In the ancient world every father desired to have a son that one day would take over whatever the family business was. Even today we sometimes see a local business that is named in that way:  “Andrew & Son’s Home Repair.” In the ancient world this was an important part of society that ensured the continuation of vital services for the community. As the son matured and became responsible, he would enter into an apprenticeship with his father where the father would train him in all the necessary aspects of the family trade. The father would do this out of love for his son and the son would do this with respect toward his father. The goal of the apprenticeship would be for the son to execute the trade in the same way as the father.

John 5 begins with a unique miracle, the healing of a man that had been crippled for 38 years. This miracle serves as a sign that points to the purpose for which Jesus came to earth: to do the work of the Father. In the verses that follow the miracle we will see a description of the relationship between Jesus, the Son and His Father. The language that is used in these verses very much portrays the relationship between the Father and the Son as an apprenticeship. What is the family business of the Godhead? To bring life. Jesus came to fulfill the work of the Father by offering life and life eternal to those who would believe. Join us this Sunday as we consider this fascinating passage from John 5.