Divine Authority:
Jesus's Oneness with the Father
Jesus's Oneness with the Father
In the Gospel of John 5:18, 31-47, we encounter a profound revelation of Jesus' identity and His relationship with the Father. The passage begins with the stark statement that Jesus "was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God" (v.18). This declaration of equality forms the foundation for understanding all that follows.
As Jesus continues, He acknowledges that self-testimony alone is insufficient according to Jewish law, so He presents multiple witnesses to His divine identity. He points to John the Baptist's testimony, the works given to Him by the Father, the Father's own witness, and finally the Scriptures which testify about Him. Each witness reinforces the central truth: Jesus acts with the full authority of God the Father because He is one with the Father.
When we reflect on how we witness to Christ in our daily lives, we must consider whether our actions truly testify to this belief. Do we live as though Jesus has divine authority? When we pray, work, interact with others, or make decisions, do these moments reflect our faith in Christ's oneness with the Father?
The challenge becomes even more pointed when we consider Jesus' words: "How can you believe since you accept glory from one another but do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?" (v.44). This question strikes at the heart of our motivations. When we seek human approval over divine affirmation, we place ourselves in the same position as those who rejected Jesus despite the overwhelming testimony to His identity.
To seek "the honor that comes from God alone" means orienting our lives toward pleasing Him rather than impressing others. In practical terms, this might look like: choosing integrity over popularity when facing ethical decisions; serving others without seeking recognition; maintaining prayer and devotion even when no one is watching; speaking truth in love even when it's unpopular; finding contentment in God's approval rather than worldly success.
This radical reorientation of priorities reflects the Church's ancient understanding that our ultimate worth comes not from human judgment but from being children of God. When we truly grasp Jesus' equality with the Father, we recognize that pleasing God matters infinitely more than human opinion.
Our witness to Christ becomes authentic when we, like Jesus, can say that we seek only to do the will of the Father. In this way, our lives become another testimony to the truth that Jesus proclaimed – that He is one with God, and through Him, we too can know the Father.
©2025 James Dacey Jr.
