Jesus replied: My Father is still working and so am I

I wish to reflect on two very interesting statements from today’s gospel passage: Jesus’ response to those trying to stop His mission and His response to them. In the Gospel of John, Jesus is confronted by the Jewish leaders who were upset that He was working on the Sabbath. To them, the Lord says, “My Father is still working, and I also am still working” (John 5:17). This statement is significant because it reveals Jesus’ divine nature and His alignment with the Father’s work. What kind of work is He referring to?

I remember the thoughts that ran through my mind the first time I read, “My Father is still working, and am I also still working.” And, wondered what work or kind of work He was talking about. I asked if God needed to work to earn a living. Jesus’ audience in the sixth chapter of John’s gospel probably had a similar thought when the Lord asked them to “Work for food which endures to eternal life…” (John 6:27). People asked the Lord a follow-up question, “What must we do to be doing the works of God” (John 6:29)? At this point, I remember a similar question was raised after Peter’s speech on Pentecost: “…Brethren what shall we do” (Acts 2:38)? These questions tug at the heart of each one of us now and then: getting better at our jobs or how to be more resourceful to one’s community or a parent wondering how to increase income to be able to keep providing for their household; for some, the question bothers around how to grow spiritually or maintain a good prayer life, et cetera.

Participating in the Work of Salvation

What type of work is our Lord referring to? It is the work of salvation, which is a timeless and endless work on earth. The Lord would not need to clock in and out or take a vacation. Saving a soul involves every dimension that pertains to a person—spiritual, emotional, and physiological. Every work being done is connected directly or indirectly to one of the areas of the human person. Hence, the work of salvation is broadened to include every aspect of the human person. Doing our work with the mindset of the good of fellow human beings brings us closer to divine intention” That all people be saved and come to the knowledge of the Truth” (1 Tim 2:4). While the Lord’s work which he was referring to was not necessarily mundane but spiritual, it does affect all aspects of our lives.

The second statement, “Very truly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing on his own, but only what he sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, the Son does likewise” (John 5:19), reveals many interesting realities. First, while in his human form, the Lord Jesus depended totally on the Father. We ought to as well. Second, Jesus’ dependence on the Father goes beyond sustenance; it includes his mode of operation and His work.

Depending on the Father

There’s a saying that “everyone is a product of their environment.” We learn by doing and do by watching. Think for a moment, from whom did you learn how to think, pray, cook, be kind, generous, holy, etc. Who do you look up to right now for authentic guidance? Or are you being called to let yourself be a sign that some people will look to? Jesus only did what the Father does, namely, in simple terms, blessing, guiding, and saving souls. What does your life entail (do)? Could we ask a simple question about which aspects of our lives we could amend to reflect the intention of the Father?

[Readings: Isaiah 49:8-15; John 5:17-30]