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Call to worship: Romans 5:1-11

Text: John 5:19-29

Summary:

Rather than shying away from the conflict with Israel's religious elite, Jesus doubles down. They feel affronted that Jesus considers himself to be intimate with the heart of God? Jesus lets them know that insofar as they dishonor him, they show that they hold no real honor for the Father, either. By rejecting the word and work of Christ, they bring judgement upon themselves. The Father himself has turned everything over to Jesus - eternal life is found in believing his message. Jesus suggests nothing less than understanding Scripture in light of his own ministry. And in so doing, Jesus, through John calls his disciples to truly see Jesus as Lord, as the creator, as the judge, as the rewarder of the righteous. He is not just a powerful teacher or miracle worker, but God fleshed out, demonstrating his love for his people and his desire for their repentance.

Outline:

1. Like Father, Like Son
2. Life Eternal
3. Listen Up

Prepare

Discussion Questions:

1. Read John 5:19-29.
2. What should we gather that the Father has been doing based on Jesus' own actions (see John 5:19-20)? Why is the rejection by the Jewish leaders particularly grievous and deserving of God's condemnation? How should we heed this warning ourselves? What does Jesus mean when he says, "whoever hears my words and believes him who sent me"? Who is Jesus referring to ("him who sent me")? What is the trustworthy message Jesus' hearers are to believe? How have Jesus' opponents demonstrated they do not hear and believe God? How is this belief related to the "good news" of Jesus' death and resurrection?
3. Read Hebrews 12:18-29. How does the writer of Hebrews encourage Christians in the face of certain judgement? Is this the same or different from Jesus' own emphasis in John 5? How is Jesus' role as "mediator of a new covenant" related to his role as judge?
4. Read Ezekiel 34:1-16. How are God's harsh words towards the "shepherds" who "feed themselves" reflected in John 5? Is Jesus speaking generically, or does he have someone in mind who is dishonoring the Father (see John 5:22-23)? How do Jesus' words and actions compare with God's own statements about how he will seek out and rescue his scattered flock? How does this impact the way we understand Jesus' own self-understanding of his mission and person?
5. Continue reading in Ezekiel 34:17-24. How are Jesus' words concerning coming judgment (resurrection of life or resurrection of judgment) encouraging to those who are faithful in the midst of oppression and suffering? How is Jesus' personal involvement in this coming judgement encouraging? How is Jesus' coming as judge related to God's promises to David (see John 5:27-29, Ezekiel 34:24)?