I’m going to wear this hat today to games 3 of the ALCS, Astros vs. Red Sox

Let’s Be Clear 

John 5:18-46 

“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…’You search the scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me; and you are unwilling to come to Me so that you may have life…but I know you, that you do not have the love of God in yourselves.’” 

I know that spending day after day in the book of John can seem tiresome to some of you. I understand. My posts are not always inspirational, whimsical and motivational. However, I go through entire Bible books to see the whole picture of God and not just the “inspirational” part of God. In this study of the gospel of John, we are using both our heart and mind to dwell upon all that Jesus is. We love who He is to us but also who He is in history and His monumental impact on the world. Do your best to hang with me as we seek Jesus and ALL that He is.

As we approach this section of the gospel, Jesus is not subtle about His claims any longer. He has officially established His claim as God and the Jewish leaders don’t just want to hold Him back or simply silence Him.  They want Him dead. 

“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.”  

Fearless 

Generally, if someone wants to kill you, our human nature would cause us to hide or pull back. Jesus does just the opposite in the following verses, 19-46. He is fearless, forceful and assertive. With the full force of Jesus’ wisdom and divine skills of reason and logic, He lays out an irrefutable case for His Deity. Some of the assertions that Jesus extols to establish His Deity are: 

• What the Father does, I, the Son can do, verse 19 
• The Father has revealed EVERYTHING to the Son, verse 20 
• The Son gives life to whomever He chooses, just as the Father, verse 21 
• The Son has the power to Judge, verses 22,27; 
• The Son deserves all Honor just as the Father, verse 23 
• The Son has the power to give eternal life, verses 23,26.  

He then condemns them for listening to John the Baptist with positive anticipation but then rejecting the true Messiah that John spoke of, verses 33-37. He condemns them for searching the scripture for their own selfish purposes and rejecting Him whom the scriptures speak of.  

You saved me 

Lord, it’s humbling and sobering to think that you softened my heart to believe in you when others have heard Your words and rejected You. These Jewish leaders were learned, educated men but their hearts were hardened. On the other hand, I was blessed to come to you as a child many years ago. You softened my heart with simple faith and You welcomed me. It’s overwhelming that I am so blessed to know you as my Savior. Nothing in the world is sweeter than knowing You. Praise you and thank you! Amen!