Day 20: Jesus Listens to the Father
Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, and he will show him even greater works than these, so that you will be amazed. -John 5:19-20
Devotional:
A few weeks ago, I was teaching my teenage son how to change a tire. Instead of just telling him what to do, I got down on the ground and demonstrated each step. "Watch what I'm doing," I said, "then you'll do it." As he successfully changed his first flat tire, I realized how powerful learning through observation and imitation can be.
Jesus reveals something profound about His relationship with the Father in today's passage. He doesn't just receive instructions from heaven; He watches what the Father is doing and joins in. It's like a divine apprenticeship - the Son observing and participating in the Father's ongoing work. Notice Jesus says He "can do nothing by himself." This isn't about inability; it's about intimate connection and perfect alignment with the Father's will.
What's particularly striking is the phrase "shows him all he does." This suggests an ongoing, intimate communication between Father and Son. Jesus isn't working from a predetermined script; He's in constant communion with the Father, watching, listening, and responding in real-time. This is active, dynamic relationship, not passive rule-following.
The motivation behind this showing and doing is love: "For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does." Love creates the context for this intimate sharing of purpose and activity. It's not about duty or obligation; it's about delight in working together. And the result? People are "amazed" at what happens when the Son perfectly aligns with what He sees the Father doing.
Reflection Questions:
How might your relationship with God change if you focused more on watching what He's doing rather than just asking for instructions?
In what areas of your life do you need to stop acting independently and start looking for where the Father is already at work?
Prayer Prompt: Ask God to help you develop the spiritual sensitivity to see where He is working and the courage to join Him there, moving from independent action to divine partnership.