What is the meaning of John 5:23?

Context of John 5:23

Jesus has healed on the Sabbath, provoking controversy (John 5:1-18). In response, He declares that He is working just as the Father works, revealing His full equality with God. Verse 23 sits in that explanation, revealing why the Father has given all judgment to the Son—“so that all may honor the Son.”

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so that all may honor the Son

• The Father’s purpose in granting authority and judgment to Jesus is universal honor for the Son.

• This isn’t a suggestion; it is the divine intention that every person recognize Jesus’ worth (Philippians 2:9-11; Revelation 5:12-13).

• Honor involves worship, obedience, and joyful submission—more than polite respect.

• By placing the Son at the center of honor, the Father lifts Him above every prophet, priest, or king (Hebrews 1:1-4).

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just as they honor the Father

• The honor due to Christ is not lesser or secondary; it is identical to that given the Father (John 1:1; Colossians 1:15-17).

• Any view of Jesus that reduces Him to a created being or mere example falls short of the Father’s revealed will (Isaiah 42:8 alongside John 17:5).

• Worship of the Son is therefore true worship of God, never idolatry (Revelation 5:13-14).

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Whoever does not honor the Son

• Jesus draws a sharp line: neutrality toward Him is impossible (Matthew 12:30).

• Refusing to honor Christ—whether through disbelief, indifference, or outright rejection—places a person outside fellowship with God (John 3:18).

• The gravity of this statement underscores evangelism and missions: people must see and savor Jesus as Lord (Acts 4:12).

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does not honor the Father who sent Him

• The Father and Son are so united that dishonor to one is dishonor to the other (John 10:30).

• Claiming to revere God while ignoring or denying Jesus is self-deception (1 John 2:23).

• The Father Himself bears witness to the Son—at Jesus’ baptism (Matthew 3:17) and transfiguration (Matthew 17:5)—so rejecting that witness dishonors the Sender.

• True worshipers “worship the Father in spirit and truth” (John 4:23), and that truth is centered in Christ.

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summary

John 5:23 reveals the Father’s purpose: universal, equal honor for the Son. To honor Jesus is to honor God; to withhold honor from Him is to dishonor God. The passage calls every heart to worship, trust, and obey Christ, recognizing in Him the full glory of the Father who sent Him.