Text: John 5:16-30

The Jews persecuted Jesus because He had healed the man on the Sabbath Day.   They pretended to love God's Old Testament Law which forbade them to work on the Sabbath Day.  They really did not love God's Law. They really were just jealous of Jesus.  They were ashamed of Him too.  He was lowly and meek, not pious acting and wealthy. 

Family Bible Discussion

Discuss persecution.  Tell the ways Jesus was persecuted.  The Bible says that all who live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.  Why do you think people persecute Christians?  Is it more important for others to like us or to do God's Will?  

The Jews did not understand who Jesus was.  Many people today do not understand who Jesus is. The Bible tells us that Jesus and the Father were equal before Jesus came to earth: 

"Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men."(Phil.2:5-7)

The Father is God.  Jesus is God, also.  They are different personalities in the same way that you have two parents. Your Dad is not your Mom and your Mom is not your Dad but they are both your parents.  They are both equally your parents.  In the same way, the Father and the Son are equally God.  Even though Jesus was equal with the Father, He loved us so much that He was willing to give that up.  He was willing to become like a servant in order to save us.  He did that when He came to earth to live and die on the cross for our sins.

True or False

1. Jesus will be our Judge someday.

2. The Father judges no one.

3. Those who hear, believe and obey Jesus will not come into judgement.

4. All should honor the Son just as they honor the Father.

5. Someday only the good people in their graves will hear the voice of Jesus speak and come forth.

6. Because Jesus is God and equal with the Father, when He was on earth Jesus did whatever He pleased and did not consult the Father.

Choose the right answer:

7. The Jews wanted to (honor Jesus; kill Jesus; thank Jesus) because He healed the sick man.

8. God gave Jesus authority to execute judgment because He is (the highest archangel; from the tribe of Levi; the Son of Man).

9. Jesus (made up His own rules; did His own will; did the Will of the Father) 

10. We should be like Jesus and (seek the Will of God ; obey God when it is convenient for us; do what everyone else is doing).

Fill in the blanks:

11. All should _____  the Son just as they _____  the Father. He who does not _______  the Son does not ______  the Father who sent Him. (John 5:23)  

12. Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the _______  will hear His voice and ______  _____ — (John 5:28-29) 

13. Those who have done ______ , to the resurrection of life.......(John 5:29)

14. Those who have done _____ , to the resurrection of condemnation.

Heaven is real!  Hell is real!  Live your life so that you will hear the voice of Jesus when He comes again and rise to eternal life.