Jesus Has Life in Himself

October 21, 2024

John 5:1–29 · Listen to the Son who gives life and will judge the world.

Big Idea: You need to listen to Jesus. His word is always true and always helpful—today and on that day.

Scripture

Read: John 5:1–29

Healing at Bethesda. Jesus heals a man disabled for 38 years with a word: “Get up, take up your bed, and walk” (v.8). No pool. No angel. Just Jesus.
Sabbath controversy. The leaders object because the man carries his mat on the Sabbath (v.10). Jesus replies, “My Father is working until now, and I am working” (v.17).
Equal with God. The leaders understand His claim—He’s making Himself equal with God (v.18).
Trinitarian window. Jesus reveals:
- The Son does nothing “on His own,” but whatever the Father does, the Son does likewise (v.19).
- The Father loves the Son and shows Him all He does (v.20).
- As the Father raises the dead and gives life, so the Son gives life to whom He will (v.21).
- The Father has given all judgment to the Son so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father (v.22–23).
- As the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself (v.26).
Two resurrections. An hour is coming when all in the tombs will hear His voice—those who have done good to the resurrection of life; those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment (v.28–29).

Object over vibes. The most important thing about your faith isn’t its sincerity but its object. Trust the Son who has life in Himself and will raise the dead.
Honor the Son, honor the Father. You can’t have God while sidelining Jesus. To honor the Father is to honor the Son (v.23).
Life now, not just later. “Whoever hears my word and believes Him who sent me has eternal life… has passed from death to life” (v.24). That starts today.
Clarity for that day. The Judge you will face is the Savior who now speaks grace. Listen to Him now and live.

Voices: Who am I listening to most—Jesus, my own inner monologue, or the endless scroll?
Honor: Where do my habits diminish Jesus instead of honoring Him “just as” the Father?
Hope: Do I relate to Jesus today as the One who gives life—not only at the grave, but in my present weakness?

Hear & believe (v.24): Pray, “Lord Jesus, I hear Your word and believe the Father who sent You. Thank You for life now.”
Memorize: Write John 5:24 and keep it where you see it. Let Jesus’ promise interrupt lesser voices.
Honor the Son: Choose one concrete way to lift Jesus higher this week (public worship, private prayer, obedience in a hard place).
Share a word: Tell one person why you trust Jesus as both Life-Giver and Judge; invite them to read John 5 with you.