John 5:19

So Jesus replied, "Truly, truly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing by Himself, unless He sees the Father doing it. For whatever the Father does, the Son also does.

Study Bible

So Jesus replied
This phrase indicates a direct response from Jesus, emphasizing His authority and intentionality in addressing the concerns or misunderstandings of His audience. The Greek word for "replied" (ἀπεκρίθη) suggests a formal and thoughtful answer, underscoring the importance of what follows. In the context of John 5, Jesus is responding to the Jewish leaders who were questioning His actions and authority, particularly after healing on the Sabbath. This sets the stage for a profound theological declaration about His relationship with the Father.

Truly, truly
The repetition of "truly" (ἀμὴν ἀμὴν) is a Hebraic expression used to emphasize the truth and importance of the statement. It is akin to saying "Amen, Amen," which is a solemn affirmation of the truth. In the Gospel of John, this phrase is used by Jesus to introduce significant teachings, highlighting the certainty and divine authority behind His words. It serves as a call for the listener to pay close attention to the profound truth being revealed.

I tell you
This phrase underscores the personal authority of Jesus in His teaching. The Greek word λέγω (lego) is used here, which means "to say" or "to speak." It reflects the direct communication from Jesus to His audience, emphasizing that what follows is not merely opinion but divine revelation. In the context of the Gospel, Jesus often uses this phrase to introduce teachings that reveal His divine nature and mission.

the Son can do nothing by Himself
This statement highlights the intimate and dependent relationship between Jesus (the Son) and God the Father. The Greek word for "nothing" (οὐδέν) emphasizes the complete reliance of the Son on the Father. This is not a statement of limitation but rather one of divine unity and purpose. It reflects the perfect harmony and submission within the Trinity, where the Son's actions are fully aligned with the Father's will.

unless He sees the Father doing it
Here, Jesus speaks of His divine insight and unity with the Father. The Greek word βλέπει (blepei), meaning "sees," indicates a continuous and intimate observation. This phrase suggests that Jesus' actions are a direct reflection of the Father's will and work. It underscores the concept of Jesus as the perfect revelation of God, acting in complete accordance with the Father's purposes.

For whatever the Father does
This phrase emphasizes the comprehensive scope of the Father's work. The Greek word ὅσα (hosa), meaning "whatever," indicates the totality of the Father's actions. It suggests that there is nothing the Father does that is outside the Son's knowledge or participation. This highlights the unity and co-operation within the Godhead, where the Son is fully engaged in the divine mission.

the Son also does
This concluding phrase affirms the active participation of the Son in the Father's work. The Greek word ποιεῖ (poiei), meaning "does," indicates ongoing action. It reflects the perfect obedience and unity of purpose between the Father and the Son. This statement is a profound declaration of the divinity of Jesus, affirming that His works are the works of God Himself. It serves as a powerful testament to the unity and co-equality of the Father and the Son within the Trinity.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jesus
- The central figure in this passage, Jesus is speaking to the Jewish leaders about His relationship with God the Father.

2. The Father
- Refers to God the Father, whose actions and will are perfectly mirrored by Jesus.

3. Jewish Leaders
- The audience to whom Jesus is speaking, who are questioning His authority and actions.

4. Jerusalem
- The setting of this discourse, where Jesus performed miracles and taught.

5. Healing at the Pool of Bethesda
- The event preceding this verse, where Jesus healed a man on the Sabbath, prompting the discussion about His authority.

Teaching Points

Unity of the Father and the Son
Jesus' actions are a direct reflection of the Father's will, demonstrating the perfect unity and harmony within the Trinity.

Dependence on the Father
Jesus models complete dependence on the Father, showing us the importance of seeking God's will in all we do.

Authority of Jesus
Jesus' authority is derived from His relationship with the Father, affirming His divine nature and mission.

Imitation of Christ
As Jesus imitates the Father, believers are called to imitate Christ, aligning our actions with His teachings and example.

Obedience and Submission
Jesus' submission to the Father is a model for our own obedience to God's will, even when it challenges societal norms or personal desires.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jesus' relationship with the Father in John 5:19 inform our understanding of the Trinity?

2. In what ways can we model our lives after Jesus' example of dependence on the Father?

3. How does recognizing Jesus' authority impact our daily decisions and actions?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to ensure our actions align with God's will, as Jesus did?

5. How can understanding the unity between the Father and the Son deepen our faith and trust in God's plan for our lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

John 14:10
- This verse further elaborates on the unity between the Father and the Son, emphasizing that Jesus' words and works are not His own but the Father's.

Philippians 2:6-7
- Highlights the humility and obedience of Jesus, who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His own advantage.

Hebrews 1:3
- Describes Jesus as the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by His powerful word.

Colossians 1:15-17
- Speaks of Jesus as the image of the invisible God, by whom all things were created and in whom all things hold together.