John 5:23
Verse
Context
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
That all men should honor the Son, etc. - If then the Son is to be honored, Even As the Father is honored, then the Son must be God, as receiving that worship which belongs to God alone. To worship any creature is idolatry: Christ is to be honored even as the Father is honored; therefore Christ is not a creature; and, if not a creature, consequently the Creator. See Joh 1:3. He that honoureth not the Son - God will not receive that man's adoration who refuses to honor Jesus, even as he honors him. The Jews expected the Messiah as a great and powerful Prince; but they never thought of a person coming in that character enrobed with all the attributes of Godhead. To lead them off from this error, our Lord spoke the words recorded in these verses.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
honour the Son as . . . the Father--As he who believes that Christ in the foregoing verses has given a true account of His relation to the Father must of necessity hold Him entitled to the same honor as the Father, so He here adds that it was the Father's express intention in making over all judgment to the Son, that men should thus honor Him. honoureth not the Father--does not do it in fact, whatever he may imagine, and will be held as not doing it by the Father Himself, who will accept no homage which is not accorded to His own Son.
John Gill Bible Commentary
That all men should honour the Son,.... This is the end of all judgment, and the exercise of all authority, and power being committed to him; namely, that he might have the honour given him by men that is due unto him: even as they honour the Father; that the same honour and glory may be given to the one, as to the other, which must never have been done was he not equal with him, since he gives not his glory to another, Isa 42:8. Indeed, all men do not honour the Father as they should; the Gentiles, who had some knowledge of God, glorified him not as God; and the Jews, who had an external revelation of the one, true, and living God, which other nations had not, yet were greatly deficient in honouring him, which made him complaining say, "if then I be a father, where is mine honour?" Mal 1:6. And Christians, who are favoured with a clearer revelation still of the Father of Christ, are much wanting in giving him his due glory; but in common he is honoured, though in an imperfect manner; nor is there so much danger of his losing his honour, as of the Son's losing his; the reason is this, though the Son is in the form of God, and equal with him, yet by taking upon him the form of a servant, by becoming man, he has veiled the glory of his divine person, and made himself of no reputation; and by reason of this was reckoned by many, or most, as a mere man: wherefore, by agreement, that judgment, power, and authority, which equally belonged to the Father, and the Son, the exercise of it is put visibly and openly into the Son's hands, that he might have his due honour and glory from all men, whether they will or not: from true believers in him he has it willingly, by their ascribing deity to him, by putting their trust in him, by attributing the whole of their salvation to him, and the glory of it, and by worshipping him: and he will be honoured by all men at the last day; they will be obliged to do it; for all judgment being committed to him, and he being Judge of all, every knee shall bow to him, and every tongue shall confess that he is Lord, to his own glory, and to the glory of God the Father; see Isa 45:23. He that honoureth not the Son; that denies his divine sonship, or his proper deity; that detracts from the dignity of his person or office; that shows no regard to him in point of salvation, or of obedience: honoureth not the Father which hath sent him; they are so the same in nature and perfections, in power, will, affections, and operations; and their interests and honours are so involved together, that whatever dishonour is done to one, reflects on the other: and indeed, whatever is done in a way of disrespect to the Son, as incarnate, and in his office capacity, highly reflects on his Father, that sent him in the fulness of time, in human nature, to obtain eternal redemption for his people, according to a rule often expressed by the Jews, "a man's messenger is as himself"; See Gill on Mat 10:40.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:23 the Father . . . sent him: In the ancient world, a person could send an authorized representative to seal a contract or make an authoritative decision. Jesus claimed to be God’s representative, so obeying Jesus is the same as obeying God, and dishonoring him is dishonoring God.
John 5:23
The Father and the Son
22Furthermore, the Father judges no one, but has assigned all judgment to the Son,23so 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.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Do You Know God?
By John Piper4.8K03:37JHN 5:23JHN 8:19PHP 2:9COL 1:15This sermon emphasizes the importance of truly knowing and honoring God through Jesus Christ. Jesus challenges those who claim to know God but reject Him, stating that if they truly knew Him, they would know the Father as well. The rejection of Jesus is equated with not knowing God, highlighting the inseparable connection between knowing Jesus and knowing God. The speaker delves into the significance of honoring God by recognizing the Son's sacrificial work, resurrection, and lordship, emphasizing that dishonoring the Son is equivalent to dishonoring the Father.
Marks of True Children of God - Part 4
By William MacDonald1.1K32:57Children Of GodMAT 10:32JHN 1:12JHN 5:23ROM 1:161JN 4:3In this sermon, the preacher tells a story about a young man who honors and appreciates his mother. The young man takes his mother to his graduation ceremony and gives her his valedictory address. He then presents his diploma and gold medal to his mother, acknowledging that she earned it. The preacher uses this story to illustrate how we should treat Jesus, recognizing that everything we have is owed to Him. The sermon emphasizes the importance of not being ashamed of Jesus and His sacrifice on the cross, and encourages listeners to fully commit their lives to Him.
How I Know Jesus Is God
By James Kennedy98125:51ISA 40:3ZEC 12:10MAT 3:3MAT 4:10JHN 5:23JHN 9:38JHN 19:37In this video, Dr. James Kennedy addresses the crucial question of who Jesus Christ is and how it separates Christianity from every man-made religion. He emphasizes that Jesus is not just a prophet or a good teacher, but that He is God Himself. Dr. Kennedy explains that the deity of Christ is essential for the redemption of the elect throughout the ages. He offers a booklet and cassette titled "How I Know Jesus is God" to help Christians effectively witness to cults and non-Christian groups.
The Appearing of Resurrection and the Giving of Power
By Newman Sze8201:22:11MAT 28:1MAT 28:19MRK 16:15LUK 24:44JHN 20:19JHN 21:25In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the 40 days that Jesus spent on earth after His resurrection. He explains that during this time, Jesus trained His disciples to shift their focus from external things to internal revelation, from the flesh to the Holy Spirit, and from the law to life. The speaker shares a personal anecdote about a turbulent airplane ride to illustrate the need for Christians to rise above fear and rely on the Holy Spirit. He concludes by urging the audience to prioritize their personal encounter with the Lord and the experience of being filled with the Holy Spirit.
Reason for Hope 2
By Peter Maiden62748:40HopeJHN 5:23JHN 8:46COL 1:15COL 2:9In this sermon, the speaker discusses the impact of Jesus' life and teachings on humanity. He emphasizes that Jesus' sinlessness is a remarkable aspect of his character, as he challenges others to find any fault in him. The speaker also mentions the enduring influence of Jesus, despite his humble background and short public ministry. He shares the story of C.T. Stud, a missionary who recognized Jesus as the Son of God and was willing to make any sacrifice for him. The speaker concludes by acknowledging that while some may question the miracles attributed to Jesus, the reality of these events was widely accepted in his time.
Why I Believe That Jesus Christ Is God in Human Form
By R.A. Torrey0The Deity of ChristFaith and SurrenderISA 45:21MRK 2:5JHN 3:16JHN 5:23JHN 8:24JHN 14:9ACT 2:36ROM 1:4PHP 2:10HEB 1:6R.A. Torrey emphasizes the critical importance of recognizing Jesus Christ as God in human form, arguing that if He is not divine, then Christians are idolaters for worshiping Him. He presents compelling reasons for this belief, including Christ's unique claims, His character, the miracles He performed, His profound influence on history, and His resurrection. Torrey asserts that the Bible unequivocally supports the divinity of Christ, and he highlights the transformative power of accepting Jesus as the Son of God. He concludes with a call to acknowledge and surrender to Jesus as the Divine Savior and Lord, warning against the grave sin of rejecting Him.
Malachi 3:16
By Chuck Smith0Distinction of BelieversServing GodMAL 3:16MAT 6:24JHN 5:23PHP 3:20HEB 10:25Chuck Smith emphasizes the distinction between two classes of people as outlined in Malachi 3:16: those who serve God and those who do not. He discusses the characteristics of God's servants, including their reverence for God, their conversations centered around Him, and their thoughts on His name. Smith highlights the results of serving God, such as being acknowledged by Him and spared from judgment. Ultimately, he challenges the congregation to reflect on which class they belong to and their desire to serve God wholeheartedly.
1 John 2:23
By John Gill0Acknowledgment of ChristThe Relationship Between the Father and the SonMAT 11:27JHN 1:14JHN 3:35JHN 5:23JHN 10:30JHN 14:6COL 2:9HEB 1:31JN 2:231JN 5:12John Gill emphasizes the inseparable relationship between the Son and the Father in his sermon on 1 John 2:23. He argues that denying Jesus Christ as the true and eternal Son of God equates to denying the Father, as one cannot honor the Father without honoring the Son. Gill asserts that true faith and love for God are contingent upon acknowledging the Sonship of Christ, and that any attempt to diminish Christ's identity ultimately undermines the understanding of God as Father. He highlights that the acknowledgment of Christ's divine sonship is essential for a genuine relationship with God.
The Person of Christ the Great Representative of God and His Will
By John Owen0The Nature of GodChrist as Our MediatorEXO 33:18JHN 1:18JHN 5:23JHN 14:9ROM 1:20ROM 1:232CO 4:6COL 1:15TIT 1:16HEB 1:3John Owen emphasizes that the person of Christ serves as the ultimate representation of God and His will, highlighting that while God's essence is incomprehensible to humanity, Christ embodies the divine nature and properties. He argues that all knowledge of God is mediated through Christ, who reveals the Father and fulfills the need for a tangible representation of the divine. Owen asserts that true understanding and worship of God can only be achieved through faith in Christ, as all other attempts to comprehend God lead to idolatry and misrepresentation. The sermon underscores the necessity of Christ's incarnation for humanity to grasp the divine attributes and the importance of recognizing Him as the image of the invisible God. Ultimately, Owen calls believers to seek a deeper relationship with God through the revelation of Christ.
Overlaid With Pure Gold
By T. Austin-Sparks0God's GlorySpiritual TransformationEXO 32:17ISA 53:2JHN 5:23GAL 1:24T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of the ark of the covenant, made of acacia wood and overlaid with pure gold, symbolizing God's glory and His jealousy for it. He illustrates how Satan attempts to steal God's glory, as seen in the incident of the golden calf, and highlights the importance of recognizing the true value of Christ, who embodies that glory. Sparks encourages believers to look beyond the surface and see the inner beauty and glory of Jesus, which is only visible to those who are spiritually 'inside.' He concludes by stressing that our faith, refined through trials, is precious to God and aligns us with the glory of Christ, ultimately leading to our transformation into His image.
On Knowing Christ After the Flesh
By John Wesley0Reverence in WorshipThe Divinity of ChristPSA 111:9ISA 6:3MAT 28:18JHN 1:14JHN 5:232CO 5:16PHP 2:9COL 1:16HEB 1:3REV 5:12John Wesley emphasizes the importance of knowing Christ not merely as a man but as the divine Son of God, urging believers to view all people, including Christ, in their spiritual state rather than their earthly attributes. He warns against the dangers of treating Christ with familiarity that diminishes His divine nature, highlighting that true reverence and love for Christ should be mixed with holy fear. Wesley critiques various theological perspectives that reduce Christ's divinity and calls for a worship that honors Him as equal to the Father. He concludes that our expressions of love and devotion must align with Scripture, ensuring that we honor Christ appropriately as God.
The Great Separation
By J.C. Ryle0Separation of Believers and UnbelieversThe Urgency of FaithPSA 149:4ISA 42:3NAM 1:7MAT 3:12MAT 25:46JHN 5:23JHN 10:28EPH 5:271TH 4:17REV 22:20J.C. Ryle's sermon 'The Great Separation' emphasizes the ultimate division of humanity into two classes: the 'wheat' representing true believers in Christ and the 'chaff' symbolizing those without faith. He warns that a day of reckoning is coming when Christ will separate the righteous from the unrighteous, and only those who have genuinely accepted Him will be gathered into His barn, while the rest will face eternal punishment. Ryle urges listeners to examine their own hearts and recognize the reality of their spiritual state, as neutrality is impossible. He reassures believers of Christ's unwavering care and the promise of eternal life, while also solemnly warning the unrepentant of the dire consequences of their choices. The sermon serves as a call to repentance and a reminder of the urgency of faith in Christ.
The Son Is the Son of Man"
By H.J. Vine0JHN 5:23H.J. Vine preaches on the divine plan of salvation through Jesus Christ, emphasizing that Jesus came not to judge but to save the world, as the Father has sent Him for this purpose. Despite the rejection and cruelty Jesus faced from humanity, God's sovereign grace will prevail, leading to the ultimate blessing of the earth when Christ returns. The Holy Spirit reveals the Father and Son's pleasure in the salvation of mankind, highlighting the importance of honoring the Son to honor the Father.
Honour the Son
By H.J. Vine0MAT 28:19JHN 3:35JHN 5:23JHN 8:32JHN 14:9JHN 14:31HEB 1:81JN 2:23H.J. Vine preaches on the importance of honoring the Son, Jesus Christ, as we honor the Father, emphasizing that those who do not honor the Son do not honor the Father who sent Him. The sermon highlights the deity of Christ as God the Son, stressing the unity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in the Godhead. It warns against the modern tendency to undermine the divinity of Christ and emphasizes the significance of honoring the Son in experiencing true freedom, light, and life in the presence of the Father.
Pre-Eminence
By H.J. Vine0JHN 5:23JHN 13:3ROM 5:8EPH 4:9PHP 2:9COL 1:182TH 2:71TI 3:4HEB 2:10H.J. Vine preaches on the pre-eminence of Christ in all things, settled by God Himself, highlighting how pride and ambition have historically aimed at pre-eminence, leading to the fall of Satan. The sermon emphasizes that pre-eminence belongs to Jesus Christ universally, encompassing both earth and heavens, and the importance of accepting God's settlement. It delves into the significance of Christ's work on the cross, His rejection by man, and the future exaltation where He will be glorified and honored by all.
The Praise of Unity
By Ignatius of Antioch0LUK 10:16JHN 5:231CO 1:10HEB 13:17JAS 4:6Ignatius of Antioch emphasizes the importance of unity and submission within the Church hierarchy, comparing the relationship between the bishop, the Church, Jesus, and God to ensure harmony and agreement in all things. He warns against separating oneself from the Church and its leadership, highlighting the power of collective prayer and obedience to Christ through submission to appointed leaders. Ignatius stresses that disobedience to the Church authorities is disobedience to Christ and ultimately leads to self-confidence, quarrelsomeness, and pride, which are contrary to God's grace and humility.
A Test: Do You Have the True Jesus?
By Matt Slick0PSA 116:4ZEC 13:9MAT 2:2MAT 11:27LUK 10:22JHN 5:23JHN 9:35JHN 20:28ACT 7:551CO 1:1HEB 1:6HEB 1:8Matt Slick preaches about the importance of recognizing the true Jesus of the Bible, distinguishing Him from distorted versions presented in cult theologies like Mormonism and Jehovah's Witnesses. The true Jesus is prayed to, worshiped, and called God, as evidenced by biblical verses. Sincerity in faith is not enough if placed in a false Jesus; only the Jesus of the Bible bridges the gap of sin between God and man.
"The Shadow of the Cross" ch.10:11-42
By Charles Alexander0PSA 82:6JER 23:5MAT 11:27LUK 19:41JHN 5:23JHN 10:27JHN 10:30JHN 10:361CO 5:7HEB 1:3Charles Alexander delves into the profound events surrounding Jesus' ministry in Jerusalem during the Feast of Tabernacles and the Feast of Dedication, highlighting the escalating enmity and the clear declaration of His divinity, leading to the ultimate rejection by the Jewish leaders. The shadow of the cross looms as Jesus proclaims His eternal Sonship and unity with the Father, emphasizing the necessity of faith in His works and the eternal security of His sheep. The discourse culminates in a dramatic confrontation where Jesus asserts His deity, prompting the Pharisees to attempt to stone Him, but His divine timing prevents their actions, setting the stage for the impending sacrifice on the Cross.
Honour Due to the Person of Christ — the Nature and Causes of It.
By John Owen0LUK 17:5LUK 23:46JHN 5:23JHN 20:28ACT 7:56ACT 7:59HEB 4:151PE 1:21REV 5:8REV 22:20John Owen preaches about the importance of honoring and worshiping the person of Christ in all acts of religion, emphasizing that all divine honor is due to the Son of God incarnate. He highlights the necessity of considering the glory, life, and power of the Christian religion in relation to the person of Christ, stating that he is the object of divine honor and worship. Owen explains that in times of distress, gracious discoveries, persecution, growth in grace, and even in death, believers should make especial applications unto Christ through prayer for various needs and experiences.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
That all men should honor the Son, etc. - If then the Son is to be honored, Even As the Father is honored, then the Son must be God, as receiving that worship which belongs to God alone. To worship any creature is idolatry: Christ is to be honored even as the Father is honored; therefore Christ is not a creature; and, if not a creature, consequently the Creator. See Joh 1:3. He that honoureth not the Son - God will not receive that man's adoration who refuses to honor Jesus, even as he honors him. The Jews expected the Messiah as a great and powerful Prince; but they never thought of a person coming in that character enrobed with all the attributes of Godhead. To lead them off from this error, our Lord spoke the words recorded in these verses.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
honour the Son as . . . the Father--As he who believes that Christ in the foregoing verses has given a true account of His relation to the Father must of necessity hold Him entitled to the same honor as the Father, so He here adds that it was the Father's express intention in making over all judgment to the Son, that men should thus honor Him. honoureth not the Father--does not do it in fact, whatever he may imagine, and will be held as not doing it by the Father Himself, who will accept no homage which is not accorded to His own Son.
John Gill Bible Commentary
That all men should honour the Son,.... This is the end of all judgment, and the exercise of all authority, and power being committed to him; namely, that he might have the honour given him by men that is due unto him: even as they honour the Father; that the same honour and glory may be given to the one, as to the other, which must never have been done was he not equal with him, since he gives not his glory to another, Isa 42:8. Indeed, all men do not honour the Father as they should; the Gentiles, who had some knowledge of God, glorified him not as God; and the Jews, who had an external revelation of the one, true, and living God, which other nations had not, yet were greatly deficient in honouring him, which made him complaining say, "if then I be a father, where is mine honour?" Mal 1:6. And Christians, who are favoured with a clearer revelation still of the Father of Christ, are much wanting in giving him his due glory; but in common he is honoured, though in an imperfect manner; nor is there so much danger of his losing his honour, as of the Son's losing his; the reason is this, though the Son is in the form of God, and equal with him, yet by taking upon him the form of a servant, by becoming man, he has veiled the glory of his divine person, and made himself of no reputation; and by reason of this was reckoned by many, or most, as a mere man: wherefore, by agreement, that judgment, power, and authority, which equally belonged to the Father, and the Son, the exercise of it is put visibly and openly into the Son's hands, that he might have his due honour and glory from all men, whether they will or not: from true believers in him he has it willingly, by their ascribing deity to him, by putting their trust in him, by attributing the whole of their salvation to him, and the glory of it, and by worshipping him: and he will be honoured by all men at the last day; they will be obliged to do it; for all judgment being committed to him, and he being Judge of all, every knee shall bow to him, and every tongue shall confess that he is Lord, to his own glory, and to the glory of God the Father; see Isa 45:23. He that honoureth not the Son; that denies his divine sonship, or his proper deity; that detracts from the dignity of his person or office; that shows no regard to him in point of salvation, or of obedience: honoureth not the Father which hath sent him; they are so the same in nature and perfections, in power, will, affections, and operations; and their interests and honours are so involved together, that whatever dishonour is done to one, reflects on the other: and indeed, whatever is done in a way of disrespect to the Son, as incarnate, and in his office capacity, highly reflects on his Father, that sent him in the fulness of time, in human nature, to obtain eternal redemption for his people, according to a rule often expressed by the Jews, "a man's messenger is as himself"; See Gill on Mat 10:40.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:23 the Father . . . sent him: In the ancient world, a person could send an authorized representative to seal a contract or make an authoritative decision. Jesus claimed to be God’s representative, so obeying Jesus is the same as obeying God, and dishonoring him is dishonoring God.