How does John 5:23 emphasize the importance of honoring both the Father and Son? Reading the Verse “that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.” (John 5:23) Why Equal Honor Is Mandated • The Father Himself declares the Son worthy of the same honor (John 5:22). • The Son fully shares the divine nature—“For in Christ all the fullness of Deity dwells bodily” (Colossians 2:9). • Refusing honor to the Son is, by Christ’s own words, refusal of the Father (1 John 2:23). • Equality of honor safeguards true worship, keeping us from a partial or distorted view of God (John 1:1, 14; Hebrews 1:3). Implications for Worship • Worship must be Christ-centered as well as Father-focused—neither is optional (Revelation 5:12-13). • Prayer offered “in Jesus’ name” (John 14:13-14) is not formulaic; it is acknowledgment of His divine authority. • Confession of Jesus as Lord (Philippians 2:9-11) brings glory to the Father because the Father has exalted Him. • Any theology that demotes the Son undermines the Father’s own testimony about Him (Matthew 17:5). How Honor Is Expressed Today • Faith—trusting the Son for salvation just as Israel trusted the Father’s promises (John 3:16; Acts 4:12). • Obedience—keeping Christ’s commands demonstrates genuine love for both Father and Son (John 14:15, 23). • Proclamation—boldly sharing the gospel exalts the Son, fulfilling the Father’s redemptive plan (2 Corinthians 4:5-6). • Worship—singing, praying, and living with Jesus at the center mirrors heaven’s chorus (Colossians 3:16-17). • Hope—awaiting Christ’s return honors the Father who appointed Him Judge and King (John 5:27; Titus 2:13). Takeaway Honoring the Father cannot be separated from honoring the Son. Scripture presents their glory as indivisible, calling every believer to give Jesus the same reverence, trust, and obedience rendered to the Father. Anything less diminishes the fullness of God revealed in His Word. |
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