My Father Has Been Working Until Now, And I Have Been Working
Text: John 5
3 May 2009
(I) THE MIRACULOUS WORKS OF JESUS
1. Miracles of Described as “signs”
“This beginning of signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and manifested His glory; and His disciples believed in Him.” John 2:11
2. Miracles of Jesus manifested His glory
“…and manifested His glory…” John 2:11b
3. Many professed faith because of His sign-miracles
“…many believed in His name when they saw the signs which He did.” John 2:23b
(II) A DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORKS OF JESUS
1. First glimpse
“…Jesus answered them, ‘My Father has been working until now, and I have been working’ ” John 5:17
a) Because He sees His Father working
b) He works side by side with His Father
2. Second Glimpse
“Then Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Most assuredly I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner.” John 5:19
a) The Son carefully notes what His Father is doing
i) He fathom why the Father does a thing
ii) He figures out how the Father does a thing
b) The Son carefully follows His Father’s lead
i) In like manner the Son emulates the Father
ii) In careful and loving obedience He imitates His Father
3. Third Glimpse
“For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does;and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel.” John 5:20
a) A picture of a precious loving relationship between Father and Son
b) A picture of a Father explaining to His Son what He is doing
c) A picture of a Father revealing to His Son of greater works in the future
(III) A GREAT CHALLENGE TO ALL CHILDREN OF GOD
1. To cultivate a closer relationship with God the Father
a) Through knowledge of the Scriptures
b) Through a deep love for God
c) Through abiding in Christ
2. To demonstrate this closeness of relationship
a) In works
b) In the manner in which we work
c) In the spirit of commitment evidenced in the way we work
3. To hold forth Jesus as the Perfect Example
a) As Son
b) As Servant of God