The Divine Authority of the Son
In John 5:18–24, Jesus responds to accusations of blasphemy after declaring His unique relationship with the Father. Rather than retreating from the controversy, He reveals profound truths about His divine identity and authority. In this sermon, we examine two works that belong to God alone—giving life and executing judgment—and the three responses these truths demand from every person: honoring Christ, believing in Him, and marveling at His glory. Jesus is not merely a great teacher or prophet; He is the eternal Son of God, equal with the Father, worthy of our worship, faith, and awe.
Sermon Outline
The Divine Authority of the Son
John 5:18–24
Big Idea: Jesus reveals Himself as the divine Son who shares the Father’s authority to give life and execute judgment, calling every person to honor Him, believe in Him, and marvel at His glory.
1. The Son Gives Life
Only God can give spiritual life.
Jesus possesses the Father’s authority to give life to whom He wills.
Physical resurrections in Scripture point to the greater miracle of spiritual resurrection.
Spiritually dead sinners cannot make themselves alive; new life comes only through Christ.
Eternal life is found in the Son because He is truly God.
2. The Son Executes Judgment
Only God has the authority to judge the world.
The Father has entrusted all judgment to the Son.
The One who came to save will also return to judge the living and the dead.
Christ’s authority demonstrates His equality with the Father.
Every person will ultimately stand before Christ.
3. Honor, Believe, and Marvel
The proper response to the Son of God.
Honor Christ with the same honor given to the Father.
Believe in Christ alone for eternal life, knowing that those who trust Him have already passed from death to life.
Marvel continually at the glory of Christ, refusing to let familiarity dull wonder and worship.
Faith comes through hearing God’s Word, making the faithful preaching of Scripture central to the Christian life.
Conclusion
How do you respond to Jesus?
Do you honor Him as the eternal Son of God?
Do you trust Him alone for eternal life?
Do you marvel at His glory, or has familiarity replaced wonder?
The gospel calls us to behold Jesus Christ as the divine Son who gives life, will judge the world in righteousness, and alone is worthy of our worship, faith, and lifelong devotion.