“Truly, truly, I say to you, 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. For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing. And greater works than these will he show him, so that you may marvel. For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom he will. For the Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son, that all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. Truly, truly, I say to you, 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.
Comment: This and the rest of this chapter and many sections later in the gospel are recorded as if they were the actual words of Jesus. John’s gospel is not a daily kept up to date diary. Matthew at least was by his profession used to keeping up to date records. Jesus followers surely hung on his every word, even if their understanding wasn’t perfect. Some people have a great ability to recall in great detail. The promise of scripture is that the Holy Spirit verifies the truth of it. So, accepting that it may be a precis, I accept them as Jesus’ words. There are a number of key issues raised here basically involved in our belief that Jesus is the equal of God as His Son.
- The love and accord of Father and Son for each other.
- Working together Father and Son do things which are staggering (marvellous). They even raise the dead!
- The Father has passed Judgement to the Son. Not accepting this is equal to dishonouring the Father.
- Believing/accepting Jesus brings one from the Universal State of a dead relationship with God to having Eternal Life!
Prayer: Help. me please to see how this should alter my thinking and behaviour.
As I read it! 
Thank you Barry for your comments on this passage from John 5:19-24. At this morning’s Service, one of the Deacons preached from Proverbs chapter 9 about “wisdom” and “folly”. Surely the words spoken by Jesus here are “wisdom” to those who accept and believe in Him, and “folly” to those who reject Him and don’t believe in Him. It seems very clear and simple to me. But as my husband used to say, “I am a bear of very little brain.” God bless you.
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