Bold Statements of Deity

Text: John 5:16-30
Theme: Jesus claims to be the Son of God.
Key verses: “…the Father judges no one. Instead, he has given the Son absolute authority to judge, so that everyone will honor the Son, just as they honor the Father…I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life…and I assure you that the time is coming, indeed it’s here now, when the dead will hear my voice–the voice of the Son of God…The Father has life in himself, and he has granted that same life-giving power to his Son” (v. 22-26). “And he has given him authority to judge everyone because he is the Son of Man…the time is coming when all the dead in their graves will hear the voice of God’s Son, and they will rise again…” (v. 27-28).
What God said to me: Hear my Son, Dwayne. Listen and obey him; honor him with your life. He’s my beloved Son in whom I am well-pleased. This is the first recorded time that Jesus boldly said he is deity equal with God. Jesus didn’t mince words. In fact, he restated his deity over and over in this discourse with the Pharisees and others who were listening to him. There could be no mistake to the people then or to any in the generations to follow that Jesus Christ truly claimed to be my Son whom I sent. He was and is the Son of God and the Son of Man. The Pharisees were ready to kill him because of his bold statements of deity. But millions upon millions have responded in faith to his claims and have experienced eternal and real life. I love my Son, and I love all of those who are now my children because they trusted in my Son. Honor my Son today, Dwayne. Let nothing stand in your way of honoring, serving, obeying and worshiping my Son and your Savior, Jesus Christ the Lord.
What I said to God: Holy Lord, please forgive me for not honoring Your Son yesterday. Forgive me for taking my eyes off of you, if only for a few minutes. I want to love you with my life, not just with my words. Please fill me with Your Spirit today and help me walk in Your Spirit all day long. Guide my thoughts, words and actions. Thank You for sending Your one and only Son to save us, to give us hope and life and peace. How could we not serve You? How could we not follow Your Son? He has the words of life.