John 5:16–30 Life Through the Son
Introduction
Life is filled with questions about purpose, meaning, and what happens beyond this world. In John 5:16–30, Jesus reveals something profound—that real life is found only in Him. He is not just a great teacher or miracle worker. He is the very Son of God. He gives life and holds authority over judgment. This passage invites us to move from simply following rituals or traditions into a deeper, living relationship with Jesus. Eternal life is not just a distant hope—it begins the moment we believe in Him.
Observation: Jesus, One with the Father
The religious leaders persecuted Jesus after He healed the lame man at the pool of Bethesda on the Sabbath. To them, healing on the Sabbath was breaking the law. But Jesus declared, “My Father is always at His work to this very day, and I too am working.” By saying this, He was claiming equality with God—and that became the very reason the Jews tried even harder to kill Him.
Jesus explained that He could do nothing by Himself; He only did what He saw the Father doing. Father and Son were not in competition, but in perfect unity. The Father loves the Son and shows Him everything. Just as the Father gives life to the dead, the Son gives life to whomever He pleases. Even judgment was entrusted to the Son so that all may honor Him just as they honor the Father. To dishonor Jesus is to dishonor God Himself.
Most importantly, Jesus declared a promise: Whoever hears His word has eternal life. Believing in the Father who sent Him grants this promise. That person has already crossed over from death to life and will not be condemned.
Insights: Eternal Life Starts Now
The Jewish leaders could not see who Jesus truly was. Their eyes were blinded by tradition, pride, and rigid law-keeping. In the same way, many today miss the reality of Jesus. They are distracted by busyness or other diversions. Some cling to man-made traditions instead of God’s Word.
Jesus shows us that true obedience flows from intimacy with the Father. He spent time in prayer and lived in total alignment with God’s will. His actions were never independent; they revealed His deep union with the Father.
What does this mean for us?
- Eternal life is not something we wait for only in the future—it begins the moment we believe in Jesus.
- Honoring Jesus is the same as honoring the Father. Our worship, obedience, and daily decisions must reflect our reverence for Him.
- Judgment belongs to Christ alone. That should give us both comfort (because He is merciful) and urgency (because His Word calls for a response).
My Life Testimony: From Ritual to Relationship, From Empty Words to Eternal Life
When I was a child, I grew up faithfully following religious rituals. I believed that by doing them, I was already pleasing God. I thought that was what worship meant. I didn’t question it, because that’s what I had always been taught and seen. But in my heart, I equated rituals with true devotion.
Everything changed when I decided to fully commit myself to Christ and never turn back. Through the message of our Senior Pastor. I learned something life-changing. Worship is not about rituals—it is our proper response to who God is, what He has done, and what we trust Him to continue doing. That realization opened my eyes. Worship was so much deeper than what I once thought.
For several years now, the Holy Spirit has been teaching me to pray from the heart. I no longer depend on memorized prayers that I often repeated without truly understanding. Instead, I now converse with God throughout the day. Sometimes it’s a whisper in my mind. It may be a cry from my heart. It is always guided by the Spirit who lives in me.
One time, I watched The Pilgrim’s Progress, and I saw myself in Christian’s journey. Like him, I also face temptations, trials, struggles, and setbacks. At times, I’ve stumbled and gone off course. Just as God sent help to Christian, He has always rescued me. He rescues me by His Word. He also does this through the encouragement of a brother or sister. Sometimes, it is by the quiet voice of Jesus Himself leading me back on track. My journey has been like a roller coaster—moments of deep rest, followed by battles that tested my faith. But each time, I’ve learned to “put on the full armor of God” (Ephesians 6:13–17). I stand firm not in my own strength, but in His.
Recently, our church began a series about knowing God—that He is holy, and we are called to be holy. This truth pierced my heart. I realized that even when I want to please Him, I still sin unintentionally. I sin in my thoughts, my words, and sometimes even in subtle gestures. Yet during my quiet times, I’ve learned to run to the Father. I pray something like this:
“Holy Father, I know I have sinned unintentionally today. Forgive me also for the things I’ve neglected to do. You have impressed these things on my heart, but I have delayed. Thank You that when You look at me, You see Jesus in me—because His blood has washed away my sins. May You see me holy, not by my efforts, but because of Christ who lives in me.”
That is the beauty of the eternal life Jesus promised—it’s not something I am waiting for someday. It’s the reality I live in now. Each day, I walk in the assurance that I’ve already crossed from death to life (John 5:24). That truth gives me hope, courage, and the confidence to keep walking with Him no matter what lies ahead.
Life Application: Walking in the Life of Christ
How can we live this truth today?
- Stay Connected to God – Like Jesus, spend intentional time in prayer and Scripture to align your heart with the Father’s will.
- Honor Jesus Daily – In your words, choices, and relationships, let others see that Christ is your Lord.
- Live in Eternal Perspective – Remember that eternal life is already yours if you believe. Let that hope shape how you respond to challenges.
- Release Judgment – Trust that Jesus is the righteous Judge. Avoid condemning others; instead, point them to the life found in Him.
- Break Free from Tradition – Don’t just rely on rituals or habits passed down. Personally seek God through His Word and Spirit.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for giving me life through Your Word and sacrifice. Thank You for showing me the Father’s heart and for offering eternal life to all who believe. Help me to live each day in alignment with Your will. Keep my heart sensitive to Your voice. Let it be obedient to Your commands. Fill it with faith that I have already crossed from death to life. May my life honor You in all things. Amen.
Journaling Prompts
- In what areas of my life do I still try to act on my own instead of relying on God?
- How am I honoring Jesus in my daily actions and relationships?
- What does it mean to me personally that I already have eternal life right now?
- How can I practice deeper intimacy with God, like Jesus modeled in His relationship with the Father?
Question for Reflection
How has your walk with Jesus helped you move from “death to life”? Would you be willing to share your story so others can be encouraged by the hope you’ve found in Him?
If this reflection blessed you, feel free to explore more topics in the popular categories. Discover how God is working in every area of life.
Immanuel and Me 
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