John 5:20 — The Father Loveth the Son

“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

John 5:20 reveals the unique relationship between the Father and the Son. Jesus had healed a man who had been unable to walk for thirty-eight years, and the religious leaders questioned His authority. Jesus responded by explaining that His works were inseparably connected with the works of His Father.

“For the Father loveth the Son” shows that the works of Christ flow from an intimate relationship of love between Father and Son. Jesus was not acting independently or in opposition to the Father. He declared, “The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do” (John 5:19).

“And sheweth him all things that himself doeth” expresses a unique sharing of divine works between the Father and the Son. The context makes this especially significant because Jesus proceeds to speak about two works associated with divine authority: giving life and executing judgment.

Verse 21 declares:

“For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.”

And verse 22 says:

“For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son.”

Therefore, the “greater works” extend beyond the healing of one man. Jesus points toward His authority to give life, raise the dead, and execute judgment.

Personal Application

John 5:20 encourages us to look beyond the miracle to the One performing the miracle. The healed man was evidence of something greater: Jesus was revealing His unique relationship with the Father and His divine authority.

We should not seek only what Christ can do for us while overlooking who Christ is.

His works reveal His identity.

The Father loves the Son.
The Father reveals His works to the Son.
The Son gives life.
The Son executes judgment.
And through these works, Christ reveals His glory.