Jim Roste

John 5:19-20

Monday, February 26

17 But Jesus answered them, "My Father is still working, and I also am working." 18 For this reason the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because he was not only breaking the sabbath, but was also calling God his own Father, thereby making himself equal to God. 19 Jesus said to them, "Very truly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing on his own, but only what he sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, the Son does likewise. 20 The Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing; and he will show him greater works than these, so that you will be astonished. 21 Indeed, just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whomever he wishes. – John 5:17-21

Usually, when you hear commentary or sermons on these verses, it has do with working on the Sabbath. However, the phrase in this verse that caught my attention is "the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing." We don't think of Jesus as being limited in any way. We are more likely to think of him as a superhero, the best at everything, with no limitations.

However, when we think of leading characters in the Bible and identify who was the strongest, we think of Samson. When we think of who was the wisest, we think of Solomon. When we think of poetry and music, we think of David. Jesus is not identified as an outstanding athlete or intellectual. He was simply Jesus, true man, who was true to his Father's teachings, and thus, True God. It was the lessons learned from his Father that set him apart. Even as a young boy of twelve he demonstrated his Father's understanding. And, more importantly, he always deferred to his Father's will.

At Gethsemane, Jesus remained committed to his Father's teachings, stating, "Not my will, but Thine be done." Jesus even conveyed to us to do likewise when He taught us the Lord's Prayer, which includes the statement, "Thy will be done." In this world of temptation, of controlling our own destiny, of gaining wealth and power, of striving for security, we, like Jesus, must remember we accomplish nothing of our own accord, but only what the Father has shown us. All of our personal accomplishments fade away and die. However, by following the instructions of our Father, we will have life everlasting, because we, as God's children, are loved by God the Father, just as Jesus was loved.

Questions for reflection:

• Was Jesus an apprentice to God, His Father, throughout his childhood?
• How does God communicate with us, and how do we correctly understand his teachings?

Prayer:

Lord, we give you thanks for loving us and giving us the promise of life everlasting. Forgive our ignorance of you plan for our lives and help us to properly discern what you want us to do so that thy will may be done on earth as it is in Heaven. Amen