In John 5, we learn that the Jews sought to kill Jesus, believing that he referred to God as “his own Father”. Jesus responds to them, correcting their reasoning. He was not equal with God, for “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”. Our relationship with God is meant to be like this, a sincere imitation of God’s character, following His example as a child does their parent.
Jesus also says, “I can do nothing on my own”, a sentiment that applies to us. We can’t even breathe without God, but it is encouraging to see Jesus express his absolute reliance on God as well.
Jesus further rebukes the Jews, “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life.” The OT scriptures described many aspects of Jesus’ life, but Jesus pleads with the Jews to just look at what he was doing, and follow that example. Let us “seek the glory that comes from the only God”, following Jesus in copying God’s character, for “whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life.”