Gospel of John
Teachers
Lesson Summary
The class began with announcements before moving into a prayerful study of John chapter 5, focusing on verses 19‑24 where Jesus declares that the Father gives life and judgment, and that honoring the Son is synonymous with honoring the Father. Art Clark explained that these statements were groundbreaking for the Jewish listeners, who recognized life-giving and judgment as attributes of God alone, thereby positioning Jesus as divine and demanding a decision from each individual. The discussion then linked these verses to the larger narrative of John’s Gospel, noting the "greater works" Jesus promised—feeding the 5,000, walking on water, and ultimately raising Lazarus, culminating in the resurrection as the greatest work. The class highlighted the dual aspects of judgment (final judgment and personal response) and the nature of eternal life as described in John 17:3. Participants examined the choice presented to the Jews: to accept Jesus as the Son of God or to reject Him, leading to spiritual consequences. The session concluded with reflections on the apostolic identity of Jesus and a preview of upcoming studies, including a new Hebrews series.
Key Scriptures
For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son also gives life to whom he wills.
For the Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son, that all may honor the Son, as they honor the Father. Anyone who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him.