Honoring the Son: How John 5:22-23 Reveals the Trinity and God’s Love
“The Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son, 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 5:22-23
Islam objects to the Christian doctrine of the Trinity. They hold to the belief that God is one, and any distinctions within God negate God’s unity. Christianity replies that God is indeed one, yet there are distinctions within God. It is not a distinction of substance but of persons. The distinctions within God create relationship within God so that God’s love is not self-love. God’s nature is love, and that love is love-in-relationship.
This explains the coming of the Son of God into the world. Why did God send his Son into the world? It was, in part, so that the true nature of the Trinity would be revealed. The Old Testament revealed the nature of God as one God. The New Testament revealed the distinction of persons within the Trinity. God the Father sent his Son so that the Son would be known and honored alongside him. To honor the Father, said Jesus, one must honor the Son. The sacrifice of Christ on the cross honors him and establishes him as worthy of praise and obedience, just like the Father.
You may have heard someone say, “Why do we have to talk about Jesus all the time? Can’t we just talk about God?” The answer is that we talk about God by talking about Jesus. If we are to talk truthfully about God, we must talk about Jesus. The life of Jesus reveals the invisible God because we see the nature of God in the person of Jesus. Only the Son has seen the Father, and only he can make him known. Through the Holy Spirit, we know God as he truly is: Father, Son, and Spirit.
Jesus teaches us how to live. We are to love God and others. No priorities come over these. We are to live humbly and serve others. Jesus modeled this for us in that he left the comforts of heaven to take on human form. Grace and forgiveness are virtues to be practiced, even when they are difficult. Seeking God’s kingdom first is a priority.
If we are to follow the example of Jesus, we should tell the truth and live with integrity. Be honest in our dealings with others, and let our word be our bond. Jesus instructed us to love our enemies and pray for any who abuse us. This is challenging, but Jesus is our model. We should also be generous with the poor and those within our sphere of influence. We should live by faith and not in fear. We should seek purity of heart and attitude.
As we move toward the celebration of Easter, we are reminded of the grace of God. He sent his Son so that we might know and honor him. He did not just tell us of his love but demonstrated it. The cross shows us the depth of God’s love. The resurrection displays his power. We serve a great God!