(Jhn)‬ ‭5‬:‭19‬-‭20‬, ‭23‬ ‭CJB‬‬ “Therefore, Yeshua said this to them: “Yes, indeed! I tell you that the Son cannot do anything on his own, but only what he sees the Father doing; whatever the Father does, the Son does too. For the Father loves the Son and shows him everything he does; and he will show him even greater things than these, so that you will be amazed. so that all may honor the Son as they honor the Father. Whoever fails to honor the Son is not honoring the Father who sent him.”

Abiding in Jesus is essential if we want our lives to accomplish anything of eternal significance. Jesus tells us in John 15 that apart from Him we can do nothing. He is the vine; we are merely the branches. A branch doesn’t manufacture life. It receives life from the vine and, as a result, bears fruit.

Interestingly, Jesus uses similar language about His relationship with His Father in John 5.

Jesus says He does what He sees His Father doing. However, we need to understand this correctly. Jesus isn’t saying He lacked divine knowledge or ability. Rather, He is declaring His perfect unity with the Father. The Son never acts independently or contrary to the Father. Whatever the Father does, the Son does.

That is an astounding claim to deity—and Jesus makes the point unmistakable: all people must honor the Son just as they honor the Father.

Abiding in Jesus Enables Us to Bear His Fruit

Later, Jesus applies the principle of dependence to His disciples: “Apart from me you can’t do a thing.”  John 15:5 CJB

Jesus is eternally united with His Father. We, however, are dependent creatures who must remain connected to Christ. Abiding in Jesus means living in continual dependence upon Him, allowing His Word to shape our thinking and His Spirit to empower our obedience.

Jesus regularly withdrew to pray. He knew, quoted, fulfilled, and obeyed Scripture. His entire earthly ministry demonstrated perfect obedience to His Father.

Likewise, God has given us practical means through which our relationship with Christ grows: His Word, prayer, and obedience.

We open Scripture to hear what God has said. We pray because we depend upon Him. Then, empowered by the Holy Spirit, we obey what Jesus commands.

Jesus said: “If you love me, you will keep my commands.”  John 14:15 CJB

Intimacy without obedience becomes sentiment. Biblical intimacy with Jesus produces obedience—and obedience bears fruit.

See What Jesus Is Doing

This radically changes how we approach purpose.

Many men wake up asking, “What do I need to accomplish today?”

A better question might be:

“Jesus, where are You already working, and how can I faithfully obey You there?”

Jesus told His disciples that the Holy Spirit would convict the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8). God is already working in people’s hearts.

Someone begins asking spiritual questions.

A coworker admits his marriage is falling apart.

A son suddenly becomes receptive to a conversation.

A friend confesses that his life feels empty.

Those aren’t interruptions to our mission. They may be the mission.

We don’t save anyone. We don’t change hearts. We don’t manufacture spiritual life. God does that work.

But we can recognize opportunities, love people, speak truth, share the gospel, and call people to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.

And the goal isn’t that people become impressed with us.

The goal is exactly what Jesus declared in John 5:

That people honor the Son as they honor the Father.

Our good works should ultimately point beyond us so that people “praise your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

Run Today’s Play

Before charging into your responsibilities today, spend time abiding in Jesus.

Open His Word. Pray. Listen. Then obey.

And as you move through your family, workplace, church, and community, pay attention. Who is God putting in front of you? Where do you see conviction, curiosity, hurt, need, or spiritual hunger?

Don’t merely ask God to bless what you’re doing.

Look for where He is working—and faithfully join Him there.

Your purpose today isn’t to make your name great.

It is to bear fruit that causes people to honor Jesus as Savior, Lord, and Judge—and give glory to your Father in heaven.