~ LISTENING CENTER ~

Date: May 16, 2021 Title: The Authority of Christ Passage: John 5:18-47 Speaker: David Hayes Sermon Note Sheet (PDF) Download Audio Watch it on

* As we have been studying The Gospel of Jesus Christ according to John, we have noted that the major purpose of the book is the presentation of the proof that Jesus is the Son of God. It is this truth, as well, which is at the core of the gospel message. The perfect sacrifice for our sins could only be made by God Himself becoming man. * On May 2, we studied John 4:43 - 5:18, considering the 2nd and 3rd of Jesus' signs. The third sign was the healing of the sick man at the pool of Bethesda. This healing occurred on the Sabbath, becoming a big problem for many of the Jews. How could a man from God break the Sabbath? Jesus' response caused even more consternation, as He equated Himself with God. * Today, we will continue in the rest of John 5, where Jesus expands on His equality with God. The unity of the Father and the Son leads to the Son, Jesus, having authority over things that the Jews (and we) associate only with God. Jesus particularly emphasizes His authority over resurrection and over judgment as evidence of His unity with the Father. John 5 ends with Jesus presenting a list of Five Witnesses, intended to help people believe that the Son has been sent by the Father. Jesus says, "... I say these things that you may be saved." - John 5:34