March 21, 2023
Perfect Interdependency
“I can do nothing on My own initiative. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.” John 5:30 (NASB)
I remember years ago I probably tried the same thing each of you have. When I didn’t get my way by asking my father, I would go to my mom. I’d ask her as if I hadn’t already checked with dad. My mom being far wiser than I would say, “Go ask your dad.” Or she would say, “What did your father say?” This left me with nowhere to squirm. So, I would try another avenue. “Mom, I know dad said no, but I don’t think he understood why I asked him...” My mother would reply again, “Well if you can get your father to change his mind, then you can do...” My parents… How did they learn these tactics? It’s almost like they were children once… In these passages, Jesus shows us something about Trinity theology. Although it’s a brief study in theology, it’s necessary for us to understand more about God. So, stick with me today...
“I can do nothing on My own initiative…” This statement is something every Christian should understand about the theology of God (or study of God). The words, “my own initiative,” or emautou; means “of myself.”[1] These three words constitute what is called a genitive reflexive pronoun. This sounds complex. Let me explain it. The phrase “my own initiative,” shows a possessive pronoun (my own) in the word, “initiative.” Simply put, these three words add interesting insight by Jesus’. It shows the theology of God. When read correctly, we see harmony in the Son with the Father. Neither are independent from each other. They are interdependent. The Son does everything He sees the Father doing (verse 19). Further, Jesus says, “As I hear, I judge.” This interdependency continues of the Father and Son. It also tells us more about the nature of God. They are connected and One. Both are in perfect harmony (initiative) and judgment (judge). The “will” of the Son is also in sync with the Father. This “will” be simply defined as thelēma; a desire, inclination (in attitude) with God.[2] Jesus and the Father have the same desires, and the same inclinations toward each other in attitude. Even older married couples are not always inclined to each other. Attitudes change, and therefore desires may not be the same at any given time. Our God and Jesus have it perfect every day. This is what happens when both are in perfect harmony. The Jews missed this though. If they would have truly listened with their hearts they would have heard the unison of the Father and the Son. The unity of God.
When Jesus spoke to the Jews, He wanted them to understand He was in unison with the Father’s will. By doing this, He showed them His authority as coming from the Father by, “the will of Him who sent Me.” This gives us a beautiful picture of what we see when we marry our true love. I have heard statements by the groom or bride in the wedding ceremonies, “I am yours, and you are mine.” This represents the harmony of the Father and the Son’s relationship. They are interdependent upon each other just like the wedded couple. The Father’s will was to send Jesus to this earth to die for our sins. Jesus’ will was to act on the Father’s will, and place Himself upon the cross for our sins. Both acted in perfect harmony. Your Father and Jesus will never be at odds with each other…ever. They love you and that will never change!
[1] Robert L. Thomas, New American Standard Hebrew-Aramaic and Greek Dictionaries : Updated Edition (Anaheim: Foundation Publications, Inc., 1998).
[2] Ibid.