John 5

“So Jesus explained, ‘I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does.’” v.19 (NLT)

Jesus, fully God, fully Human, says that he con do nothing by himself.  It doesn’t mean that Jesus was weak, incompetent, or needy.  It simply shows His humble, disciplined, servants heart.  He was so in tune with God that every aspect of His life reflected his relationship with The Father.

There is much for us to learn from this one verse.  If Jesus, fully God, fully Human, says he can do nothing by himself, why do we try to attempt things on our own?  This statement, is the secret to Jesus Life.  It allowed him to heal, teach, love and serve others.  But it wasn’t just the secret to the good stuff/miracles.  It also kept Him from sinning.  He knew that He was not alone and that the Father was with Him.  Jesus was able to live in this world without sin because he knew the secret of life, “I can do nothing by myself.”

Today ask yourself, “What am I trying to do in my own power?  Who am I when no-one but God is looking?”  Then give that to God and faithfully follow His lead.  I think you and I would be surprised by the results.

Father today, make us more like Jesus by being more like you!  Help us to surrender everything to you and to lean on your power and strength not our own.  Help us to understand that we can do nothing by ourselves.