Read Jn 5.17-47
But He answered them, "My Father is working until now, and I Myself am working." For this reason therefore the Jews were seeking all the more to kill Him, because He not only was breaking the Sabbath, but also was calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God.
(John 5:17-18)
An assumed violation of the Sabbath led the people to question Jesus. His response led to another infraction; making oneself equal with God. The first was a breach, not of the Law but of man’s tradition. The second was the not a crime because it was the truth. He is God.
When Jesus is confronted about working on the Sabbath, He makes a very bold statement. He was so bold that the people wanted to kill Him. He made Himself out to be one with God the Father. Instead of stepping back and letting things settle, He stirs the waters even more. Jesus does not deny their claims, He confirms them. He makes it abundantly clear that it was no slip of the tongue but that He really believed He and the Father where one. He makes His case for being Deity:
· One in duration of work vs17
· One in work vs19
· One in love vs20
· One in life vs21, 26
· One in authority vs22, 27
· One in honor vs23
· One in Word vs24
· One in intent vs30
Now what does the Deity of Jesus Christ have to do with discipleship? Everything! Would you want to follow a man who made himself out to be an equal with God if He was not? Besides, Jesus flat out makes the case that belief in this oneness with the Father is directly connected to our salvation (Jn 5.21, 24). As Disciplemakers it is imperative that we help people follow the real Jesus. This identity crisis of Jesus in our modern world is as dangerous as it was in days leading up to the cross. People have manufactured their own “jesus” and think that this poor facsimile will somehow save them. This is why it’s so important to get a young disciple in the Gospels on a consistent basis (I recommend daily). To worship anyone less than the Jesus of the scriptures is idolatry. FJ64
I will be out of internet contact for the next week so I’ve pre-loaded some illustrations for your perusal. They’ll be posted each day. Enjoy!
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