Equal Persons. John 5:17-47 The Jewish leaders were upset when Jesus healed the infirm man on the Sabbath. In fact, their hostility was so intense that they sought ways to kill Him. Jesus responded by pointing out that God the Father works on the Sabbath to bless people, and He did the same as His Father. Those opposed to Him had no trouble recognizing Jesus' claim to be deity. Because of this, they became even angrier. This truth about Jesus is still challenged and attacked today. John chapter 5 speaks extensively about the deity of Christ and the equality of the Father and the Son.
When "Verily, verily" is used, it is an emphatic statement meaning "Most assuredly I say unto you." There is no doubt about the truth of the following statement when those words are used. In using the first of three "verily, verily" statements, the Lord Jesus declares that the Father and the Son work together in all they do. They are united in that activity. They do not act independently of each other. Although each Person of the Godhead has equal power, each has unique roles to fulfill. The second of these statements in verse 24 refers to the work Jesus does in presenting the Gospel, expecting those who hear Him to believe in Him. The third again indicates the cooperation of the Son and the Father in raising people from the dead at the resurrection of life and the resurrection of condemnation.
Jesus, the Son of God, is all-knowing, caring, and powerful. He has authority over nature, sickness, and the Sabbath. In His nature and character, He is untouchable, undeniable, and unmistakable. He is a deity in a body, visible to all, spoken plainly. In the Father and the Son, there is equality in working, knowing, resurrecting, judging, honoring, and regenerating power. Our Lord Jesus is self-existent in His being, living, and character. We have clear testimony from witnesses, from His works, and from His words that He is God, appearing as a man.
As the Lord continued to speak to the Jews, He told them seven ways in which He is equal with the Father. They are equal in everything they do, meaning both are omnipotent. They are also equal in knowledge, so both are omniscient. The Jews already had some evidence, and they would see more and greater proofs of Jesus' deity when they saw Him raise people from the dead and act as the Judge of both the living and the dead. Resurrecting power is unique to God, who alone has the power to give life. Only God, who knows the hearts of all men, is qualified to judge everything with perfect justice. Both the Father and the Son are to be honored equally. Each has authority over all things, and equal honor should be given to each. Our current generation has dishonored both the Lord Jesus and the Father. However, because of God's grace, it is still possible to receive eternal life, and both are equal in giving it. Their self-existence means that neither is subject to the other in their eternal existence. Both are eternal in themselves.
The Lord Jesus was speaking personally when He said, "I say unto you." He has the right to expect us to listen to Him when He clearly presents, in very simple terms, how one receives everlasting life—the life of God. That person is assured of freedom from the consequences and eternal punishment of sin. It is very important for us to speak to people in Christ's name and explain what He said and what He meant when He made this promise of everlasting life. When He talks about the impact of the Gospel now, when people hear the voice of the Son of God, He is speaking of spiritual life given to those who are dead (separated from God) in trespasses and sins. When He spoke of the resurrection of physical bodies, He referred to Himself as the Son of Man, both in resurrection and judgment. He knows us because He was one of us. Though He appeared as a man, He is the Son of Man who came down from heaven to give us His kind of life. To receive Him is to live. To reject Him means eternal damnation.
There were four witnesses about Jesus to those Jews, whom they could believe if they were willing to do so. Whether they did or not, those witnesses left them without excuse. We also are without excuse in our day because we have the testimony of those same witnesses in written form. The Father witnessed who the Lord Jesus is through audible words spoken at least three times. Additionally, the works of the Father and the Son in creation and other acts testify to Jesus' identity without words. John the Baptist was another clear witness when he identified Jesus as the Lamb of God and as the Lord he prepared the way for. Scriptures long ago foretold the coming Messiah, and over 300 prophecies were fulfilled when the Lord Jesus Christ was in the flesh. Those scriptures still reveal to us Him, who remains the same in the past, present, and future.
Rejecting any, especially all, of those witnesses is to oppose God, His revealed truth, and everything accessible through faith. Such rejection narrows a person's knowledge and experience to the limits of their finite mind. This attitude conflicts with everyone who lives by faith, challenges God's holy word, and opposes God Himself. It also aligns them with the narrow view of every existentialist who believes he is his own god and that his god is whatever limited mind claims it to be.
A god of imagination is merely that—imagination. It is not real. It leaves a person without a reason to exist, without meaning in life, and without a future as far as that individual is concerned. The awakening of such people after death must be frightening. The Lord Jesus expected people to believe in Him because of the witnesses who were present, demonstrating the truth. We have the right to expect people to believe the Gospel message if we present it in accordance with Scripture, in fellowship with God, and empowered by the Holy Spirit.
As God, our Lord Jesus Christ is… Sovereign: He has the right to do what He wants. Righteous: He is absolutely right. Just: It is impossible for Him to do anything unfair. Love: He freely gives without consideration of the merit of another. Eternal life: He is always in existence. Omniscient: His knowledge is limitless. Omnipresent: He is in all places at all times; we are in His space. Omnipotent: He is unlimited in His power. Immutable: He is unchanging. Veracity: His truth is absolute in every situation.
From God’s creation to this day of grace, there has always been perfect cooperation between the Father and the Son. In every instance, they acted as one. In bringing salvation, the love within one was shared equally by the other. The Son's power was also in the Father; all judgment is committed to the Son—not to anyone else—and both the Father and Son are equal in honor. The words of the Godhead are clearly revealed in the Word of God. What was once hidden is now expressed as divine truth and openly unveiled in the scriptures, revealing the eternal life He offers us.
“Verily, verily” are personal words I can take as I look into the past, learning how He made all things and then gave eternal life as a gift that is free to me. The Father and Son cooperate for my sake now and in the future. When the Word of God was read, an explanation was given; life began to stir. Sin and guilt made this seeker stop; repentance was not far away. Light began to dawn where the darkness of sin once reigned, and this seeker turned 180 degrees, facing what the Word of God made plain.
Then, the Holy Spirit prompted this seeker to listen to God's voice. The words of the Bible revealed the sin-cleansing power of Jesus' blood. The seeker's ears were opened, then their mind, and finally their mouth was opened to confess Jesus Christ as my Lord. The light of life brought a spiritual resurrection, and the meaning of the cross broke through!
Now, there is noise everywhere in the world where people gather. Much of it is for pleasure-seekers trying to satisfy their tired appetites. Amidst all the sounds of industry, travel, and even war, there are those in quiet meditation eagerly searching for more. The awakening of a restless soul after a long night of pleasure makes one dead in trespasses and sins, causing them to stop and evaluate what they have gained from a life spent in pleasure and fun. They begin to wonder what will be real when all of this life ends. The noise exists because people's souls are seeking some relief. Their bodies are used as tools, but their spirits are lifeless in unbelief.
Behind all this activity, another Spirit waits patiently to bring new birth and new life that can lead to joyful praises. The hour has come! The Spirit moves a believer to kneel and pray. Someone else arises early during Bible reading, learning what to say to a loved one, perhaps a child, a neighbor, or a friend you know, and the Holy Spirit begins to work, showing through the soul-winner the way to express the path to salvation.
The Spirit moves the payer and the reader to focus on the dissatisfied one—who is not yet a seeker. Soon, the payer's efforts cause the dissatisfied one to seek, and the Holy Spirit nudges both the reader and the seeker to meet. Now that the seeker has finally found it, real life begins at the cross. The blood of Jesus has paid the price of sin and washes away the world's impurities. “What is it?” is the name of manna, the bread of God come down from heaven. This mysterious, pure, soul-saving food from heaven enters the dark soul from the Father. Round and sweet; at first, it appears insignificant, but upon closer look, it is seen to be perfectly shaped; its color is pure and visible even in the dark morning. It has no corners or hidden spots to cast shadows; it is impossible to find a blemish or spot. This is God’s word!
“What time is it?” would be the hungry soul’s question in the predawn darkness. People all around are silent and helpless as they sleep. The black darkness of a soul longing for life is lit by heavenly fire. Other people wondering about the next meal toss and turn in restless sleep, as life-giving provision falls all around. The first light appears whitely as it reflects on heavenly food with heavenly light. The hungry soul who rises and takes the spiritual food becomes a new creation in Christ. A whole new life begins at that hour of resurrection. The Holy Spirit, the pray-er, and the reader all work together to bring the searcher salvation.