John 5:17-23

Devotionals, Articles, and Bible Study Resources on John 5:17-23

17But Jesus answered them, “To this very day My Father is at His work, and I too am working.”
18Because of this, the Jews tried all the harder to kill Him. Not only was He breaking the Sabbath, but He was even calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God.
19So Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing by Himself, unless He sees the Father doing it. For whatever the Father does, the Son also does.
20The Father loves the Son and shows Him all He does. And to your amazement, He will show Him even greater works than these.
21For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom He wishes.
22Furthermore, the Father judges no one, but has assigned all judgment to the Son,
23so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.
— John 5:17-23

Related Resources from Heartlight

Father and Son, Greater Works!
Illustration of John 5:19-20 NLT

Illustration of John 5:19-20 NLT -- So Jesus explained, "I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does. For the Father loves the Son and shows him everything he is doing. In fact, the Father will show him how to do even greater works than healing this man. Then you will truly be astonished."

Honor the Son!
Illustration of John 5:22-23 NLT

Illustration of John 5:22-23 NLT -- [Jesus said,] "In addition, the Father judges no one. Instead, he has given the Son absolute authority to judge, so that everyone will honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Anyone who does not honor the Son is certainly not honoring the Father who sent him."

He Will Raise the Dead!
Illustration of John 5:21 NLT

Illustration of John 5:21 NLT -- [Jesus said,] "For just as the Father gives life to those he raises from the dead, so the Son gives life to anyone he wants."

My Father Never Stops Working
Illustration of John 5:16-17 NLT

Illustration of John 5:16-17 NLT -- So the Jewish leaders began harassing Jesus for breaking the Sabbath rules [by healing on the Sabbath]. But Jesus replied, "My Father is always working, and so am I."

Cross References for John 5:17-23

Cross References Provided by Open Bible

The Berean Standard Bible

The Berean Standard Bible (BSB) is a modern, clear, and faithful translation based on the best available Greek and Hebrew manuscripts. Ideal for reading, study, and sharing, it entered the public domain in 2023. For more information, visit berean.bible.