Meaning of John 5:20

This verse, spoken by Jesus, highlights the profound and intimate relationship between the Father and the Son, emphasizing a perfect unity of action and purpose. Jesus declares that the Father "loves the Son and shows him all that he does," indicating not merely a passive observation but an active, volitional sharing of all divine activity. This perfect communion means that whatever the Father does, the Son also does, and whatever the Father reveals, the Son is privy to. The promise of "greater works" to come underscores the escalating revelation of divine power and purpose through Jesus, designed to elicit astonishment and faith from those who witness them. This statement is a direct assertion of Jesus' divine nature and his unique authority, inextricably linked to the Father's will and love.

Context and Background

John 5:19-20 occurs within a larger discourse where Jesus is defending his actions, specifically his healing of a man at the Pool of Bethesda on the Sabbath (John 5:1-18). The Jewish authorities were persecuting him for this, accusing him of breaking the Sabbath law. Jesus’ response is to assert his divine authority, claiming that his works are not his own but are empowered and directed by the Father. He establishes a pattern of divine action: "Whatever the Father does, these things the Son does in like manner." This verse is a direct amplification of that claim, moving from the general principle of shared action to the specific reality of the Father's love and revelation to the Son, and the promise of even more astonishing deeds.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Unity and Communion: The core message is the perfect unity between the Father and the Son. Their actions are not separate but are intrinsically linked, flowing from a shared divine essence and will. The Father's love for the Son is the basis for this intimate sharing of all his works.
• Jesus' Divine Authority: By stating that the Father shows him "all he does," Jesus asserts his equal status with God. His authority to act, even on the Sabbath, stems from his divine nature and his intimate knowledge of the Father's will and works.
• Revelation of God's Power: The promise of "greater works" signifies an ongoing and escalating revelation of God's power and kingdom through Jesus. These works are not random displays but are purposeful demonstrations designed to confirm his identity and mission.
• Purposeful Astonishment: The astonishment of the onlookers is not meant to be mere surprise but a response of awe and recognition of the divine at work, leading to faith.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This verse speaks to the believer's understanding of Jesus' identity and mission. It affirms that Jesus is not merely a prophet or a good teacher, but the very embodiment of God's active love and power in the world. For Christians, understanding this intimate relationship means recognizing that Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God. His life, miracles, teachings, death, and resurrection are all expressions of the Father's perfect love and plan. The "greater works" can be seen as encompassing the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers, the establishment of the Church, and the eventual consummation of God's kingdom, all of which are expressions of divine power that should inspire awe and faith.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

John 5:20 fits within the overarching narrative of God's redemptive plan. From the creation account to the prophecies of the Messiah, the Bible consistently points to God's active involvement in human history. Jesus, as the Son of God, is the culmination of this narrative, the ultimate expression of God's love and power for salvation. The Old Testament prophets foretold a coming one who would perform mighty deeds and reveal God's glory; Jesus fulfills these prophecies. Furthermore, the concept of divine revelation is central to the biblical story, from God speaking to Abraham to the final revelation in Christ.

Analogies

One analogy to understand the Father showing the Son all that He does is that of a master craftsman and his apprentice who has proven himself exceptionally skilled and trustworthy. The master craftsman would not only teach the apprentice the fundamental techniques but would also involve him in his most intricate and important projects, sharing his designs and allowing him to execute them with precision. Similarly, the Father, in His perfect love and confidence, shares His divine blueprint and ongoing creative activity with the Son. Another analogy might be that of a loving parent sharing their deepest thoughts and plans with their beloved child, ensuring the child understands and participates in their life's work.

Relation to Other Verses

• John 1:1-3: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made." This passage establishes the pre-existence and divine nature of the Son, which is foundational to understanding his shared works with the Father.
• John 14:9-10: "Jesus said to him, 'Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works.'" This directly echoes John 5:20, emphasizing that seeing Jesus is to see the Father, and his works are the Father's works.
• Hebrews 1:3: "He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his powerful word." This verse further elucidates the Son's divine nature and his active role in creation and sustenance, aligning with the concept of shared works.