John 5:17-23

Daily S.O.A.P. Prompts

S – What verse stands out to me today?

O – What is God revealing about Jesus?

A – How should this change my life today?

P – What is my prayer in response?

Scripture

John 5:17-23 (LEB) 17 But he answered them, “My Father is working until now, and I am working.” 18 So on account of this the Jews were seeking even more to kill him, because he not only was breaking the Sabbath, but also was calling God his own Father, thus making himself equal with God. 19 So Jesus answered and said to them, “Truly, truly I say to you, the Son can do nothing from himself except what he sees the Father doing. For whatever that one does, these things also the Son does likewise. 20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him everything that he himself is doing. And greater works than these he will show him, so that you will be astonished. 21 For just as the Father raises the dead and makes them alive, thus also the Sonmakes alive whomever he wishes. 22 For the Father does not judge anyone, but he has given all judgment to the Son, 23 in order that all people will honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. The one who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him.

Observation

• It is important to note that Jesus was doing these things on the Sabbath. The Jewish leaders started to persecute Jesus because he was healing people on the Sabbath. They were seeking to kill him, not just because of the healing on the Sabbath. They were seeking to kill him because Jesus was calling God “Father”. Blasphemy!

• “equal with God” —not just equal with God, but actually God himself. 

• Another use of the authoritative phrase “Truly, truly…” Jesus is not denying the accusation. He embraces it and tells them he is only doing what he has seen his Father do. 

• There are a lot of Father/Son language in these verses. 

• Jesus will do even greater works than these, because his Father has shown him more. 

• God makes dead things alive. Jesus has this same power and can do it to whomever he wishes. 

• God has given Jesus all authority to judge humanity. This power has been given by his Father. This power leads to honor. The one in charge receives honor. 

• Finally, Jesus tells us, the one who doesn’t honor him doesn’t honor God. There is no separation of divinity. Like Father, like Son.

Application

• Doing the will of God can lead to persecution. 

• I am a child/son of God and God is my Father because of Jesus. 

• All authority has been given to me through Jesus, the Son.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us your Son, Jesus. It is because of his sacrifice that I have abundant life. Because of your name, I know I will experience persecution. Help me to face it head-on, demonstrating both grace and truth. Fill me with your authority and power through the Holy Spirit. May greater things happen! I speak life over my body, soul, and spirit. I speak life over my family, wife, and children. I speak life over my church. In Jesus’ name. Amen!

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