would show His Divine nature in raising the dead (John 11:38-44), in just the same way that the Father would raise His Son from the grave.  But the even greater miracle is that the Son delights to use His Divine authority and power to give eternal life to everybody who trusts in Him (John 3:16).  Fourthly: although Father God has the right to judge people, He has placed the responsibility for judging people's lives solely into the hands of Jesus.  Those who do not believe Jesus Christ is Lord of everything are condemned (John 3:18).

So, fifthly: those who claim to honour God but do not accept the Lordship of Christ delude themselves (1 John 2:22-23).  They do not see that it is impossible to honour Father God, if they do not honour Jesus Christ the Son.  Indeed, if we fail to honour Jesus Christ as God the Son then we dishonour God the Father, and that is an eternally fatal error.

Most people in the world know that God exists.  The question is, how can we find Him and honour Him?  Jesus answers that later in John's Gospel, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No-one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him." (John 14:6-7). In other words, if people do not believe in Jesus as God the Son, they can never know God the Father.  Jesus knows who believes in Him, and He will be everybody's Judge.  That is a realistic spur to evangelism.  It is very important to respect other people, their culture and traditions; but if they do not know Christ and we do not care enough to tell them about Him, then we have shown them great disrespect - because to know Him, is to know God.  Perhaps you might show them www.crosscheck.org.uk to start the conversation.

Prayer 
Father God. Thank You that Jesus was so clear about His relationship with You. I am sorry when I have thought of Him as less than He is - King of kings and Lord of lords. Please help me to understand His Divine nature, His power to judge and give life to those who believe in Him. Help me to be practically concerned that my family, friends and colleagues should understand who Jesus is, and put their trust in Him. In His Name. Amen.
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© Dr Paul Adams