What Jesus Did! 'My Father Never Stops Working' — John 5:16-17

Saturday, April 2, 2022

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."
— John 5:16-17 NLT

Key Thought

For centuries, the Father in heaven heard prayers, created babies, healed diseases, and upheld the universe on the Sabbath. Why? So his children, his human creations, could be blessed by his rest and honor him. To turn the Sabbath rest into a legalistic debate and forget the people for whom God made the Sabbath holy is a sham and a shame. Jesus clearly affiliates himself with the Father and emphasizes that as long as the Father is working on the Sabbath to do things that bless others, he will too. Jesus' statement is both bold and astonishing to the Jewish leaders. [1] He is claiming the right to do good on the Sabbath, not just because God wants goodness to be a part of the Sabbath rest, but also because Jesus, like his Father, will not rest nor abandon his human children in their misery.

[1] John 5:18.

Today's Prayer

God, I do thank you that when I sleep, you do not. Thank you for working on my concerns, answering my prayers, sustaining my world, and doing your work while I sleep as well as when I'm awake. I cannot comprehend it, but I am truly thankful that you are the God who does not tire or grow weary in doing what is good and what is a blessing. I recognize that all the good things I have in my life have come because of your blessing. I praise you for your mercy and grace that sustain me. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

4 Related Resources by Heartlight

The Work of My Father
Article by Lisa Mikitarian
What is my Father trying to teach me about his work? Lisa Mikitarian reminds us that our Father in heaven has invited us into his work just like our earthly parents have sometimes invited us, and taken pride in us, working in their world.
The Hand of God
Article by Wesley Shutt
If you Google “Hand of God” If you Google "Hand of God" the initial results are probably not what you might have expected.
Bored to Life
Article by Phil Ware
Is rest really necessary for holy and whole living? Phil Ware talks about the importance of rest and the Sabbath principle.
What Will You Do with My Grace?
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Follower, In today's events from My life on earth, you will meet a man who had great difficulties. But like so many who find themselves in very...."

Illustration

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."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Saturday, April 2, 2022

Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'My Strength Comes from GOD!' (Ps. 121:1-2)
"I look up to the mountains; does my strength come from mountains? No, my strength comes from GOD, who made heaven, and earth, and mountains."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
James 1:5
"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Character Because of the Spirit' (2 Co. 6:3-6)
"We put no stumbling block in anyone's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: ... in....."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: Hosea 14:4
"This sentence is a body of divinity in miniature. He who understands its meaning is a theologian, and he who can dive into its fulness is a true..."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!