43. Jesus claims to be God’s son
– John 5:16-30
John 5:17 “Jesus said to them, ‘My father is always at work to this very day, and I, too, am working.”
Evil doesn’t take a single day off; so, why should God take a day off? He doesn’t. He promised to never leave you. He will always protect and provide for you. Just because God rested on the seventh day of creation doesn’t mean that he stopped doing good. Jesus doesn’t want you to sit back and do nothing when good presents itself. Don’t ignore someone who is in need simply because it is the Sabbath. When God designed the Sabbath it was for you and me to not be overworked. God created you and knows what you need. You need rest to breathe and rejuvenate. When we are overworked, not only does our productivity decline but we also get too caught up with the hustle and bustle of life. Don’t let your weeks spin out of control. Don’t let the world run your life. The Sabbath is important so that you may take a pause on the world. It helps you realign your priorities back to God. It gives you time to dive into his word and really listen to his voice. Rest on the Sabbath is important but it doesn’t mean that you quit everything. If the opportunity to expand God’s kingdom presents itself, then take it.
John 5:23 “that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him.”
Jesus is claiming to be the Son of God. He is also claiming that he has been entrusted with all of the power of the Father. Like the Pharisees, you have two options. Either you can believe him or accuse him of blasphemy. Your decision is detrimental to your eternity. Do you believe Jesus was a man who walked this earth? Do you believe that he did all of the miracles that millions of people experienced while he was on earth? Do you believe he fulfilled all of the prophecies of the Old Testament? Do you believe that he only spoke the truth? Do you believe that he paid the sacrifice to your sins? Do you believe he defeated death and resurrected to join God? If you answered “no” to any of these questions, then what is holding you back? What proof do you need to be reassured? God wants to answer your questions. He doesn’t want you to have doubts. He wants you to be certain that Jesus was his son. He wants you to honor him by honoring his son. God has entrusted Jesus with everything. Serve, love, and honor Jesus just as you would the father. Give both the same respect.
John 5:24 “I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.”
The moment you accept Christ into your heart, you have begun your eternal life. New life begins within you. You are reunited spiritually with God. You are given life abundantly for all eternity. We all live forever. It is your choice whether you wish to live forever in death or life. Because Jesus is eternally existent with God, the Creator, he too is “the life” through whom we may live eternally.
John 5:28-29 “Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out – those who have done good will rise to live , and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned.”
Daniel 12:1-3 “There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people – everyone whose name is found written in the book – will be delivered. Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.”
There will be a day when Christ comes to the earth again. At this point, he will conquer the Devil once and for all. Everyone will be taken from their graves and be brought to judgement. Those who have their sins forgiven by Christ’s sacrifice will be given eternal life. However, those who deny Christ and live lives of sin will be sent to condemnation. It is a scary thought that not everyone goes to heaven. We tend to ignore it and focus on only what we can see, the now. But, not focusing on the coming day of judgment can bring more harm than anything else. Be eager to share eternal life with those around you. Don’t let the thought of death bring you fear. Death has lost its sting. Offer the salvation you have received to those around you. Don’t make the mistake of ignoring it.
