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Whoever Has the Son Has It All: Four Undeniable Reasons to Believe

Have you ever needed absolute certainty about something before you could rest easy? Some of us check the locks on our doors multiple times before bed, needing that confidence that everything is secure. In the same way, when it comes to matters of eternal significance, we need clarity. We need reasons to believe with confidence.

The Gospel of John provides exactly that—crystal-clear evidence that Jesus is who He claimed to be: God in the flesh. And this isn’t just academic knowledge. This is life-changing truth that demands a response.

The Power of an Undeniable Miracle

Imagine being unable to walk for 38 years. Nearly four decades of disability, of watching life pass by from the sidelines, of complete dependence on others. Then, in a single moment, everything changes. Jesus speaks, and a man who couldn’t walk for almost four decades stands up, picks up his mat, and goes home.

This wasn’t a gradual improvement. This wasn’t physical therapy showing results over time. This was instantaneous, complete, undeniable healing.

Yet remarkably, the religious leaders of the day missed the miracle entirely. They were so focused on their rules—their 39 categories of what constituted “work” on the Sabbath—that they couldn’t celebrate the fact that a man’s life had been transformed. They criticized Jesus for healing on the wrong day rather than marveling at His power.

How often do we do the same thing? We create expectations for ourselves and others about what the Christian life should look like, and when people don’t meet those standards, we become critical rather than celebratory. We focus on rule-keeping rather than life-changing relationship.

The truth is, nothing speaks louder than a transformed life. When someone who was bound by addiction becomes free, when a marriage on the brink of destruction is restored, when guilt and shame are replaced by forgiveness and freedom—these are the undeniable miracles that point us to Jesus.

Claims That Cannot Be Misunderstood

After healing the paralyzed man, Jesus made a statement that left no room for confusion: “My Father is working until now, and I am working.”

The religious leaders immediately understood what Jesus was claiming. God never stopped working, even on the Sabbath. His mercy, His grace, His sustaining power never took a day off. And Jesus was saying, “I work just like My Father works. I am one with Him.”

This wasn’t subtle. Jesus was claiming to be God.

The response was predictable: they wanted to kill Him. Not because they misunderstood, but because they understood perfectly and refused to believe.

Jesus continued making His identity unmistakably clear: “Whatever the Father does, the Son does likewise.” “I and the Father are one.” “All may honor the Son just as they honor the Father.”

These are not the words of a good moral teacher. These are either the claims of a madman or the truth from God Himself. As C.S. Lewis famously argued, we cannot simply call Jesus a great teacher while rejecting His claims to divinity. He didn’t leave that option open to us.

The question becomes: What if we’re wrong in our disbelief? What if Jesus really is exactly who He claimed to be?

Power That No One Else Possesses

Jesus didn’t just claim to be God—He demonstrated power that only God possesses. He spoke of greater works to come: raising the dead, giving eternal life, and executing final judgment.

“For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom He will,” Jesus declared.

This is staggering. Jesus wasn’t just a messenger pointing people toward life. He is the giver of life itself. He doesn’t simply help people improve; He brings the spiritually dead to life and promises to one day raise us physically as well.

Consider what Jesus said in John 14:6: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” Not “a way” but “the way.” Not “a truth” but “the truth.” Not “a life” but “the life.”

Jesus knows all circumstances, all thoughts, all motives. He has the authority and the power to judge because He is God.

And here’s the beautiful part: Jesus doesn’t hide from us. Like a parent playing hide-and-seek with a toddler, making little noises so they can be found, Jesus wants to be found. Jeremiah 29:13 promises, “You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.”

Jesus made His claims boldly and clearly because He wants us to find Him.

The Ultimate Authority

Jesus used the title “Son of Man” for Himself, a direct reference to Daniel’s prophecy about the one who would receive “dominion and glory and a kingdom” that would never be destroyed (Daniel 7:13-14). Every Jewish person listening would have known exactly what He was claiming.

Jesus has ultimate authority. There’s no manager above Him to complain to, no higher court to appeal to. He is the final word.

And yet, even with all this authority, Jesus modeled perfect submission to the Father’s will. “I seek not My own will,” He said, “but the will of Him who sent Me.”

What would it look like for us to live with that same heart? To live as an audience of one, not trying to impress people or look good on social media, but simply seeking to please God?

The Estate Sale That Changed Everything

There’s a powerful story about a wealthy art collector who, along with his son, amassed priceless paintings—works by Picasso, Van Gogh, and other masters. When war came, the son went to serve and tragically died in battle.

On Christmas morning, a fellow soldier brought the grieving father a painting—not a masterpiece, but a simple portrait of his son. The father immediately hung it above the fireplace, moving aside millions of dollars’ worth of art.

When the father passed away, his will stipulated that all his paintings would be auctioned on Christmas morning. The auction began with the painting of the son. Only one person bid—a humble groundskeeper who offered ten dollars, all he had.

“Going once, going twice, sold!” the auctioneer declared. Then he announced the auction was over.

The crowd erupted in protest. “We didn’t come for some amateur painting! What about the masterpieces?”

The auctioneer replied, “According to the will, whoever gets the son gets it all.”

Whoever Has the Son Has It All

This is the heart of John chapter 5. Jesus made bold, unmistakable claims about His identity. He demonstrated unrivaled power. He revealed His ultimate authority. Why? Because He wanted everyone to know that He is God, and when you get the Son, you get it all.

You get forgiveness. You get freedom. You get eternal life. You get a relationship with the God who created you and loves you beyond measure.

The question isn’t whether Jesus provided enough evidence. He did. The question is: What will you do with Jesus?

“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life” (John 5:24).

The invitation stands. The evidence is clear. And whoever has the Son has it all.

COVE GROUP GUIDE

Cove Group Guide: Reasons to Believe

John 5:16-30 | Message by Pastor Jeremy

OPENING PRAYER & ICEBREAKER

Prayer: Begin by thanking God for the opportunity to gather and asking the Holy Spirit to guide your discussion and reveal truth.

Icebreaker: Share a time when you were absolutely certain about something (a locked door, a decision, a fact) and how that certainty gave you peace. How does certainty in our faith compare?

MESSAGE RECAP

This week, Pastor Jeremy walked us through John 5, where Jesus makes unmistakable claims about His identity as God. The message highlighted four compelling reasons to believe in Jesus:

  1. Jesus’ Undeniable Miracles – Works that cannot be explained away
  2. Jesus’ Unmistakable Claims – Clear declarations of His divinity
  3. Jesus’ Unrivaled Power – Authority over life, death, and judgment
  4. Jesus’ Ultimate Authority – The final word on eternal destiny

Key Quote: “Whoever gets the Son gets it all.”

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Understanding the Text

  1. Read John 5:16-30 together. What stands out to you most from this passage? What questions does it raise?

  2. The religious leaders focused on Jesus breaking the Sabbath rather than celebrating the miracle of healing. Why do you think they missed the point? How might we do the same thing today?

  3. In verse 18, the Jewish leaders understood that Jesus was “making himself equal with God.” What specific claims did Jesus make that led them to this conclusion?

Personal Reflection

  1. Pastor Jeremy asked, “What if you’re wrong?” How would you respond to someone who is skeptical about Jesus’ claims to be God? What evidence from this passage would you share?

  2. Jesus said in verse 23 that “whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father.” What does this mean for people who say they believe in God but reject Jesus?

  3. Have you ever struggled with doubts about Jesus? How did you work through them? What helped solidify your faith?

Application & Action

  1. The message mentioned that good works are “the fruit of salvation, not the root.” How does this change the way we approach Christian living? What might be different if we truly believed this?

  2. In verse 30, Jesus says He seeks “not my own will, but the will of him who sent me.” Pastor Jeremy challenged us to live with “an audience of one.” What would change in your daily life if Jesus was truly your only audience?

  3. The religious leaders created extra rules and judged others by their own standards. In what ways might we create expectations for ourselves or others that aren’t biblical? How can we guard against this?

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Jesus is either crazy or He is God – There is no middle ground. His claims force us to make a decision.
  • Changed lives are undeniable miracles – Your testimony is powerful evidence of Jesus’ transforming power.
  • Belief in Jesus = eternal life – Salvation comes through faith in Christ, not through good works (though good works flow from genuine faith).
  • Jesus has ultimate authority – He will execute final judgment and has power over life and death.
  • Seek Jesus with your whole heart and you will find Him – God wants to be found (Jeremiah 29:13).

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

This Week’s Challenge:

Choose one of the following to put into practice:

  1. Share Your Story – Tell someone this week about how Jesus has changed your life. Focus on the “undeniable miracle” of transformation.

  2. Examine Your Authority – Spend time in prayer asking God to reveal areas where you’re not allowing Jesus to be the authority in your life. Surrender those areas to Him.

  3. Seek with Your Whole Heart – Commit to daily time seeking Jesus through Scripture and prayer. Use Jeremiah 29:13 as your guide.

  4. Remove Extra Rules – Identify one “rule” or expectation you’ve created that isn’t biblical, and release yourself (or others) from that burden.

  5. Invite Someone – Think of one person who needs to hear about Jesus and invite them to church or share the gospel with them.

PRAYER PROMPTS

Pray together for:

  • Those who raised their hands to accept Christ during the service
  • Friends and family members who don’t yet know Jesus
  • Boldness to share our faith and our stories
  • Hearts that seek God’s will above our own
  • The upcoming Mexico missions team (May 1-4)
  • Clarity and confidence in our faith, especially during times of doubt

LOOKING AHEAD

  • Men’s Breakfast – Saturday, May 2nd at 8:00 AM
  • Mother’s Day – Two weeks away (special service planned)
  • Kids Camp – Registration still open; volunteers needed
  • Mexico Missions Trip – May 1-4 (pray for the team)

CLOSING THOUGHT

“When you get the Son, you get it all.”

The greatest decision you can make is to believe in Jesus Christ. Everything else flows from that relationship. As you go this week, remember that Jesus made His identity crystal clear so that you could rest in confidence, knowing that He is God and that in Him, you have eternal life.

5 DAY DEVO

5-Day Devotional: Reasons to Believe

Day 1: The Power of Undeniable Transformation

Reading: John 5:1-16

Devotional: The man healed at the pool of Bethesda had been disabled for 38 years. When Jesus spoke, everything changed in an instant. This wasn’t just physical healing—it was an undeniable miracle that pointed to Jesus’ divine authority.

In your life, Jesus offers the same transforming power. Perhaps you’ve been paralyzed by addiction, shame, guilt, or hopelessness for years. Jesus sees you right where you are and offers freedom. The religious leaders focused on rules rather than celebrating the miracle. Don’t let legalism or skepticism keep you from experiencing Christ’s power.

Reflection: What area of your life needs Jesus’ healing touch today? Are you focusing on rules or relationship?

Application: Share your story of transformation with someone this week. Your testimony is an undeniable witness to God’s power.

Day 2: Making Your Choice About Jesus

Reading: John 5:16-23; Joshua 24:14-15

Devotional: Jesus made unmistakable claims: “My Father is working until now, and I am working.” He didn’t leave room for confusion—He declared Himself equal with God. This forces a decision. As C.S. Lewis noted, Jesus is either Lord, liar, or lunatic. There’s no middle ground.

Joshua challenged Israel: “Choose this day whom you will serve…as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” The same choice stands before you today. Neutrality isn’t an option. Rejecting Jesus isn’t a small mistake—it’s rejecting the God who sent Him.

Reflection: Have you truly made Jesus Lord of your life, or are you still undecided? What’s holding you back from full surrender?

Application: Write out your personal declaration of faith. Make a clear choice today to honor Jesus as you honor the Father.

Day 3: From Death to Life

Reading: John 5:24-27; Ephesians 2:1-10

Devotional: “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life.” This is the gospel in one sentence. Spiritually, there are only two states: dead or alive. Apart from Christ, we’re dead in our sins. But when we believe, we pass from death to life—immediately, permanently, completely.

This isn’t about good works earning salvation; it’s about faith in Jesus. Good works flow from salvation, not toward it. You don’t need to clean yourself up first. Jesus brings dead people to life. That’s His specialty.

Reflection: Do you know with certainty that you’ve passed from death to life? If someone asked how you know you’re saved, what would you say?

Application: If you’ve never surrendered to Christ, today is your day. If you have, thank God for the assurance of eternal life and share this hope with someone.

Day 4: Living with Jesus as Your Authority

Reading: John 5:28-30; Matthew 6:33

Devotional: Jesus declared, “I seek not my own will, but the will of him who sent me.” He lived with an audience of One—the Father. In our social media-saturated world, we’re tempted to live for likes, approval, and recognition. But Jesus calls us to a different standard.

When Jesus is your ultimate authority, your questions change. Instead of “What will people think?” you ask, “What does God want?” Instead of “How can I look good?” you ask, “How can I honor Christ?” This singular focus transforms everything—your relationships, decisions, priorities, and purpose.

Reflection: Who or what is the ultimate authority in your life? Are you living for the approval of people or the pleasure of God?

Application: This week, before making decisions, pause and ask: “What would please Jesus in this situation?” Let Him be your authority.

Day 5: Whoever Has the Son Has It All

Reading: John 5:31-47; 1 John 5:11-13

Devotional: The parable of the estate auction reveals a profound truth: whoever gets the son gets it all. The world chases after everything else—success, wealth, pleasure, recognition. But Jesus offers something infinitely greater: Himself. And in Him, we receive forgiveness, purpose, eternal life, peace, and the very presence of God.

You don’t need Jesus plus something else. You need Jesus, period. When you have the Son, you have everything that truly matters. The religious leaders missed Jesus because they were focused on their traditions and expectations. Don’t make the same mistake.

Reflection: Are you trying to add Jesus to your life, or have you made Him your life? What “paintings” are you chasing instead of embracing the Son?

Application: Surrender everything to Jesus today. Declare that He alone is enough. Seek first His kingdom, and trust that everything else will be added.