The Relationship Between Jesus and God

This meditation is based on a passage for August 16, 2010 in the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: John 5:19-29

Reflection and Question: So often in these meditations, I speak of God as the One whom Jesus called Father. In this section of John, we find Jesus speaking extensively about God as the Father and Himself as God’s Son. What Jesus describes here is very similar to the strong relationship between fathers and their first sons in Jewish society at that time. And indeed, much of John is told in order to show that Jesus is like any son in an ancient Jewish family where the firstborn has all the powers of the father. In Jesus’ case, He has power even to judge the living and the dead. How do you understand Jesus as the Son of God?

Prayer: Dearest Jesus, indeed, what You promised so long ago has come to pass: You have shown us great works and we have been astonished. May our words and deeds honor You and Your Father. Bless us as we come before You to be judged. Amen.