Like Father, Like Son

Introduction

So many times we can look at two people who are connected by blood and see the family connection. Certain facial features convince us that two people come from the same family. It is not uncommon to hear, you look just like your mother or father. We know that physical features get passed down to our children. What we may not realize is that other features get passed down as well.

On her first visit to our house, Ashley, our now daughter-in-law, made some interesting comments. After spending time at our house and she and Spenser returned to Abilene for school, we were asking Spenser about their visit and impressions made. His response was quite insightful. He said, “Ashley said she now understands more about me.” One could take that in several different ways but when pressed he said that certain mannerisms were found in both Spenser and me. It isn’t just physical traits but mannerisms get passed down as well.

The same thing is true when it comes to the life of Jesus. When you see Jesus, you see God. The divine traits that God has are the same divine traits that Jesus has. In verse 19 of our text, Jesus says he does what he sees God doing. Bold and significant words. Today we are going to continue to look at Jesus as he deals with opposition. He testifies about himself in our text. He testifies that he and God are one and he testifies that he is completely faithful to his Father. Such bold words deserve to be investigated. If they are true, then they deserve a response.

Response

The man who had been healed goes to the religious authorities and turns Jesus in as the one who has healed him. This results in Jesus being persecuted. Jesus’ initial response is to make the point that God didn’t stop working on the Sabbath. Since God continues to work then he, too, must continue working. It was commonly held that God’s resting on the Sabbath at the end of the creation did not mean that he was through working. It was believed that God continued to work. With that statement there is no argument. It is the fact that Jesus says he does what his “Father” does.

As verse 18 reveals, the religious leaders understood the intent of Jesus’ statement. He was making himself equal to God. No wonder they tried to kill him. Such blasphemy could not be tolerated. These religious leaders were thinking about their need to protect God, their faith, and their practices. To call God “my father” was too familiar. In their minds it was bad enough to heal on the Sabbath but now Jesus was making himself equal with God.

So Jesus takes the witness stand. In this monologue, he makes two significant points. He has the power of life and judgment just like God. Only God could bring life out of death and only God can judge human beings for eternity. Jesus says that God has entrusted these things to him as well. In fact, Jesus says that no one should be amazed at such a claim because these religious leaders believed in the resurrection from the dead and a time of judgment for eternity. Jesus is making the point that this is God’s doing and God has chosen to give this same responsibility to Jesus.

Jesus operates fully within the will of God. In verse 30, Jesus testifies that he is not some wild maverick. He is fully and completely doing what God has instructed him to do. He is doing those things that please God. The healing of the lame man should have been proof enough that God was behind Jesus’ actions. But instead of belief there is disbelief. This is persecution and rejection. The religious leaders are completely missing the point. If God is the only one who can heal and Jesus has healed what is the logical conclusion? If God is working even on the Sabbath and Jesus is working on the Sabbath, then what is the logical conclusion? If God is the only one who can give life, and Jesus has given this man life, then what is the logical conclusion?

How did they miss the point? By focusing on themselves. By thinking that they were losing power. By being more concerned about maintaining their position.

Skepticism

We live in a world of skepticism. Rightfully so. It’s hard with all the information being passed around these days to know what is real and what isn’t real. The term “fake news” has invaded our hearing as political pundits decide what is real and what isn’t. News agencies no longer report the news they now must report according to their agendas. There are many options to consider. The Bible and the work of Jesus is just one more option. If something doesn’t make sense immediately, we move on to something else looking for clarity. The pursuit for truth is never easy but we want it to be.

The skeptic says “what proof is there that this healing took place?” Why would John include a statement about the opposition trying to kill Jesus? To build Jesus’ reputation. Then why will John let him die? If Jesus is supposed to be a prophet and the Word, then why should he die? Because he is doing the work of God. Because in his death he allows us to see the character of the Father. The opposition reveals that God doesn’t give up easily on those who reject him. The man rejected Jesus and Jesus worked for him anyway. The religious leaders oppose him even to the point of wanting to kill him and Jesus offers eternal life.

A healthy dose of skepticism keeps us from being duped. And it is with that same skepticism that we come to Jesus. Our minds hear his words and in our hearts we say “prove it.” We want something more. We want something personal. What would it take to convince you that Jesus is being truthful? I am confidant that I am speaking to people who believe that Jesus is who he claims to be, but the dose of skepticism leads us to live cautiously rather than victoriously. I am talking to some who hold back. It is easier to do what pleases self than to live victoriously and freely. Like the man healed after 38 years of being lame we need to hear the words “Quit sinning or something worse may happen to you.” We focus on the insignificant and because we do we are missing out on real life. The words of Jesus bring us back to the important. He announces that all who will come in faith to him will be given life. Will you come in faith?

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