Jesus Claims To Be The Son of God: Summary John 5:18-30

by Teresa^(1,657) Bronze Star

Read John 5:18-30

There are skeptics who claim Jesus never said he was the Son of God. Nor did he require, or invite humanity to follow him. They insist this is a lie. Not only is this a false assumption, it blatantly attacks the foundation of Christianity. If Jesus isn't the Son of God, then Christianity is a sham. And if the devil can get people to believe this, then he will succeed in keeping many from salvation. Therefore, being led by the Holy Spirit, the Apostle John recorded all that Jesus said about this important truth.

Up until this point, John the Baptist was the only one who made it a point to identify Jesus as the Son of God. As Jesus began his ministry, he spoke in third person when speaking of the Son of God, or the Son of Man. He gave instructions on being born again, and even claimed to be the Messiah. Nevertheless, he hadn't specifically referred to himself as the Son of God until now - thus challenging the Pharisees' and provoking them to anger.

As we work through this portion of Scripture and through the rest of the book of John, we will be able to conclude that Jesus did claim to be God's Son. The first evidence we have is in how the Jews responded to Jesus' claim. They understood that to call himself the son of God, was to make him equal with God.

What was Jesus really saying - what were the implications of being the Son of God?

Read verses 18-30 again. What do you see? Following is a list of a few things for starters:

1) He worked in accordance with his Father's will.

2) He had complete access to the Father.

3) He had been given all power and authority from his Father.

4) He should receive the same honor as the Father.

5) He had all power to execute judgment on man.

6) He had the power to raise the dead.

7) Continue the list with your findings...

True to form, Jesus continued his discourse by combining the physical and spiritual state of man:

Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear will live." John 5:25

Here, Jesus was/is speaking to the those who were/are spiritually dead (the unsaved). Again this told the Jews that he was saying he had power to give life - this they knew was something that could only be done by God.

A few verses down, he said, "Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth - those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation." John 5:28-29

Again Jesus said he has authority to raise the dead (physically) - this they knew was something that could only be done by God.

Finally, in Jesus making this statement, he gave a direct warning that everyone will be held accountable for their actions while alive. No one will escape the judgment that awaits.

What are the differences in judgment for good and evil? What qualifies as good?

To join us as we discuss these and other details of this portion of Scripture, click here.

What's on your mind? Please share your thoughts and insights not mentioned in this summary.

(C) Teresa Ortiz - Book of John Study 2011. All rights reserved.

Article submitted Thursday, March 24, 2011 & read 240 times.

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» left by Shari from Western NY (1 year 52 days ago.)

Excellent Bible study, Teresa, and in depth summary. You are absolutely correct...Jesus will come again to judge the living and the dead and the evil ones will know his wrath.

» left by Anonymous (1 year 52 days ago.)

Hi Shari! Thank you for reading and for the encouraging comment. Praying hearts turn to the Lord before it's too late for them.

» left by Marijo Phelps⁽¹⁷⁹⁾ (1 year 49 days ago.)

Jesus=God, the Father=God, the Holy Spirit=God - different functions and ONE God. Someday we will probably have a better understanding of the trinity but I know this, if Jesus is not God then he couldn't have paid the debt for me because he would be under the same penalty for sin that I was under - before He took my sin and died on that very cruel cross liberating me for eternity! AMEN

This "issue" seperates the cults from true Biblical Christianity, Teresa and I am so glad you "tackled" it in this piece!

» left by Anonymous (1 year 49 days ago.)

Amen Marijo. You summed it up well! Thank you for sharing! Blessings to you! Teresa

PS I had another gal from work join in the study. She is so ready to learn and asking questions! She's joined us twice and is very comfortable! Praise the LORD! That makes 6 members that have never studied the bible! 3 are brand-new Christians, one is still wondering what the differences are from Catholism, which she was raised, and biblical Christianity. She has faith and is feeling to tug for a stronger and closer relationship with Jesus. Just Jesus, no go-between. Praise the LORD! Keep us in prayer! We only have 50 minutes at lunch and with inquisitive minds, we don't move very quickly, but that is okay! I am staying ahead for several on-line groups that are following along, but in my class we are just finishing up with chapter 3 tomorrow (maybe) I know God is with me, how else could I keep track of the different groups?!

We appreciate your comments!

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