Jesus often healed people on the Sabbath which enraged the Jewish leaders. In His own defense, Jesus told the Jewish leaders that God is always working.
In his defense Jesus said to them, “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working.” John 5:17 (NIV)
Of course, when he referred to God as His very own Father, this only made things worse. The Jewish leaders believed this to be blasphemy – punishable by death. Indeed, Jesus claimed to be equal with God.
“For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it.” John 5:21 (NIV)
In addition, Jesus claimed to have been given authority by God to judge all men. He also made it clear to the Jewish leaders that rejection of Him was a rejection of God.
“Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son, that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him.” John 5:22-23 (NIV)
To prove the truth of his statements, Jesus provided the Jewish leaders with five witnesses to His claim. John the Baptist testified concerning Christ (John 5:33-35). The miracles Christ performed were witness to His power (John 5:36). The Father Himself was a witness at the baptism of Jesus (Mark 1:11). The Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah were a witness (John 5:39). And finally, Jesus said that Moses was a witness (Deuteronomy 18:15).
Jesus made a substantial case for his deity to the Jewish leaders and the remainder of the New Testament provides us with an overwhelming revelation of the truth – Jesus is Lord (Romans 6:23).
“Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.” John 5:24 (NIV)
Answer each question as though you were speaking privately to Jesus. Don’t just answer yes or no, explain your answer completely to yourself and to the Lord.
Are you convinced that God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit are one?
Do you honor Jesus as you honor God?
Do you feel connected to God by the Holy Spirit?
Do you have any doubt about the deity of Jesus?
Have you read the Bible verses that point to the deity of Jesus?
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