Introduction: Father and son businesses used to be more common than they are now. You can still find some in Chattanooga: The Stockbroker firm, A.G. Edwards and Sons; the construction company: McDaniel and Son, and so on. The work of salvation might be called a “father/son business.” Jesus and the heavenly father work together in all aspects of our salvation. To continue the business analogy, the Holy Spirit might be called the “Silent Partner,” since He works behind the scenes and takes no glory for Himself (John 16:14-15).

I. The Bible tells us that God is always at work (John 5:17). God rested on the seventh day of creation, in order to sanctify at day, and give it to mankind for our benefit. But He went right back to work again the next day. His work now is called preservation, and providence. The world holds together and continues because of God’s work (Colossians 1:16-17). In His providence He guides and oversees all that happens on earth and in Heaven: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him...” (Romans 8:28, NIV).

II. God the Father has delegated the Judgment of mankind to Jesus, and this is the theme of most of this passage from John.

A. Jesus’ decisions are identical to what the Father would decide to do (John 5:19). “Like Father, Like Son,” is true in the human family, and true in the Trinity, too. There are never any disagreements between the Father and the Son.

B. There are no secrets that the Father keeps from the Son (John 5:20). Both Father and Son are omniscient, though Jesus laid aside the exercise of His omniscience when He was living on earth as a man. At that time He said only the Father knew the date of Christ’s return to the earth, but NOW Jesus knows.

C. Both Father and Son have power to give eternal life to all who believe in Jesus as their Lord and Savior (John 5:21, 24-26).

D. Those who refuse to honor the Son cannot simultaneously honor the Father.

1. Some religions reject Jesus Christ as the eternal Son of God, and only Savior. These religions are dishonoring toward God the Father, regardless of what it’s adherents may claim. (For example: Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Mormonism and so on. We should not respect someone who sincerely practices his religion if his religion dishonors Jesus.) Pope John Paul II contradicted Jesus when he wrote, “The plan of salvation also includes the Muslims. Together with us they adore the one merciful God.”

2. Likewise, some religions claim to believe in Jesus, but they take his honor, character and work, and give them to some other person or saint. For example, Roman Catholicism teaches that Mary was born without sin, that Mary ascended into Heaven and sits at God’s right hand to intercede for sinners, that Mary is co-redeemer along with Jesus, that she assists in the regeneration of the lost, that she is the Mother of the Church, and that we should pray to Mary and the Saints. Pope John Paul II wrote that Mary was the Queen of Heaven and of the nations, and that he was totally abandoned in his devotion to Mary. This takes away from the honor of Jesus, and whatever dishonors Jesus is repugnant to the Heavenly Father. “ I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another” (Isaiah 42:8).

E. It is Jesus who has been made the righteous judge of all mankind, and who will save the believers, and condemn all the unbelievers (John 5:22, 26-30). Jesus describes His judgment in many other passages, for example Matthew 25:31-34. The Great White Throne Judgment of Revelation 21 is a description of Jesus as Judge at the last Judgment. He is NOW, in this present age, offering Himself as Savior, and mankind should receive Him while they may. There is coming a day when the window of salvation will close.

Conclusion: Jesus has been appointed by the Heavenly Father to be our Redeemer and the Judge of all the earth. He is completely one with the Father in His decisions and all His works. All must bow the knee in submission to Him. Let us conclude with reading Psalm 2:

1 Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?
2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying,
3 Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.
4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the LORD shall have them in derision.
5 Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.
6 Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.
7 I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.
8 Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.
9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.
10 Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.
11 Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.
12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.

Amen.