Jesus and the Father in Perfect Unity
Today's Gospel: John 5:16-30 offers us a profound glimpse into the intimate relationship between Jesus and God the Father. Today's scripture reveals several key dimensions of their connection that can inspire our own spiritual journey.
In this scripture, Jesus says, "My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working" (v.17). This reveals a beautiful synchronicity - the Father and Son working in perfect harmony. Jesus further explains that he does "nothing by himself" but only what he sees the Father doing (v.19).
What might this teach us about our own relationship with God? First, it invites us to practice spiritual attentiveness. Jesus models a posture of watching what the Father is doing and then joining in that work. This challenges us to move beyond our self-directed agendas and instead discern where God is already at work in our world.
Second, it reminds us that an authentic relationship with God requires humility. Jesus, despite his divine nature, demonstrates complete dependence on the Father. Our own spiritual growth similarly demands that we surrender our independence and acknowledge our need for God's guidance.
The passage also highlights that the Father "loves the Son and shows him all he does" (v.20). This relationship is founded on love, not merely duty or obligation. Our connection with God likewise flourishes when rooted in love rather than religious performance.
Perhaps most challenging is Jesus's statement that "by myself I can do nothing" (v.30). In our culture that celebrates self-sufficiency, these words stand in stark contrast. Yet they offer the liberating truth that our greatest fulfillment comes through surrender to God's purposes.
To deepen our relationship with God, we might consider setting aside regular times of quiet to listen for God's direction. We can examine our motives: are we seeking God's will or our own comfort? This requires daily prayer and scripture reflection, and looking for evidence of God's work in our circumstances.
The journey toward this kind of relationship requires sacrifice. We must release our grip on control, pride, and self-determination. But in exchange, we find ourselves participating in the divine dance that has existed for all eternity between Father and Son - a dance we are graciously invited to join through prayer, contemplation, and faithful obedience.
Prayer of Divine Love
Heavenly Father,
As Jesus looked to You in perfect unity and trust, teach my heart to seek You with that same devotion. Open my eyes to see where You are working in my life and in the world around me, that I might join in Your divine purpose rather than pursue my own path.
Forgive me for the times I have relied solely on my own strength and wisdom. Like Jesus, who did nothing apart from Your will, help me surrender my independence and find freedom in dependence on You. May I, too, say with conviction, "Not my will, but Yours be done."
In the quietness of this moment, I quiet my restless thoughts to hear Your voice. Draw me into the intimacy that Jesus shared with You, where love flows freely between Father and child. Show me what You are doing, that I might follow.
I release my grip on control, pride, and self-determination. Worldly success deems no value for the eternity I am preparing for. I acknowledge that apart from You, I can do nothing of eternal significance. Fill me with the Holy Spirit that I might discern Your will and find courage to follow, even when the path requires sacrifice.
Thank You for inviting me into the divine dance of love that has existed for all eternity. May my life reflect the beautiful harmony that Jesus demonstrated with You, bringing glory to Your name and joy to Your heart.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
©2025 James Dacey Jr.
