Freedom Calls

There are moments in life when I pause and marvel at who Jesus is—not just my Savior, but the One to whom all authority has been given. Reading John 5:22-27 recently, I was struck by the weight of His words: “For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: that all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him” (John 5:22-23, KJV). Jesus isn’t just a part of God’s plan—He’s the center of it, the One through whom we find life, judgment, and eternity. These verses aren’t just doctrine; they’re an invitation to know Him, to honor Him, and to live forever in His presence.

As a believer saved by grace through faith in Christ, I’m learning that honoring the Son means more than words—it’s a life surrendered to His authority. Let’s unpack this passage with the wisdom of some spiritual giants whose words have shaped my walk with God, and see how their insights point us to the truth of Jesus’ lordship.

Charles Spurgeon, with his unmatched passion, once declared, “The Father has given all power to His Son, that in all things He might have the preeminence. Oh, that we would bow before Him and yield to His scepter!” Spurgeon’s words hit home. When I read that the Father has committed all judgment to the Son, I’m reminded that Jesus isn’t just my Redeemer—He’s my King. Honoring Him means bowing my heart, my choices, my everything, to His rule. And the promise? “He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life” (John 5:24). That’s a hope worth living for.

Watchman Nee brings a quiet depth to this truth. He wrote, “To believe in the Son is to receive Him as the One who has authority over all things. Our faith is not in a doctrine, but in a Person—Christ Himself.” Nee’s insight shifts my focus from head knowledge to heart trust. John 5:26-27 says the Father has given the Son life in himself and authority to execute judgment. Believing in Jesus means trusting Him as the source of life, the One who calls the dead to rise (v. 25). It’s personal, not abstract—He’s calling me to hear His voice and live.

John Bunyan, who faced imprisonment for his faith, understood the cost and joy of honoring Christ. He said, “To own Christ as Lord is to stand with Him, though the world turn against you. His voice wakes the dead, and His hand leads the living.” Bunyan’s words echo the promise of John 5:25: “The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.” I think of Bunyan’s pilgrim, Christian, pressing toward the Celestial City, sustained by the voice of Jesus. That same voice calls us today, pulling us from spiritual death into eternal life.

C.S. Lewis, ever the clear thinker, wrote, “Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important.” Lewis’s stark logic applies perfectly to John 5:23: if we don’t honor the Son, we don’t honor the Father. There’s no middle ground. Jesus claims authority not just as a teacher, but as the Son of Man who holds judgment and life in His hands (v. 27). Lewis challenges me to live like this is true—to give Jesus the honor He deserves, not just in my words, but in how I love, forgive, and trust.

God’s Word confirms this truth again and again. Philippians 2:9-11 (KJV) declares, “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow… and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.” Or consider Acts 4:12 (KJV): “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” These verses underline the centrality of Jesus—He’s not optional, but essential, the One we honor to find life.

I’ve had moments when honoring Jesus felt costly—times when the world’s applause tempted me to compromise, or when fear made me hesitate to speak His name. Maybe you’ve been there too, wrestling with what it means to give Him the same honor as the Father. But here’s the beauty: when we hear His word and believe, we’re not just promised life someday—we have it now (John 5:24). We’ve passed from death to life, and nothing can snatch us from His hand.

So, friend, if you’re feeling the weight of this world, listen for the voice of the Son of God. He’s speaking, calling you to honor Him, to trust Him, to live in the life He gives. Rejoice that all authority is His, and rest in the promise that those who hear Him will never face condemnation. Let’s hate even the thought of giving Him less than He deserves. The One who holds judgment also holds us, and He’s leading us home.

Let’s pray:

Father, thank You for giving all authority to Your Son, Jesus. Help us to honor Him with our whole lives, to hear His voice, and to trust in His promise of eternal life. Let us live boldly for You, confident in Your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.