Opening Your Bible
Loading study tools and insights...
LOADING
Loading study tools and insights...
Loading study tools and insights...
John 5:17 (BSB)
But Jesus answered them, “To this very day My Father is at His work, and I too am working.”
THE HOLY BIBLE
ListenListen · Chapter audio
Hear this chapter read aloud — the verse you’re on highlights as the reading moves forward.
Chapter read aloud · verse highlights follow along
Scripture quotations (main text) are from the Berean Study Bible (BSB), © 2016, 2018 by Bible Hub. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), ©2001 by Crossway, is used for comparison and word study only.
Bible Copyright & Permissions“But Jesus answered them, “To this very day My Father is at His work, and I too am working.”” — John 5:17
Imagine a bustling scene where people are watching, waiting, and questioning. In this moment, Jesus boldly declares that His Father is still working, and He is too! It’s a powerful statement of unity and purpose. You can almost feel the energy in the air as He asserts His role in the ongoing work of God. It’s like He’s saying, ‘I’m not here to sit idle; I’m actively involved in making things happen!’ This is a declaration of His identity and mission, telling everyone that this work is not just a job—it's a divine calling. You can sense the excitement and urgency in His words, inviting you to consider what it means to be part of something bigger.
This book of John was written by John himself, one of Jesus' closest friends and followers. He wanted to share the incredible things he witnessed, making sure to capture the essence of Jesus' life and teachings. By including this specific detail, John highlights the radical nature of Jesus' mission. He’s showing us that Jesus isn’t just a historical figure; He’s inviting us into an ongoing relationship with God that’s alive, dynamic, and relevant. John’s perspective is personal and intimate, making it feel like he’s sharing a secret about the heart of Jesus that he wants you to know.
When John wrote this, the world was a bustling place filled with diverse cultures and ideas. The Roman Empire was in full swing, and there were all sorts of expectations and beliefs about religion and authority. People were searching for meaning and truth, and here comes Jesus, shaking things up! This context is vital because it helps you see how revolutionary Jesus' claim was. He was standing against the norms of the day, challenging the established religious systems, and redefining what it meant to be connected to God. It’s like a breath of fresh air in a stuffy room—He’s bringing a new perspective that people desperately needed.
So why does this matter for you today? This verse is a reminder that God is always at work, and you are invited to be part of that work! Whether you feel stuck in routine or overwhelmed by life, know that you’re not alone. Just like Jesus, you can engage with the world around you, bringing hope and healing where it’s needed. It encourages you to look for ways to contribute, knowing that your actions matter and are part of something much larger. It’s a call to be active in your life and faith, understanding that you have a role in the ongoing story of love and purpose.
This week, take a moment to reflect on where you see God at work in your life or in the world around you. Look for opportunities to join in that work, whether it’s helping a friend, volunteering, or simply showing kindness to a stranger. Make it a point to be actively involved in your community, and remember that every small action counts. You could also set aside time for prayer, asking how you can be a part of God’s ongoing work in the lives of others. It’s about stepping out, being engaged, and making a difference in the everyday moments.
Now, let's pull back a bit to see the whole scene. This moment happens after Jesus heals a man who had been sick for 38 years. The crowd is buzzing with questions, and the religious leaders are not happy—this healing took place on the Sabbath, a day of rest. They confront Jesus, and instead of backing down, He explains that His work is in harmony with God’s work. This is a pivotal moment in the chapter, as it sets the stage for a deeper conversation about authority and the nature of God’s work. Jesus is not just defending His actions; He’s revealing a truth about His relationship with God that challenges everyone around Him. It’s intense, and it propels the story forward into more profound revelations about who He is.
How can you recognize and participate in the work that God is doing around you right now? What steps can you take to get involved?
Keep reading the full John 5:17 study — free
Sign Up or Login Free