8 Then Jesus told him, “Get up, pick up your mat, and walk.”

— John 5:8

22 Furthermore, the Father judges no one, but has assigned all judgment to the Son,

23 so 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.

27 and has given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man.

— John 5:22-23, 27

2 as You have given Him authority over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him.

— John 17:2

27 All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him.

— Matthew 11:27

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace and mercy from Christ to you!

In John 5, Jesus demonstrated and claimed His authority in several occasions. We know the legitimacy of any claim depends on the authenticity behind that declaration. A claim must prove true to be real. Let’s see how Jesus made bold pronouncements that rattled His hearers, inciting opposition but proving He is truly the Son of God. He healed a lame man and indicated His authority to forgive sin. He explained the unified work of God the Father and His Son. He even cited witnesses to verify His claims. Jesus’ enemies recognized His words as a proclamation of His deity and were greatly offended.

Jesus’ declarations forced deep thought and ultimately a decision for every one who heard Him 2000 years ago. His declarations and claims still impact us today. To comprehend Jesus’s authority, we must recognize Him for who He really is. Jesus’ deity establishes His authority. The claims of Christ are not empty. He spoke unshakable truth.