John 5

After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches.

In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water.

For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.

And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years.

When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?

The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.

Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.

And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.

The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed.

He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk.

Then asked they him, What man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk?

And he that was healed wist not who it was: for Jesus had conveyed himself away, a multitude being in that place.

Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.

The man departed, and told the Jews that it was Jesus, which had made him whole.

And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day.

But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.

Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.

Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.

For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.

For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.

For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:

That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.

For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;

And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.

Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,

And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.

I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.

If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true.

There is another that beareth witness of me; and I know that the witness which he witnesseth of me is true.

Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth.

But I receive not testimony from man: but these things I say, that ye might be saved.

He was a burning and a shining light: and ye were willing for a season to rejoice in his light.

But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me.

And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape.

And ye have not his word abiding in you: for whom he hath sent, him ye believe not.

Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.

I receive not honour from men.

But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you.

I am come in my Father's name, and ye receive me not: if another shall come in his own name, him ye will receive.

How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that cometh from God only?

Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust.

For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me.

But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words?

What does John 5:20 mean?

Explanation

John 5:20 is a verse in the Bible that speaks to the intimate relationship between God the Father and Jesus the Son.

The verse underscores the Father's love for the Son and the Father's willingness to reveal His actions to the Son.

Further, it suggests that the Father will display even greater works through Jesus, surpassing those already witnessed.

The aim of these greater works is to incite wonder and amazement, reinforcing Jesus' divine authority and mission on earth.

This proclamation sets the stage for understanding the miraculous works of Jesus as not merely acts of compassion but as signs pointing to his divine identity and the relationship within the Trinity.

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

John 5:20 must be understood within the context of Jesus' time and the broader narrative of the Gospel of John.

In the previous verses, Jesus had healed a man on the Sabbath, leading to conflict with Jewish religious leaders.

The controversy escalated as Jesus equated his authority with God's, essentially claiming divine status.

The cultural backdrop includes a rigid adherence to the Sabbath laws and a strong monotheistic belief among the Jews, which made the claim of divinity by any person blasphemous.

Jesus' declaration challenged the existing religious structures and presented a radical new understanding of God's revelation to humanity.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse has been interpreted in several ways:

Trinitarian Relationship: It emphasizes the unity and distinct persons within the Trinity, highlighting the special relationship and mutual love between the Father and the Son.
Divine Revelation: It points to the concept that Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God, with the Father showing Jesus all that He does.
The Work of Redemption: By mentioning greater works, some theologians suggest that it alludes to the forthcoming redemptive work of Jesus' death and resurrection, which would indeed cause marvel.
Christological Identity: It solidifies Jesus' identity as not just a prophet or teacher but as one having authority given by the Father to do divine works.

Practical Applications

The practical applications of John 5:20 include:

Encouragement to seek a deeper personal relationship with Jesus, as intimacy with Jesus leads to a greater understanding of God.
Inspiration to trust in the power and plans of Jesus, even when they go beyond human understanding.
A call to view Jesus' miracles as signs of his divine nature and purpose, leading to greater faith.
An invitation to find awe in the greater works Jesus promised, which includes the transformative work of the Gospel in people's lives.

Cross-References

John 14:10 - "Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works."
John 10:38 - "But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him."

Language Study

The phrase "loveth the Son" (ὁ πατὴρ φιλεῖ τὸν υἱόν) utilizes the Greek verb "philei" (φιλεῖ), indicative of affectionate love as opposed to "agape" love, which is deep and unconditional , showing a relational, tender aspect of the Father's love for the Son.

The word "sheweth" (δείκνυσιν) implies more than simple disclosure; it denotes an active demonstration with the intent to fully inform or instruct.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient mythologies, gods often have complex familial relationships, but the Christian view of the Father and Son is distinct in its combination of equality, unity, and distinction.

Unlike many ancient myths where deities compete for power, the Christian narrative reveals a harmonious, co-equal relationship in the Trinity, aimed at the salvation of humankind.

Scientific Perspectives

While the direct content of John 5:20 does not intersect strongly with scientific perspectives, the concept of greater works could be metaphorically related to the idea of an ever-expanding universe and discovery, as human beings continue to understand more about the vast cosmos, leading to awe and wonder.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians have commented on this verse:

Matthew Henry: Emphasizes the communication between the Father and the Son and how the works of redemption are greater than those of creation.
William Barclay: Focuses on the depth of the Father-Son relationship and points to the idea that if people understood who Jesus is, they would be amazed.
**Craig S.

Keener**: Discusses the Jewish backdrop of the verse, highlighting how Jesus' claims in this context were shocking to his audience, who would have seen them as blasphemous unless they accepted Jesus' divine nature.

John 5

John 5

What does John 5:20 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does John 5:20 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?