06/10/2022
*ADULT TEACHER - JULY—DECEMBER 2022*
OCTOBER 9, 2022
LESSON 15
*THE AUTHORITY OF THE SON*
*Memory Verse: John 5:19*
Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise (KJV).
*Central Truth*
All authority in heaven and earth is given to Jesus Christ.
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*The Lesson Outline*
1. Healing Prompts a Sabbath Showdown- John 5:1-16
A. Healing Miracle
B. Sabbath Confrontation
2. The Son Works With the Father- John 5:17-23
A. Equality With God
B. One With the Father
3. The Source of Jesus' Authority- John 5:24-30
A. Authority To Give Life
B. Authority To Judge
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*Teaching Goals*
*1. Impart and Reinforce Knowledge:* Explain how Jesus used the healing of a lame man on the Sabbath as an opportunity to establish His divine authority.
*2. Influence Attitudes:* Call students to consider how Jesus' Words challenge our own cultural beliefs and worldview.
*3. Influence Behaviour:*
Encourage students to live in a way that reflects their recognition
of Christ's Lordship.
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*Introducing the Lesson*
Begin class by discussing this question: "Why do you think people
sometimes have trouble following or honouring authority?" Note that
human nature often seems drawn to rebel against authority.
John 5 emphasises Jesus' authority over all persons and created things: The act of physical healing established His authority
over the natural world (verses 1-8); the timing of the healing, the
Sabbath, called attention to His authority over the old covenant (verses 9-16); and His teaching
explained the source of His authority (verses 17-30). As you examine
these verses, challenge students to consider what it means to believe
and live under Christ's authority.
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*The Holy Scriptures*
John 5:1-30
[1]After this there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.
[2]Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches.
[3]In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water.
[4]For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.
[5]And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years.
[6]When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?
[7]The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.
[8]Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.
[9]And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.
[10]The Jews therefore said unto him that was cured, It is the sabbath day: it is not lawful for thee to carry thy bed.
[11]He answered them, He that made me whole, the same said unto me, Take up thy bed, and walk.
[12]Then asked they him, What man is that which said unto thee, Take up thy bed, and walk?
[13]And he that was healed wist not who it was: for Jesus had conveyed himself away, a multitude being in that place.
[14]Afterward Jesus findeth him in the temple, and said unto him, Behold, thou art made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee.
[15]The man departed, and told the Jews that it was Jesus, which had made him whole.
[16]And therefore did the Jews persecute Jesus, and sought to slay him, because he had done these things on the sabbath day.
[17]But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work.
[18]Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.
[19]Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.
[20]For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.
[21]For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.
[22]For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:
[23]That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.
[24]Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
[25]Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.
[26]For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;
[27]And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.
[28]Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,
[29]And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
[30]I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.
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*Commentary and Application*
*1. Healing Prompts a Sabbath Showdown*
*A. Healing Miracle- John 5:1-9a*
Jesus was in Jerusalem
celebrating a Jewish feast when He came across a man who had been disabled for thirty-eight years (John
5:1-5). While the specific feast is not mentioned, it was likely one of the
three major feasts: Passover, Pentecost, and Tabernacles.
Along with others in need, this man lay by a pool longing to be healed. At times, the water would stir, and it was believed that miraculous healing could occur at that time. The
first one in the water would be healed John 5:4,7). John, however, did not focus on healing that took place in the pool, but instead focused on the healing of this particular man, which was accomplished through Jesus' power and authority.
Jesus' question to the man may seem odd (verse 6). As omniscient
Lord, Jesus knew why the man was sitting by the pool. The question
instead was used to catch the man's attention. Jesus was taking the initiative to offer the man a genuine
opportunity for healing.
The man, however, focused on the physical impediments that kept
him from being healed. He was alone, so he had no one to assist him
into the waters when they were stirred. The man did not recognise
that Jesus could help him (verse 7).
In response to the man's
hopelessness, Jesus commanded him, "Get up! Pick up your mat and walk" (verse 8, NIV). Note that there was no mention of the man's faith. In fact, the man does not even know
anything of Jesus reputation as a the worker of miracles (verse 13). While Jesus sometimes highlighted the presence of faith in healing, this was not the case here. Jesus was instead demonstrating His divine authority. By His almighty word, the man was instantly made whole (verse 9a).
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*Questions for Application*
In what way does healing
demonstrate the authority of Jesus ?
When have you seen the Lord move on your behalf even though you lacked faith in Him to act?
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*B. Sabbath Confrontation- John 5:9b-16*
This miracle was an important moment in Jesus ministry. Because
of Jesus command to the disabled man, the Jewish leaders thought they had cause to make accusations against Him (John 5:9b-10). Jesus
was breaking their laws both by healing on the Sabbath and instructing a man to violate the Sabbath as well. These accusations were not based directly on Old Testament teachings, but were rules religious leaders had added over
time. The Sabbath forbade someone from working (see Exodus 20:8-11) and served as an opportunity to rest
and worship the Lord. The Jewish opposition, however, pointed to their
man-made Sabbath regulations.
The Jews confronted the healed man about carrying his mat on the
Sabbath, and he replied by describing the miracle Jesus had done (John 5:11-13, NIV). The man
did not know who Jesus was, and Jesus had disappeared into the crowd.
Later, Jesus found the man and this time dealt with his heart, calling him to leave behind his life of sin and warning him that if he did not, something worse could happen. While Scripture is clear that not all human suffering is the result of personal sin (see John 9:1-3), this interaction suggests that this man's suffering may have been. However
his encounter with Jesus should have affected his heart; the miracles of Jesus point souls to spiritual needs and life-changing salvation.
Here, the man went immediately to the Jewish leaders to tell them of Jesus' identity (verse 15), even as he likely had great gratitude for the Saviour.
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*Questions for Application*
What are some ways Christians might put religious traditions ahead
of compassion and love for others?
What are some ways we can strive to love while simultaneously protecting truth?
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*Response to the Word*
Jesus saw a man who was suffering. So, He had compassion on him and healed him.Yet instead of celebrating God's miraculous work of
restoration, the Jewish leaders focused on legalistic regulations. Our culture increasingly sets truth aside to seek its own pleasures, making it easy to fall into the same trap. How can you learn from the mistakes of these leaders and celebrate God's miracles, even as
you cling to the truth?
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*2. The Son Works With the Father*
*A. Equality With God- John 5:17-18*
John 5:17-18 continues the story with the Jewish leaders confronting and even persecuting Jesus for His actions. Note how He Jesus for
responded to their accusations: "My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working" (John
5:17, NIV). Jesus' explanation for His actions did not address the Jewish leaders' misunderstanding of God's Sabbath law. Jesus, instead, declared that He was always working because the Father was always
working.
In saying this, Jesus claimed equality with God, which infuriated
them (verse 18). This was especially evident in His reference to the Father as "My Father," rather than "our Father," indicating a relationship to the Father that could not apply to any human being. Such a declaration
was blasphemous to the Jewish leaders. Jesus claimed equality with
the Father, which they vigorously rejected. They were so furious that they sought to have Jesus killed.
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*Questions for Application*
Why do you think the Jewish leaders were so offended by Jesus' words?
Why is Jesus' claim of equality with the Father crucial for Christians to
understand?
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*B. One With the Father- John 5:19-23*
The expression "verily" (John 5:19, KJV) or "very truly" (NIV) is used to indicate that something extremely
important is about to follow. In this case, Jesus' words are important because they describe His interaction with the Father as deity. It is more than just a family resemblance, as seen in human families. The Son acts in conjunction with the Father. Conversely, the Son does not act independently of the Father. (It might be pointed out, then, that any accusation levelled at the Son would also be levelled at the Father.) The Father and Son are in perfect harmony of nature and action.
Furthermore, because of the Father's love for the Son, He shows the Son everything He does (John
5:20). The Son, in turn, shows His love for the Father in His perfect obedience, which will ultimately lead Him to the cross (14:31). The specific word for love here is a form of phileo
(rather than agape), highlighting the close, familial love of kinship and affection.
Even as the Father can raise the dead and grant life, so also the Son can give life to whomever He pleases (verse 21). This power of the Son foreshadowed the raising of Lazarus (11:1-45), and ultimately the resurrection of Christians at Christ's second coming (1 Corinthians
15:44-57).
As further proof that Jesus is the Son, the Father has granted Him the role of Judge on the last day (John 5:22). The one who gives resurrection life also has the power to judge -that is, restrict resurrection life.
Finally, Jesus articulated the purpose for which the Son had been granted authority over life and judgement, namely His own exaltation (verse 23). Such honour is rooted in the fact that Jesus is God, and therefore worthy of exaltation.
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*Questions for Application*
Which of the claims in John 5:19-23 do you think would have been most troubling to the Jewish leaders? Explain.
Why do you think an unbeliever might struggle to accept that Jesus is
indeed God? How should such an acknowledgement impact the way a person looks at Jesus?
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*Response to the Word*
John's Gospel is clear in stating that Jesus is equal with the Father and, indeed, is God Himself. While the Jewish leaders struggled with that fact, genuine Christians today agree
on it. Indeed, belief in Christ's deity is foundational to Christianity. Yet if we believe Jesus is who He says He is, then our lives should be lived in a way
that reflects the responsibility of calling Him Lord. As you continue to study the Gospel of John, consider
how Jesus lived as well as what He taught. As you pursue Christ-like
living, you must also recognise your dependence on Him for restoration when you fail.
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*3. The Source of Jesus' Authority*
*A. Authority To Give Life- John 5:24-26*
Previously Jesus addressed His power Over physical death (John 5:21). In verses 24-26, He explained
how this authority impacted issues of spiritual death as well. Throughout this teaching Jesus made it clear that
His role as Life-giver came from the Father. For example, in verses
26-27, Jesus stated that the Father holds power over life, and therefore
the Son has the ability to grant everlasting life. This reaffirms the authority of Christ as God--He has authority to grant what only God can
grant.
Everlasting life is an enduring mystery in Scripture, and it is so often expressed in contrast to the reality of
everlasting death. The reality of such death is clearly seen in the lost lives of those who do not know Jesus. The life of the unbeliever is subject to the ravages of sin. But Jesus clearly described the gift of everlasting life
as a reality for those who believe in Him (John 5:24). He proclaims life-
giving truth to people who are dead in their sins so they can experience new life (verses 25-26), and Jesus declares that believers have spiritual
and eternal life because they have "passed from death unto life" (verse
24, KJV). He promises us the realities of everlasting life, lived in the presence of God, as we believe in Him. Such life is the blessed hope of all who follow Christ.
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*Questions for Application*
Why is it important to recognise that the authority of the Father and of the Son are the same?
How does your life reflect the joy and hope found in the hearts of all who
look to Jesus for everlasting life?
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*B. Authority To Judge- John 5:27-30*
Jesus functions not only as Life-giver to those who follow Him, but also as Judge to those who reject Him. He holds authority to judge unbelievers in the end, and such authority is rooted in His identity as
the Son of Man (John 5:27).
Verses 28-30 provide good insight into what the scene of judgement will look like. The dead
will come forth at the calling of His voice, and He will judge between evil deeds and good deeds. This does not mean that someone is saved by works, or that he or she is judged by comparing the amount of good deeds to the amount of evil deeds. Rather, the good and evil things one does serve as the fruit of one's testimony. Expressions of faith in Christ without accompanying good
works represent dead faith (cf. James 2:17).
There is an important practical aspect to the reality of Christ holding
authority as our divine Judge: recognising that Christ's judgement is entirely one with that of the Father, who sent the Son (verse 30). The divinity of Christ reminds us that He defines what is right and what is Wrong. In order to be His follower-to believe in Him-a person must recognise such authority. We can do so with the assurance that all He does is good and right and just.
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*Questions for Application*
What can you learn from John 5 about why it is important to know the teachings of Christ?
How would you explain what it means to say that God is just?
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*Response to the Word*
A clear reading of Scripture does not
allow for a faith that merely admires Jesus as some kind of wise teacher. Jesus clearly asserted that He is the Son of God. To see His claim as anything less is to misunderstand Him. As you reflect on what Jesus said in John 5, think about what kind of message your words and life send about Jesus. How can you convey to others that Jesus is both Judge and Giver of Life?
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*Call to Discipleship*
Will you believe and follow? This question is fundamental to what it
means to be a Christian. To follow Him is to embrace all that is included in saying He holds full authority over our lives. It is also the basis of our message of salvation to the world. All who will follow Christ must choose to make Him the Lord of the big and small things in life. Is God calling you to stronger faith and obedience? Pray that you will grow in faith and that He will give you the courage to follow Him at all times.
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*Ministry in Action*
Conclude with prayer that the Father will enable students to follow Jesus'
example of humble obedience.
*THIS PUBLICATION IS A PRODUCT OF GENERAL COUNCIL SUNDAY SCHOOL DEPARTMENT ASSEMBLIES OF GOD NIGERIA*
