Note: This series is written as a first-person narrative in order to present Jesus in the context he walked with the unknown disciple that narrates presenting my thoughts and sparking more thoughts with his questions. Enjoy.
“Who said you could do this!” The Jewish leaders were livid. Jesus answered, “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working.”
“Your father is working on the Sabbath? Only God can work on the Sabbath sustaining the cosmos!”
“This is blasphemy,” another yelled, “punishable by death!”
“You say you’re equal to God,” another retorted.
“Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, and he will show him even greater works than these, so that you will be amazed. For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it. Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted 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.
“Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life. Very truly I tell you, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live. For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself. And he has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man.”
Matthew, our new friend and tax collector, said in a hushed tone, “Daniel the prophet said the Son of Man will rule forever. Jesus speaks as if he’s the son of God!”
Jesus continued, “Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out—those who have done what is good will rise to live, and those who have done what is evil will rise to be condemned. By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me.”
It’s a lot to think about. Jesus is speaking of having a personal relationship with God. None of the prophets could boast of having a relationship like this. Even Moses was only considered God’s friend.
“Eternal life,” Matthew asked.
“Yes, if you believe his words and that God sent him, you will have it,” James said. I watched the Jewish leaders turn purple with rage. It was about to get ugly.
John 5:16-30
A Ronin's Journey 