A Ready Explanation Part 1: Like Father, Like Son

John 5:19-24

Jesus works in perfect harmony with the Father.

Jesus does nothing independent of the Father. (19a)

Jesus perfectly reveals the Father. (19b-20)

Jesus serves as both life-giver and judge. (21-23)

Jesus provides the way to crossover from death to life. (24)

1. Read verses 19-20. What do you learn about Jesus’ relationship with the Father? How does Jesus explain their relationship, and how is this relationship mirrored in the earthly relationship between a father and a son? What works do you think Jesus is talking about in verse 20 (see the miracles and signs in John chapters 1-4)? What works will Jesus accomplish later in his life that will make the Jews marvel (see John chapters 6-21)?

2. Read verses 21-23. What are two ways that Jesus has authority? Why do you think Jesus chose to talk about these two issues? What is the purpose of Jesus having this authority? Why do you think this is important?

3. Read verses 24-27. What do you learn in these verses about Jesus’ role and authority? How does one get eternal life according to verse 24? How will the dead hear Jesus’ voice later in the book of John in the near future (see John 11:38-44)?

4. Read verses 28-29. Why do you think Jesus says “do not marvel” in verse 28 while in verse 20 He tells the Jews they will marvel when he shows them greater works? To what event is Jesus referring to in these verses (see Daniel 12:1-2 and Revelation 20:11-15)? How does one gain eternal life according to these verses? How should we interpret these verses in light of the overall teaching about eternal life in the Bible (see Romans 6:23, 8:1; Ephesians 2:8-9)?

5. So what? What is one thing you have learned or been reminded of in these verses that applies to your life? Something about God? A promise to claim? A truth about life or the future?