Authority of the Son
📖 Scripture Focus
John 5:16-24 (New Living Translation)
John 5:16-17 NLT
“So the Jewish leaders began harassing Jesus for breaking the Sabbath rules. But Jesus replied, “My Father is always working, and so am I.””
He points to something deeper: His unity with the Father. This shows us that Jesus was not merely a teacher or healer; He is God the Son, co-working with the Father, even on the Sabbath.
Rather than debate Sabbath rules, Jesus points to God’s constant activity—even on the Sabbath. If the Father is always working to uphold and sustain creation, so is the Son. Jesus does not break God’s law—He reveals God’s heart.
Application: Jesus isn’t just doing good deeds—He is doing God’s work. Following Jesus means aligning our lives with what God is doing, not just what feels right or moral.
DISCUSSION
1. “My Father is always working, and so am I.”
In what ways do you see God “always working” around you—even in times when it feels like nothing is happening?
How can this perspective change how we view challenges or delays in life?
John 5:18 NLT
“So the Jewish leaders tried all the harder to find a way to kill him. For he not only broke the Sabbath, he called God his Father, thereby making himself equal with God.”
This verse highlights the shock of Jesus’ claim. Calling God “Father” in this intimate way wasn’t common. He wasn’t just claiming a relationship—He was claiming equality with God.
Application: Christianity stands or falls on this truth—Jesus is God. Any teaching that reduces Jesus to a mere prophet or good teacher misses the core of the gospel.
DISCUSSION
2. “The Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing.”
What do you think it means to “see what the Father is doing” in our lives? How can we train ourselves to recognize God’s activity?
Share a time when you felt nudged by God to act or not act.
John 5:19-20 NLT
“So Jesus explained, “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does. For the Father loves the Son and shows him everything he is doing. In fact, the Father will show him how to do even greater works than healing this man. Then you will truly be astonished.”
This reveals a perfect unity and submission in the Trinity. Jesus never acts independently of the Father; instead, He mirrors the Father’s work and will.
Do we mirror the Father or do we expect him to mirror us?
True spiritual maturity involves learning to do what the Father is doing—not what culture demands or emotion suggests.
Application: If we want to know what God is like, we look at Jesus. And if we want to live like Jesus, we must seek to know and follow the Father’s heart.
John 5:21-24 NLT
“For just as the Father gives life to those he raises from the dead, so the Son gives life to anyone he wants. In addition, the Father judges no one. Instead, he has given the Son absolute authority to judge, so that everyone will honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Anyone who does not honor the Son is certainly not honoring the Father who sent him.
“I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life.”
To reject Jesus is to reject God. To honor Him is to honor the One who sent Him. And this honor isn’t just about lip service—it involves believing and obeying.
Jesus claims the authority to give life and execute judgment—roles reserved for God alone.
This is the core of the gospel: belief in Jesus leads to eternal life, not judgment. Eternal life isn’t just about going to heaven— it begins the moment we believe.
“Those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life.” (v. 24)
This is a clear and powerful promise: those who believe in Jesus have already crossed over from death to life.
Application: Honoring Jesus means trusting in His message, aligning our lives with His truth, and recognizing His authority as God the Son.
DISCUSSION
3. “The Son gives life to anyone he wants.”
What kind of “life” do you think Jesus is talking about here? How is it different from just existing?
Can you describe a moment when your faith felt especially alive?
4. “Anyone who does not honor the Son is certainly not honoring the Father who sent him.”
In today’s culture, what are some ways people try to honor God but ignore Jesus? Why does that matter?
What does it look like to truly honor Jesus in your daily life?
5. “Those who listen to my message and believe… have eternal life… and have already passed from death into life.”
What does it mean to “already” have eternal life—right now? How should that affect the way we live today?
What’s one way you can live like someone who’s already been given eternal life?