The Father’s Will

“The Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing […] I can do nothing on My own … I do not seek My own will but the will of Him who sent Me.” Immediately the man became well.”—John 5:19, 30 NASB

Some followers of Jesus were puzzled. They could not understand why He didn’t seem to be more aggressive. It even seemed that Jesus was reluctant to act.

He was criticized for not promoting Himself more aggressively and not doing more to gain disciples and take advantage of the attention He received. To them, “No one does anything in secret when he himself is striving to be known publicly” (John 7:4).

But Jesus was teaching them important lessons. He demonstrated the importance of being sensitive to God’s timing, waiting for the right time, not acting on our own but pausing until God reveals His will—His purposes, what He wants us to do, and when He wants us to act.

Even though He was the Son of God, Jesus taught that He could do “nothing of Himself.” He constantly watched to see what the Father was doing and stayed sensitive to what the Father wanted Him to do every moment. Jesus said He could not do anything on His own initiative. His sole desire was to do the will of the Father and accomplish His purposes in every situation.

These are critical issues for every believer. We are called to commit every situation to God, seek His guidance, and be sure we have His direction. We are to be sensitive to the Spirit, always committed to doing His will.

Be sure you are sensitive, waiting, and listening.

Reflection Question: What issue or problem do you need to commit to God to discover His will?