Power & Proof: Why We Affirm the Supreme Authority of Jesus
John 5:19–47
SERMON • John narrates a remarkable dialogue between Jesus and the religious leaders in Jerusalem. The point of contention? Jesus claims a seven-fold equality with the Father. To back his assertions, he enlists six witnesses that testify to his divine authority as God the Son.
Do you remember the WWJD craze of the '90s? How many of you are still wearing one? I remember even as a kid feeling happy about the movement. Just seeing Jesus' name on someone's wrist seemed like a step in the right direction. But as successful as the campaign was, I'm guessing that much fewer people would have jumped on board with a bracelet or t-shirt that read: “What Would Jesus Demand?”
Not only would that slogan be a marketing disaster, but it'd likely find relatively few enthusiasts. The difference is that WWJD sees Jesus as a wise teacher—an example—a model for living from whom we can learn some things. The other, my fictitious WWJDOM, posits Jesus as an authority over me, the one who not only is a good example but who is King of All, who demands, albeit benevolently, absolute submission to his righteous Lordship in every area of life. That's a hard sell for most. But it's true.
In our journey through the Gospel of John, we arrive at a pivotal moment in chapter 5, verses 19 to 47. This passage is not just a story or a teaching; it's a profound declaration of Jesus' identity and authority as the Son of God and Son of Man.
Context of the Passage
Our journey begins with a miraculous event in Jerusalem. Jesus heals a man who had been lame for 38 years, an act of compassion that ironically ignites controversy. This healing, performed on the Sabbath, challenges the religious norms of the time and brings Jesus into direct conflict with the Jewish authorities. They are incensed not only because Jesus healed on the Sabbath but also because He dared to equate His actions and authority with God the Father.
The Transition to Defense
Verse 18 serves as a bridge from this miraculous healing to a profound monologue by Jesus. Accused of blasphemy and facing threats to His life, Jesus doesn't retreat. Instead, He offers a defense, revealing His divine authority and equality with the Father.
Part 1: Jesus Claims Supreme Authority (vv. 19-29)
In the first part of this passage, Jesus makes a bold claim: He operates in complete sync with God the Father. His actions are not independent but are reflections of the Father’s will. This unity is not just about alignment in purpose but an intimate, inherent unity of nature with the Father.
Part 2: The Testimony of Witnesses (vv. 30-47)
In this second part, Jesus introduces six key witnesses who testify to His authority. These testimonies aren’t just character references; they're profound affirmations of Jesus' divine nature and mission.
The heart of Jesus' Claim
At the heart of Jesus' message is a simple yet earth-shattering claim:
“I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me.
It might seem counterintuitive to view this claim of a sense of dependency on the Father as an expression of authority. Yet, in the divine economy of the Trinity, the interdependency of the Son on the Father is not about weakness or inferiority but about the perfect, lockstep harmony within the Godhead.
Historical Interpretations
Throughout history, various groups like the Arians, Socinians, and modern Jehovah's Witnesses have misinterpreted Jesus' claim of dependence as an admission of inferiority. But early church fathers, and later theologians like John Calvin and John Gill, saw in these words a declaration of Jesus' sharing in the divine nature and thus the divine authority.
When we consider the theological, contextual, and textual evidence, it becomes clear: Jesus is boldly affirming His equality with the Father.
The Cultural Significance of Sonship
In Jewish culture, to be a son, especially the firstborn, meant representing one's father, inheriting his authority and estate. The Jewish leaders understood this. When Jesus claimed to be God's Son, they recognized it as a claim to equality with God, a claim that was both scandalous and revolutionary.
Jesus' claim as the Son of God is not just a theological statement; it impacts history and humanity. He divides humanity into two groups: those who believe and are saved, and those who reject His authority and face judgment. This division is not just theoretical; it's a matter of eternal significance.
Questions for Reflection
As we conclude our exploration of this passage, I invite you to reflect:
Do you believe in the Son of God?
Do you marvel at His divine authority over the universe and your life?
Do you accept the testimony of Jesus and the witnesses He calls?
Will you honor the Son as your only hope in life and in death?
Conclusion
In confronting us with His identity, Jesus doesn't just demand intellectual assent; He invites a response of the heart. Does the revelation of Jesus as the Son of God inspire faith or unbelief in you? Does it spark wonder or rebellion?
As we close, let's think on the words of John 5:24, a verse that encapsulates the essence of Jesus' message:
"Whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment but has passed from death to life."
May this truth, this promise, be our response to Jesus, the Son of God, in whom we find life, authority, and hope. ❖
