JESUS CLAIMS TO BE THE SON OF GOD – STUDY NOTES
John 5:16–30
May 4th, 2025
New Living Translation
John 5:16–30 – Jesus Claims to Be the Son of God
Study Notes:
Verses 16–18
The healing was totally overlooked; all that mattered to the Jewish leaders was that the Sabbath law had been broken.
The anger against Jesus reveals how much the Jews had lost their focus. They understood three steps for restoration:
1. Returning to Jerusalem – Jews had reestablished a presence there, though under Roman rule.
2. Remaining spiritually focused – Their many rules aimed to keep them from drifting into sin again, as in the Old Testament.
- Groups like the Pharisees, Essenes, and Sadducees enforced strict laws.
3. Christ’s return – This is why Nicodemus asked Jesus if He was the Messiah.
Reflection Question:
What distracts us from keeping our eyes on Christ?
Even noble causes can consume us to the point of losing perspective.
The Jews missed that:
- A man was healed instantly—something 38 years of effort couldn’t do.
- The Messiah was standing right in front of them.
Jesus used the Sabbath debate to redirect attention to the core of faith. In Mark 2:27-28, Jesus says:
“The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.”
Jesus’s statement:
“My Father has been working until now, and I have been working,”
was like saying, “You brought up the Sabbath, so let’s talk about it.”
Keep in mind:
1. God is always working – He rested from creation, not from preserving or governing.
2. The accusation against Jesus was based on oral traditions, not Scripture. Jesus was sinless (Hebrews 4:15).
3. Jesus performed 7 healings on the Sabbath.
4. Jewish leaders were looking to find fault, as seen in Luke 6:7.
Jesus is willing to engage deeper issues in our lives. Are we?
Reflection Question:
Why is it difficult for Christians to identify and address the root issues in their lives—especially in relationships?
John (the Gospel writer) aimed this lesson at Jewish readers to expose the hypocrisy embedded in their culture.
Verses 19–20
Jesus establishes His identity in relation to God the Father.
His statement likely shocked the Jewish leaders. It bypassed their logic and went straight to the core of who He is.
He says: “The Son can do nothing by Himself.”
He does only what He sees the Father doing:
- Fully submitted to the Father.
- Fully aware of the Father’s will.
- Fully united with the Father in purpose and power.
Jesus says the Father will show Him greater works. Healing the man was just the beginning.
Verses 21–23
Jesus claims the authority to give life—just like the Father.
Also:
- The Father has entrusted judgment to the Son.
- Why? So that all will honor the Son as they honor the Father.
This is a bold claim:
To honor the Son is to honor God.
To reject the Son is to reject God.
Verse 24
This verse is a beautiful summary of the gospel.
Key points:
- Listen to Jesus’ message.
- Believe in God who sent Him.
- Result: Eternal life—right now.
- You pass from death to life.
Not just a future hope—but a present reality.
Verses 25–29
A time is coming—and is now here—when the dead will hear the voice of Jesus.
- Some interpret this as spiritual deadness—people responding to Jesus in this life.
- Others also see reference to a future resurrection (v. 28–29).
Jesus has:
- The power of life (v. 26).
- The authority to judge (v. 27).
- The voice that awakens the dead (v. 28).
This passage blends present salvation and future judgment.
Verse 30
Jesus circles back to submission:
“I can do nothing on my own… I carry out the will of the one who sent me.”
He judges with justice because He is completely aligned with the Father.
Application Questions
1. What stood out to you most in this passage?
2. How would you summarize what Jesus says about Himself?
3. What is the danger of missing Jesus even when He’s clearly working?
4. What is one area where God may be calling you to align more closely with His will?
