“For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.”
(John 5:20)
One of the most beautiful truths revealed in Scripture is the relationship between God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. Although Christ is fully equal with God in divinity (Phil. 2:6), He uniquely exists as God’s only begotten Son… an eternal, incomparable relationship characterized by infinite, perfect love. The Father openly declares, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matt. 3:17).
Because of the Father’s love for His Son, all His eternal purposes, mysteries, and sovereign plans are fully revealed to Christ. Scripture clearly affirms that all God’s works have been known to Him from eternity: “Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world” (Acts 15:18). The Father works all things according to His perfect counsel and sovereign will (Eph. 1:11), and Christ knows and participates fully in every aspect of that divine counsel. He is acquainted with the eternal plan of redemption, the mysteries of divine election, and all those whom the Father has appointed to everlasting life. Every soul predestined to grace is known perfectly to Christ.
Christ Himself declares, “The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he sees the Father do” (John 5:19). He fully knew His appointed time for performing miracles, saying, “Mine hour is not yet come” (John 2:4), and He knew precisely when the hour of His sufferings had arrived (Luke 22:53). Every moment of Christ’s earthly ministry unfolded according to the exact sovereign timetable appointed by the Father.
R.C. Sproul rightly stated, “This is why knowing ‘Him who is true’—the Father—is inseparable from being in union with His true Son (1 John 5:20). To know the true God and to have eternal life is to be in the Son. Only those who are disciples of the Christ have everlasting salvation.”[1]
Indeed, the conversion of sinners and every dispensation of grace are accomplished through Christ. “God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself… and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation” (2 Cor. 5:19). Thus Christ affirms, “Ye will not come to me, that ye might have life” (John 5:40) and “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him” (John 6:44). While it is God’s holy justice that requires satisfaction, it is through Christ alone that redemption and reconciliation occur.
Furthermore, the Father has placed all authority and administration into the hands of the Son. And at the last day, God’s final judgment of both men and angels will be executed through Christ alone, ensuring that “every knee should bow… and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord” (Phil. 2:10–11). At that moment, Christ will receive eternal glory and universal adoration, as heaven and earth proclaim, “Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever!” (Rev. 5:13).
Contemplations:
- Honoring Christ Rightly. Lord, You are the Sovereign God worthy of all honor, and Christ is Your appointed Mediator, equally deserving of worship because He is God. Yet I confess my heart often fails to fully honor Christ as I ought. Teach me to truly say, “I honor the Son, even as I honor the Father” (John 5:23). Forgive me for undervaluing Christ’s divine majesty and authority, and help me to rightly esteem His glory.
- The Cornerstone of Faith. Lord, forgive me for relying on self-effort, human wisdom, or worldly comforts. You have made Christ “the head stone of the corner” (Ps. 118:22), the cornerstone of my salvation (Eph. 2:20). Let my faith rest entirely and confidently upon Him alone, forsaking every other hope and refuge.
- Neglecting True Adoration. Though Christ is glorious and worthy of praise, my thoughts and actions frequently fail to reflect a proper reverence. Renew my heart to adore Christ sincerely in public gatherings as well as in quiet moments alone. Draw my affections fully to Your beloved Son, who alone deserves my complete devotion.
- Delayed Obedience. Lord, You have clearly revealed Your will through Christ, who perfectly knew and followed Your appointed times. Yet, unlike Christ, I often delay obedience, ignoring Your promptings or rationalizing away Your commands. I confess this sins of procrastination and disobedience. Grant me immediate and joyful responsiveness, modeled after Christ’s own willing submission to Your sovereign timing.
Prayer (Confession):
Heavenly Father, I come before You aware of the perfection and holiness of Your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, who is fully acquainted with all Your divine purposes and works. Yet when I gaze upon my own life, I am grieved to see how far short I fall from truly honoring Christ as He deserves. Your Word clearly reveals that Christ is Your eternal Son, loved beyond measure, to whom You have given all authority and knowledge of Your will. Yet how often I dishonor Him through shallow worship and cold affections.
Forgive me, Lord, for the times I have treated Christ lightly, failing to reverence Him as the sovereign Lord He truly is. Forgive me when my prayers and praise are weak and distracted, not reflective of His majesty and infinite worth. Grant me grace to truly honor the Son just as I honor You, Father, understanding that to dishonor Him is to dishonor You.
I also confess my tendency to build my spiritual life on foundations other than Christ, relying instead on my own strength, wisdom, or earthly securities. Forgive this foolishness, Lord. You have established Christ as the chief cornerstone of my salvation, so help me rest securely in Him alone, unmoved by challenges and temptations.
Father, I am too frequently reluctant to obey. And yet Christ obeyed You immediately, perfectly, and completely, submitting to Your appointed times and plans without question. Forgive my sinful procrastination and self-will, and grant me a heart that swiftly and joyfully obeys.
Finally, forgive my lukewarm devotion. Christ deserves the adoration and worship of every creature, yet how often my love grows dull. Renew me, Father, that my worship may be fervent, sincere, and pleasing in Your sight. Cause my heart to adore Christ as the angels do, passionately praising Him who reigns at Your right hand.
Cleanse and restore me, Lord, by Christ’s precious blood. Forgive and renew my conscience, strengthen my faith, and revive my devotion. Transform me, that I might reflect Christ’s glory and live always to honor His name.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Further Scripture References for John 5:20:
John 3:35; Matt. 3:17; John 14:12; Matt. 17:5; Luke 10:22; 2 Peter 1:17.
[1] RC Sproul, Table Talk Magazine, November 2005: No Strings Attached (Lake Mary, FL: Ligonier Ministries, 2005), 45.
