Expository Thoughts On John - JOHN 5:16-23
J.C. Ryle expounds on John 5:16-23 to reveal Jesus' divine unity with the Father and His authority to give life and judge, emphasizing the profound implications of honoring the Son as honoring the Father.
In this expository sermon on John 5:16-23, J.C. Ryle explores the profound truths of Christ's divine nature and His unity with the Father. He carefully unpacks Jesus' claims to divine authority to give life and execute judgment, highlighting the serious implications for honoring the Son as one honors the Father. Ryle's clear and reverent teaching invites believers to deepen their understanding of Christ's identity and respond with worship and obedience.
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Responding to Jewish Authorities
Now because Jesus was doing these things on the Sabbath, the Jewish authorities began persecuting him. So Jesus told them, "My Father is working until now, and I too am working." For this reason the Jewish authorities were trying even harder to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was also calling God his own Father, thus making himself equal with God.
So Jesus answered them, "I tell you the solemn truth, the Son can do nothing on his own initiative, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, the Son does likewise. For the Father loves the Son and shows him everything he does, and greater deeds than these he will show him, so that you may be amazed. For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whomever he wishes. Furthermore, the Father does not judge anyone, but has assigned all judgment to the Son, so that all people may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. The one who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him.
These verses begin one of the most deep and solemn passages in the four Gospels. They show us the Lord Jesus asserting His own Divine nature, His unity with God the Father, and the high dignity of His office. No where does our Lord dwell so fully on these subjects as in the chapter before us. And no where, we must confess, do we find out so thoroughly the weakness of man\
Sermon Outline
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I. The Conflict with Jewish Authorities
- Jesus' Sabbath healing provokes opposition
- Authorities accuse Jesus of breaking the Sabbath
- Jesus claims divine sonship, escalating conflict
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II. Jesus’ Unity with the Father
- Son acts only as He sees the Father act
- Father loves the Son and reveals all to Him
- Son performs works like the Father
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III. The Authority to Give Life and Judge
- Father raises the dead and gives life
- Son likewise gives life to whom He wills
- Judgment is entrusted to the Son alone
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IV. The Call to Honor the Son
- Honoring the Son equals honoring the Father
- Rejecting the Son is rejecting the Father
- The dignity and divinity of Christ affirmed
Key Quotes
“My Father is working until now, and I too am working.” — J.C. Ryle
“The Son can do nothing on his own initiative, but only what he sees the Father doing.” — J.C. Ryle
“The Father does not judge anyone, but has assigned all judgment to the Son.” — J.C. Ryle
Application Points
- Recognize and honor Jesus as truly divine and equal with the Father in your daily worship.
- Trust in Jesus' authority to give life and judge, finding assurance in His power over death.
- Reflect Christ’s unity with the Father by aligning your actions with God’s will.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the Jewish authorities upset with Jesus?
They were upset because Jesus healed on the Sabbath and claimed God as His Father, which they saw as breaking the Sabbath and blasphemy.
What does Jesus mean by saying the Son can do nothing on His own?
Jesus means that His actions are fully aligned with the Father's will, showing perfect unity and dependence on God.
What is the significance of Jesus having authority to judge?
It signifies His divine authority and role as the ultimate judge of humanity, a role given by the Father.
How should believers respond to Jesus’ claim to be honored as the Father?
Believers should honor and worship Jesus as they do God the Father, recognizing His divine nature.
What does this passage reveal about the relationship between the Father and the Son?
It reveals a unique unity and love where the Son perfectly reflects the Father's works and shares in divine authority.