God is Always Working

Throughout the Bible, we encounter a God who is actively at work in the lives of His people, orchestrating His divine purposes in dramatic and subtle ways. From the parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21-22) to the quiet fulfillment of long-awaited promises, such as Abraham and Sarah’s conception of Isaac in their old age (Genesis 21:1-3), Scripture reveals a God whose hand is ever-present. Yet, His timing and methods often challenge human expectations. Mary and Martha, for instance, waited in anguish as their brother Lazarus lay dying, only to witness Jesus delay His arrival until after Lazarus’ death—setting the stage for a greater miracle (John 11:3-6, 43-44). Similarly, Joseph endured slavery and imprisonment before God elevated him to a position of authority in Egypt (Genesis 37-50). These passages underscore a profound truth: God is always at work, even when His actions are not immediately apparent.

For believers who affirm the Bible as the inspired and authoritative Word of God, John 5:16-19 offers a critical lens through which to view this divine activity. In this passage, Jesus defends His Sabbath healing by declaring, “My Father has been working until now, and I have been working” (John 5:17, ESV), a statement that not only incites the Jews’ persecution but also reveals the intimate relationship between the Father and the Son. This moment in the Gospel of John is foundational for understanding how God operates through Jesus Christ, a cornerstone of evangelical theology. The passage illuminates the deity of Christ, the unity of the Trinity, and the ongoing work of God in the world—truths that resonate with the Church’s mission to discern and participate in His purposes.

This blog post explores how God is at work in John 5:16-19. Employing the English Standard Version (ESV) Bible, we will conduct a thorough exegetical analysis of the passage, examine its theological implications, and connect it to associated scriptures demonstrating God’s activity. The discussion will be structured with an introduction, a main body comprising exegetical and theological sections, and a conclusion reflecting on its significance for believers today. Through this exploration, we aim to deepen our understanding of God’s work and inspire faith in His sovereign timing and purpose.

Exegetical Analysis

Context and Content of John 5:16-19

John 5:16-19 emerges from a confrontation sparked by Jesus’ healing of a paralytic at the pool of Bethesda on the Sabbath (John 5:1-15). The passage reads:

“And this was why the Jews were persecuting Jesus, because he was doing these things on the Sabbath. But Jesus answered them, ‘My Father is working until now, and I am working.’ This was why the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God. So Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise’” (John 5:16-19, ESV).

This encounter occurs within a Jewish context deeply rooted in Sabbath observance, a practice grounded in the fourth commandment: “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8, ESV). By the first century, the Pharisees had expanded this command with an intricate system of oral traditions, prohibiting numerous activities deemed as “work,” including healing. Jesus’ act of healing and instructing the man to carry his bed (John 5:8-9) violated these traditions, prompting the Jews’ persecution.

Historical and Cultural Background

The Sabbath, a day of rest commemorating God’s cessation from creation (Genesis 2:2-3), was a defining marker of Jewish identity. However, Jewish theology recognized that God’s rest did not imply inactivity. He continued to sustain the universe—causing the sun to rise, granting life, and exercising mercy and judgment. This understanding is reflected in later rabbinic thought, acknowledging God’s ongoing work without violating the Sabbath. Jesus leverages this concept in His defense, aligning His actions with the Father’s ceaseless activity.

The Jews’ reaction—escalating from persecution to a desire to kill Jesus—stems from two charges: Sabbath-breaking and blasphemy. Jesus challenged their legalistic framework by healing on the Sabbath, but His claim to divine sonship intensified their outrage. Calling God “his own Father” (John 5:18) implied a unique, personal relationship that they interpreted as a claim to equality with God, an offense punishable by death under Mosaic Law (Leviticus 24:16).

Linguistic Insights from the Greek Text

A closer examination of the Greek text enriches our understanding:

“Working” (ἐργάζεται, ergazetai): In John 5:17, both “My Father is working until now” and “I am working” employ this present middle indicative verb, sourced from the Nestle-Aland Novum Testamentum Graece (28th ed.). The present tense denotes continuous action, suggesting that the Father and Son are perpetually engaged in divine work, unbound by Sabbath restrictions.

“His own Father” (ἴδιον, idion): This adjective in John 5:18, modifying “Father,” emphasizes exclusivity and intimacy. Unlike the general fatherhood of God over Israel (e.g., Exodus 4:22), Jesus’ use of ἴδιον asserts a distinct filial relationship, reinforcing His claim to deity.

“Can do nothing” (δύναται, dynatai): In John 5:19, this verb, meaning “is able” or “has the power,” indicates that the Son’s actions are not merely a choice but an inherent alignment with the Father’s will. The phrase “of his own accord” (ἀφ’ ἑαυτοῦ, aph’ heautou) literally means “from himself,” underscoring dependence not as weakness but as unity.

“Sees” (βλέπῃ, blepē): This present subjunctive verb suggests ongoing perception or understanding, implying that Jesus’ actions mirror the Father’s through a deep, relational discernment.

Interpretation of Key Themes

Jesus’ defense in verse 17—“My Father is working until now, and I am working”—is a theological bombshell. It asserts that His Sabbath healing is not a violation but a continuation of God’s sustaining and redemptive work. The Jews’ intensified hostility in verse 18 reflects their recognition of His claim to equality with God, a claim Jesus does not retract but elaborates in verse 19. His statement, “The Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing,” reveals a perfect harmony between Father and Son. Every act of Jesus—here, the healing—directly reflects the Father’s will, demonstrating that God is at work through Him.

This passage thus establishes Jesus as both the agent and revelation of God’s activity, a theme that reverberates throughout the Gospel of John. His works are not independent but divinely orchestrated, offering a window into the Father’s heart and purpose.

Theological Discussion

The Trinity and Christ’s Deity

Evangelical theology, rooted in the inerrancy of Scripture, views John 5:16-19 as a foundational text for the doctrines of the Trinity and Christ’s deity. The Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—is understood as three co-equal, co-eternal persons sharing one divine essence. Jesus’ claim to work as the Father works (John 5:17) and His assertion of doing only what He sees the Father doing (John 5:19) affirm His equality with the Father in nature and authority.

The Jews’ accusation that Jesus “was making himself equal with God” (John 5:18) is not refuted but substantiated by His words. Evangelical scholar Leon Morris observes, “He was claiming that He partook of the same nature as His Father. This involved equality.” This equality is not a personal identity (modalism) but a relational unity, as Wayne Grudem notes: “The Son and the Spirit are equal in deity to God the Father, but they are subordinate in their roles.” Jesus’ submission to the Father is voluntary, reflecting the economic Trinity rather than an ontological hierarchy.

God’s Work Through Jesus

John 5:16-19 reveals God’s work in the world is channeled through Jesus. His healing of the paralytic exemplifies God’s compassion and power, consistent with the Father’s ongoing activity. This unity of action is echoed in other scriptures:

John 10:30: “I and the Father are one” (ESV), affirming their oneness in essence and purpose.

John 14:9: “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father” (ESV), positioning Jesus as the perfect revelation of God.

Colossians 1:15: “He is the image of the invisible God” (ESV), underscoring His role as the visible expression of the divine.

Hebrews 1:3: “He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature” (ESV), highlighting His identity with the Father’s being.

These passages collectively affirm that Jesus’ ministry—miracles, teachings, and ultimately His death and resurrection—manifests God’s redemptive plan. As F. F. Bruce notes, “The Father shows Him all things that He Himself does” (John 5:20), indicating that Jesus’ works are a deliberate disclosure of God’s activity.

For evangelicals, recognizing God’s work through Jesus has profound implications. It assures believers that God remains active despite apparent delays or hardships. The Holy Spirit, promised by Jesus (John 14:16-17), cultivates discernment to perceive this work, as seen in the early Church’s reliance on the Spirit’s guidance (Acts 13:2-4). Just as Jesus mirrored the Father, believers are called to align with God’s will, empowered by the Spirit to participate in His mission.

This perspective contrasts with human impatience. Abraham waited decades for Isaac (Genesis 15:4-5; 21:5), Hannah rejoiced after years of barrenness (1 Samuel 1:27-28), and Joseph’s elevation followed suffering (Genesis 41:41-43). These examples, paralleled by Jesus’ purposeful delay in Lazarus’ case (John 11:6), teach that God’s work unfolds according to His timetable, requiring trust and patience.

Implications for Believers

Recognizing God’s work through Jesus has profound implications. It assures believers that God remains active despite apparent delays or hardships. The Holy Spirit, promised by Jesus (John 14:16-17), cultivates discernment to perceive this work, as seen in the early Church’s reliance on the Spirit’s guidance (Acts 13:2-4). Just as Jesus mirrored the Father, believers are called to align with God’s will, empowered by the Spirit to participate in His mission.

This perspective contrasts with human impatience. Abraham waited decades for Isaac (Genesis 15:4-5; 21:5), Hannah rejoiced after years of barrenness (1 Samuel 1:27-28), and Joseph’s elevation followed suffering (Genesis 41:41-43). These examples, paralleled by Jesus’ purposeful delay in Lazarus’ case (John 11:6), teach that God’s work unfolds according to His timetable, requiring trust and patience.

Counterarguments

Some might argue that Jesus’ statement, “the Son can do nothing of his own accord” (John 5:19), suggests inferiority. However, this reflects functional submission, not ontological subordination. Augustine counters this misreading: “In the Trinity, there is no before or after, no greater or lesser” (Augustine, n.d., On the Trinity). The Son’s dependence is a relational dynamic within the Godhead, not a diminishment of His deity.

Others, like Jehovah’s Witnesses, might deny Jesus’ divinity, viewing Him as a created being. Yet, the Jews’ reaction (John 5:18) and Jesus’ “I am” statements (e.g., John 8:58, echoing Exodus 3:14) affirm His divine identity. As Augustine remarked, “Behold, the Jews understand what the Arians do not understand.”

Conclusion

John 5:16-19 unveils a God ceaselessly at work through Jesus Christ, a truth central to evangelical faith. Exegetically, the passage reveals Jesus’ divine authority and unity with the Father, as His Sabbath actions mirror God’s ongoing activity. Theologically, it anchors the Trinity and Christ’s deity, demonstrating that every act of Jesus reflects the Father’s will. Supported by scriptures like John 10:30 and Hebrews 1:3, this text affirms that God’s redemptive work finds its fullest expression in the Son.

For the Church, this understanding fosters resilience and purpose. Like Mary and Martha, we may wait; like Joseph, we may suffer, yet God’s hand remains active. The Holy Spirit equips us to discern His presence, urging us to emulate Jesus by doing what we see the Father doing (John 5:19). This participation—whether in delight, as with Hannah, or through pain, as with Joseph—strengthens our faith and aligns us with God’s eternal plan.

In a world craving instant results, John 5:16-19 calls us to trust God’s timing and sovereignty. As we recognize His work in Jesus and in our lives, we are motivated to stay the course, maintaining a godly perspective that glorifies Him. May we, like the Son, be ever attuned to the Father’s will, serving as vessels of His ongoing work in the world.

God Promises to Work Everything for Our Good and His Glory

 

You've probably asked yourself, _Is God involved in the details of my life?_ If you're like most of us, believing God is in the good things is easy. He's undoubtedly in your successes, strong relationships, and good physical health. But you may wonder if He's also in your failures, broken relationships, and sickness. Good news—He is!

The apostle Paul provides profound encouragement in Romans 8:28-29: "And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew, he is also predestined to conform to the image of his Son, so that he might be the firstborn among many brothers." This passage contains a remarkable promise that in the highs and lows of life, God is for us and is working everything—the joys and the sorrows—for our ultimate good and his eternal glory.

Note an important distinction, God being in everything does not mean that He causes everything that happens to us. After all, we live in a fallen world full of brokenness and sin. There will always be trouble to deal with on this side of eternity. So, while God does not  create every circumstance we face, He does allow every circumstance. As He does, He's weaving the good and challenging parts of our lives together for our long-term benefit and His glory.

Nothing we're dealing with has slipped by our sovereign God. Everything is under His control. When we choose to trust His ultimate goodness, we can both receive the joys of today with thanksgiving and accept the hardships with peace. It is the peace of knowing that God is with us, for us, and always working for the good of those who love Him.

The Promise of Romans 8:28-29

At the heart of this profound promise is God's sovereign, loving nature. The God of the Bible is not a detached deity, aloof and disconnected from the affairs of His creation. Instead, He is a personal God who is intimately involved in the details of our lives. "Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love" (Psalm 33:18). 

This truth is emphasized throughout Scripture. The psalmist declares, "The Lord watches over you" (Psalm 121:5). Jesus assures us, "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father" (Matthew 10:29). The apostle Paul reminds us, "From him and through him and to him are all things" (Romans 11:36). In short, our great God is a God who is "in" all things, sustaining and governing all of creation according to His perfect will and purpose.

Yet, as mentioned earlier, this does not mean that God is the direct cause of every circumstance we face. The entrance of sin into the world has resulted in brokenness, pain, suffering, and death—all of which were never part of God's original design. The apostle Paul describes the groaning of creation, "For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now" (Romans 8:22). 

This is the reality in which we live—a world plagued by the effects of sin. Sickness, relational conflict, financial hardship, and other forms of suffering are all consequences of the Fall. But here is the good news: Even amidst this world's brokenness, God is still sovereign. He is still working all things together for the good of those who love Him.

The Guarantee of God's Goodness

One of the most comforting and empowering truths in Scripture is that God is good and works all things together for our ultimate good. This truth is the heart of the promise in Romans 8:28: "And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."

The phrase "we know" indicates the certainty of this promise. It is not a mere possibility or a hopeful sentiment but a guaranteed truth that we can cling to amid life's ups and downs. As the psalmist declares, "Taste and see that the Lord is good!" (Psalm 34:8). 

But what exactly does it mean that "all things work together for good"? Does this mean that God will miraculously deliver us from every hardship and make our lives perfect and prosperous? Not necessarily. The "good" God is working towards is not necessarily our immediate physical, emotional, or material well-being. Rather, the "good" that God has in mind is our ultimate spiritual transformation and the advancement of His eternal kingdom.

The apostle Paul makes this clear in the next verse, where he states that God's purpose is to "conform [us] to the image of his Son" (Romans 8:29). In other words, God's primary goal is not to make our lives comfortable and easy but to make us more like Christ. This process often involves hardship, suffering, and difficulty.

The renowned preacher Charles Spurgeon captured this truth well when he said, "I believe that the greatest blessings God can give to any of us are often wrapped up in our trials and crosses and disappointments." Through the valleys and the wilderness seasons of life, God often does His most profound work in our hearts, conforming us more and more into the likeness of His Son.

This idea means that even our most painful and difficult circumstances are not accidents or random occurrences. Instead, they are part of God's sovereign plan to shape and sanctify us. As the psalmist declares, "Your way was through the sea, your path through the great waters; yet your footprints were unseen" (Psalm 77:19). God is at work, even when we can't see or understand His purposes.

A Promise with Conditions

However, Romans 8:28 contains an important condition for this promise: it is for "those who love God" and "those who are called according to his purpose." In other words, this promise is not for everyone but only for those who have a genuine, saving relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ.

This clarification is a crucial distinction because it means that this promise does not apply to those who reject God or live in rebellion against Him. As the prophet Jeremiah declares, "The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately sick; who can understand it?" (Jeremiah 17:9). Apart from God's transforming grace, our hearts are inclined towards sin and selfishness rather than love and obedience.

But this promise offers incredible hope and encouragement for those who have been called by God and who love Him in return. No matter what difficulties we face, we can be confident that God is working it all together for our ultimate good. As the apostle Paul writes elsewhere, "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31).

This "for us" language is crucial because it reminds us that God is not a distant, impersonal force but a loving Heavenly Father intimately involved in our lives. He is not a cold, calculating deity who moves us around on a cosmic chessboard. Rather, He is a God of compassion and mercy who "works all things according to the counsel of his will" (Ephesians 1:11) for the sake of His beloved children.

The Paradox of God's Sovereignty and Human Responsibility

Of course, this raises a profound theological question: If God is truly sovereign and working all things together for our good, how can we be held responsible for our actions? Isn't that a contradiction?

This is a complex issue that theologians have debated for centuries. On the one hand, the Bible is clear that God is ultimately in control of all things and that nothing happens apart from His sovereign will and permission. As the psalmist declares, "Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases" (Psalm 115:3).

At the same time, the Scriptures also hold human beings responsible for their choices and actions. We are not mere puppets but free moral agents who will be held accountable for how we live our lives. As the prophet Ezekiel proclaims, "The soul who sins shall die" (Ezekiel 18:20).

How do we reconcile these seemingly contradictory truths? There are a few essential principles to keep in mind:

1. God's sovereignty and human responsibility are biblical truths that we must affirm, even if we can't fully comprehend how they fit together. As the apostle Paul writes, "Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!" (Romans 11:33).

2. God's sovereignty does not negate human responsibility. Even though God works all things together for our good, we are still responsible for our choices. God does not force us to do anything against our will.

3. God's sovereignty and human responsibility exist in a mysterious tension that we can't fully explain. As the great Puritan theologian John Owen said, "There are some things in religion that we must believe, though we cannot comprehend them."

4. Ultimately, we must trust in God's perfect wisdom and goodness, even when we can't fully understand His ways. As the prophet Isaiah declares, "'For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,' declares the Lord" (Isaiah 55:8).

The Practical Implications of Romans 8:28-29

So, what are the practical implications of this profound promise in Romans 8:28-29? How should it shape how we live our lives, especially amid life's ups and downs?

First and foremost, this passage should instill in us a deep sense of hope and confidence in God's goodness. No matter what we may be facing—whether it's a season of joy or sorrow—we can be assured that God is at work, weaving all the details of our lives together for our ultimate good and His eternal glory.

As the Psalmist writes, "Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning" (Psalm 30:5). Even in our darkest moments, we can cling to the truth that God is working behind the scenes, shaping us and sanctifying us through the trials we face.

This does not mean that the pain and difficulty will disappear. The apostle Paul makes it clear that as followers of Christ, we will face tribulation and suffering in this world (John 16:33). But it does mean that we can face those trials with supernatural peace and joy, knowing that God is using them for our eternal benefit.

As the renowned Bible teacher Charles Swindoll once said, "Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you respond to it." When we choose to trust in God's sovereign goodness, even in the midst of life's struggles, we can respond with faith, hope, and perseverance rather than with fear, bitterness, or despair.

Second, this passage should motivate us to live more intentionally and purposefully. If God is truly working all things together for our good and His glory, it should compel us to align our lives more closely with His will and purposes. As the apostle Paul writes, we are "called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28).

This alignment means we should seek to grow in our love and obedience to God, cultivating a deeper relationship with Him through prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers. It also means that we should strive to live in a way that glorifies God and advances His kingdom, using the gifts and talents He has given us to serve others and make disciples of Jesus Christ.

As we do this, we can be confident that even our most difficult circumstances are not wasted but are being used by God to shape us into the image of His Son. The apostle Paul reminds us that "we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope" (Romans 5:3-4).

Finally, this passage should instill a deep sense of humility and dependence on God. If all things are ultimately under His sovereign control, we must acknowledge our limitations and our need for His divine wisdom and strength. As the prophet Jeremiah declares, "I know, O Lord, that the way of man is not in himself, that it is not in man who walks to direct his steps" (Jeremiah 10:23).

This Scripture means that we should approach life with an attitude of prayerful dependence, constantly seeking God's guidance and submitting our plans and desires to His will. It also means that we should be quick to repent when we try to take matters into our own hands and quick to praise God when He intervenes in our lives in unexpected ways.

As the psalmist writes, "Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act" (Psalm 37:5). When we learn to surrender our lives to God's sovereign control, we can rest in the assurance that He is working all things together for our good and His glory.

The Comfort and Courage of Romans 8:28-29

In the end, the promise of Romans 8:28-29 is a profound source of comfort and courage for all who belong to Christ. No matter what we face in this life—whether it's a season of joy or sorrow—we can be confident that God is at work, weaving all the details of our lives together for our ultimate good and His eternal glory.

This does not mean the journey will be easy or the pain will disappear. In fact, as followers of Christ, we are called to take up our cross and follow Him (Matthew 16:24). But it does mean that we can face the difficulties of life with supernatural peace and hope, knowing that God is using even our most painful circumstances to shape us and sanctify us.

As the apostle Paul writes elsewhere, "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31). When we truly grasp the greatness of God's sovereign love and the depth of His commitment to our ultimate good, we are filled with courage that cannot be shaken, even in the face of the most daunting challenges.

So, let us cling to this precious promise and let it be the foundation upon which we build our lives. Let us trust in the goodness of our sovereign God, even when we can't fully understand His ways. And let us live with greater intentionality and purpose, seeking to align our lives more closely with His will and purposes.

In the end, this is the great hope that sustains us in the highs and lows of life: that our God is for us and that He is working all things together for our good and His glory. May this truth fill our hearts with unshakable confidence and immovable peace as we journey through this life and look forward to the glorious day when we will finally see Him face to face.