Whatever the Father Does - Part I

As you begin your time in God’s Word, prepare your heart by praying for wisdom and understanding through the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit. Use a notebook or journal to record insights that you receive from the Spirit as you study. Read John 5:19-29 and consider these questions:

• In his discourse in John 5, Jesus says that he does “whatever the Father does” (vs. 19). What are the specific examples Jesus gives to back up this statement?
• According to verse 22, God “has given all judgment to the Son.” What was God’s purpose in doing this, according to verse 23?
• Two key words are repeated in this passage: life (vs. 21, 24, 25, 26, 29) and judgment (vs. 22, 24, 27, 29). What does Jesus teach us about life and judgment, and how does he relate them?
• In verse 24, Jesus uses the present tense to describe the condition of one who hears his word and believes: he “has eternal life” and “does not come into judgment.” The present tense indicates a continuous type of action taking place in the present time. How does this affect your understanding of Jesus’ statement?
• At the end of verse 24, Jesus switches to the perfect tense: the believer “has passed from death to life.” The perfect tense indicates that the progress of an action has been completed and the results of the action are continuing on. What is the significance of this distinction?
• According to 2 Corinthians 5:10, “we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ” (see also Romans 14:10). What does this verse add to your understanding of Jesus’ teaching about judgment in our passage?

As you reflect on this passage, ask God to reveal ways in which your faith and practice can be transformed by this glimpse of Christ’s glory. Please share your thoughts and insights for the benefit of others by adding a comment to this post.