Jesus & the Father Are One

 

The Father and the Son – John 5:17–30

Dear Friends, the healing at Bethesda on the Sabbath has already stirred trouble. The Jews are furious—not because Jesus healed, but because He did it on the wrong day and then said something even bolder: “My Father is working until now, and I am working” (v. 17). To them, this was blasphemy. Jesus was claiming equality with God.

He doesn’t back down. Instead He explains the profound unity between Himself and the Father:

“The Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise” (v. 19).

“The Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing” (v. 20).

“The Son gives life to whom he will” (v. 21).

“The Father… has given all judgement to the Son” (v. 22).

“Whoever does not honour the Son does not honour the Father who sent him” (v. 23).

Jesus is not a second, separate God. Nor is He merely a prophet or miracle-worker. He is the Son who shares the Father’s nature, authority, and work. The Father works through the Son; the Son reveals and accomplishes the Father’s will perfectly. To see Jesus is to see the Father. To honour Jesus is to honour the Father. To reject Jesus is to reject the Father.

Then comes the staggering promise:

“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgement, but has passed from death to life” (v. 24).

The hour is coming—and now is—when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and live (v. 25).

Jesus claims authority over life and death, over judgement and resurrection. The Father has granted the Son to have life in Himself (v. 26) and to execute judgement (v. 27). One day every grave will empty at His voice (vv. 28–29). Those who have done good (lived in faith) will rise to life; those who have done evil (rejected Him) to judgement.

This passage is breathtaking. Jesus is not defending a Sabbath breach—He is revealing His divine identity. He is the Son who eternally shares the Father’s life, love, and authority. He is the One who gives eternal life to all who hear and believe.

Today we live in the “now” of verse 24. The hour has come. The voice of the Son is calling. Whoever believes has already passed from death to life. No waiting for resurrection day—we have eternal life now, because we are united to the One who is life itself.

But the question remains: Have we truly heard His word? Do we believe the Father sent Him? Or are we still standing on our own works, our own righteousness, our own timetable?

Jesus says the Father is always working—and so is He. That work continues today: calling the dead to life, drawing people to Himself, transforming hearts. The same voice that raised the invalid is speaking to us now.

Pause in the quiet. Listen. Hear Him say, “Whoever hears my word and believes… has eternal life.”

Do you believe? Then rest in that life. Live from that life. And let His work flow through you to others.

Point to Ponder: Jesus doesn’t just give life—He is life. To believe in Him is to pass from death to life in this very moment.

Verse to Remember: “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgement, but has passed from death to life.” (John 5:24 ESV)

Question to Consider: This week, notice one place where you’re still trying to “earn” God’s favour or prove your worth. Bring it to Jesus and rest in His finished work. How does knowing you have already passed from death to life change the way you live today?

Article written by Shaun Fereday, Leader @SFGH Church