John 5:20

For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.

John 5:20 (KJV)

Context

The Gospel of John records Jesus’ ministry, teachings, and miracles. In John 5, Jesus heals a man who had been paralyzed for 38 years at the pool of Bethesda. This event occurs on the Sabbath, leading to controversy and opposition from the religious leaders. In response, Jesus explains the source of His authority and His relationship with the Father.

Meaning

Jesus speaks of the love between the Father and the Son. The Greek word used here for love is phileō, which conveys deep, affectionate love. This love is the foundation of the Father’s complete disclosure to the Son—the Father shows the Son all that He Himself does, concealing nothing. This is not because the Son is ignorant, but because of the intimate, eternal relationship between them. The Father’s love is the source of the Son’s authority and activity.

Jesus declares that the Father will show Him greater works than the healing of the paralyzed man. These greater works are not merely additional miracles; they are specifically the works of giving life and executing judgment, as the following verses explain (John 5:21-22). These are divine prerogatives, and their purpose is to evoke wonder and amazement, pointing to the divine authority of the Son. The Father takes the initiative, and the Son acts in complete dependence and unity with the Father.

Biblical connections

This verse connects to John 3:35, where the Father loves the Son and has given all things into His hand, reinforcing the theme that the Father’s love is the basis for the Son’s authority.

Application

John 5:20 reminds us of the profound love between the Father and the Son, and their unity in purpose. As believers, we can find assurance and comfort in this love, knowing that Jesus’ ministry is a manifestation of God’s plan for salvation. This verse challenges us to marvel at the works of Jesus and recognize His divine authority. It calls us to reflect on the significance of the miracles He performed and the profound implications of His identity as the Son of God. It invites us to approach Jesus with awe, reverence, and a willingness to follow Him.

Reflection

Consider the intimacy and trust between the Father and the Son. The Father shows the Son all that He does, and the Son acts in perfect unity with the Father. This relationship is the model for our own walk with God—an invitation to live in close communion with Him, trusting that He reveals His will to us as we abide in Him.