When Jesus came as Immanuel, He had the same destination of all humanity, death. For Jesus however, His death would be timely and full of purpose. Foremost, He laid down His life willing. The writer to the Hebrews quotes the words of the Psalmist who prophesied of the Lord Jesus, “You have prepared a body for Me.” “I delight to do your will.”Heb.10:5-9 KNKJV. So, as His actions infuriate the Jews, Jesus once again proclaims heavenly truths.
After Jesus healed the man by the pool, the infuriated Jews saw only His breaking of the law by working on the Sabbath. It further escalated when He told them He and His Father were working. They once again attempted to kill this man, making Himself out, to be equal with God. Jesus nevertheless, under the threat of untimely death taught about His relationship with His Father, a relationship of love, glory and honour.
Of Love
God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit are One in love. Jesus explains how everything that He does comes out of their relationship. The Father loves the Son and shows Him everything that He does. The Son can only do what He has seen the Father do. Greater things are yet in the offing for the Jews to see. “that you may marvel,” Jesus told them. The Father raises the dead and gives them life. The Son gives life to whomever He wants to.
Of Glory
What was the work He had to do? Jesus glorified His Father. He came to reveal Him. When He healed the sick, or taught in the synagogue, everything glorified His Father. He was Immanuel, “God with us.” As He prayed in John 17:4,”I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do.”
Of Honour
When it came to judgement, God gave the responsibility to the Son. Jesus told the Jews that God doesn’t judge anyone. What a mercy for as Psalm 143:2 puts it “Do not enter into judgement with Your servant, for in your sight no one living is righteous.” Instead we have a High Priest who “will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more” Heb. 8:12. It was so all would honour the Son as they honour the Father. The dishonour the Jews were showing to Jesus dishonoured the Father. Jesus, under the threat of untimely death, taught about His relationship with His Father, a relationship of love, glory and honour.
