Gospel

In this short passage Jesus mentions the Father and the Son seven times each. Jesus and the Heavenly Father have a unique relationship, a relationship which cannot be matched by any other.

Jesus was sent by the Father to do that which the Father had set aside for His perfect plan. Jesus knew this and was in total accord. So therefore, He could only do what He sees the Father doing. Because the Father loves the Son, He shows the Son all that He does. The initial three mentions of the Father and the Son here speak of the Oneness of them in the actions they do. So as the Father does, so does the Son.

The fourth time the Father and the Son are mentioned, Jesus tells us that He gives life to whomever He chooses to do so. Jesus can raise us from a carnal life to a higher life of serving Him and advancing God’s kingdom. He can make our life so much more than we could ever hope it to be. Jesus also has the power to raise from death (Jairus’ daughter, the widow’s son, Lazarus, and to come those who believe in Him).

As the Father and the Son are in one accord, the Father has entrusted the judgement of all souls to the Son. The Father wishes that all would come to Him. He understands that the Son knows the hearts of all and can thus judge righteously to the eternal fate of all. The Father desires that all mankind would honor the Son as they would honor the Father, and thus the Father has given the Son the authority to judge all mankind.

No one can honor the Father without honoring the Son. The Father and the Son are one. We cannot honor and love one without the other. They are one and in one accord. To love and honor one means to honor and love the other, for they are one.

Heavenly Father and Lord Jesus, thank you so much for loving us. We are sinners, and nothing without you. Thank you for your grace and mercy upon us. Thank you for the perfect plan for our salvation. Jesus, thank you for being our Savior! Thank you for eternal life through you. AMEN!!