Honoring the Son as We Honor the Father

John 5:18-23
18 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.

19 Therefore Jesus answered and was saying to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in the same way. 20 For the Father loves the Son and shows Him all things that He Himself is doing; and the Father will show Him greater works than these, so that you will be amazed. 21 For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so the Son also gives life to whom He wishes. 22 For not even the Father judges anyone, but He has given all judgment to the Son, 23 so that all will honor the Son just as they honor the Father. The one who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.

In John 5, we see a powerful declaration of who Jesus is—His equality with God the Father. The religious leaders sought to kill Him, not only for healing on the Sabbath but for something even more radical: calling God His own Father. In their culture, this was a direct claim to deity, a claim that Jesus did not deny but instead reinforced.

Jesus explains that His actions are completely in unity with the Father. He does nothing apart from the Father, but everything He does mirrors the Father's will. This isn't a statement of dependence but of divine unity. Jesus is not a separate, lesser being; He is God in the flesh. The works of the Father—giving life and executing judgment—are also the works of the Son.

This passage reminds us of two crucial truths:

1. Jesus is Equal to God in Power and Authority – Just as the Father raises the dead, so does the Son. Jesus has the power to give life, both physically and spiritually, to whomever He wills. The authority to judge the world, which belongs to God alone, has been given to the Son.
2. Honoring Jesus is Honoring the Father – God is a jealous God, never sharing His glory with another (Isaiah 42:8). Yet, He calls for Jesus to be honored in the same way He is honored. This truth confirms Jesus’ divinity—He is worthy of our worship, just as the Father is. To reject Jesus is to reject God Himself.

As we approach the Easter season, let us reflect on the significance of this passage. The One who walked among us, who healed, who forgave sins, and who was crucified and resurrected, is not just a good teacher or prophet—He is God. His life, death, and resurrection offer us the greatest gift: reconciliation with God and the promise of eternal life.

Do I fully acknowledge Jesus as equal to God in my heart and worship?

Am I honoring Christ in my daily life as I honor the Father?

How does this truth impact my faith and my response to His authority?


Lord Jesus, You are one with the Father, equal in power, love, and authority. Help me to honor You with my life, to worship You fully, and to recognize that in knowing You, I know the Father. Thank You for the life You give and for the salvation You have secured through Your death and resurrection. Amen.