Scripture: John 5:23 (ESV) – “…that all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him.”
This verse delivers the stunning conclusion to Jesus’ claim of divine equality. The reason the Father has entrusted judgment to the Son is “that all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father.” In this, Jesus declares that the worship due to God the Father is also due to Him, the Son. Not a lesser honor. Not a partial submission. But the same reverence, adoration, and obedience that is owed to Yahweh Himself.
To the Jewish audience, this would have been scandalous. And yet Jesus offers no apology or softening—He places Himself at the center of true worship. In doing so, He defines the boundary of genuine faith: “Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him.” In other words, you cannot claim to love or worship God while rejecting Jesus.
William Gouge writes that this verse stands as a great divine litmus test: if someone will not honor Christ as they honor the Father, they are outside the true faith, regardless of how religious they may seem. To Gouge, the refusal to glorify Christ is not just ignorance—it is rebellion against the God who has made Himself known through the Son.
This has massive implications. It means that all religions, philosophies, or “spiritualities” that acknowledge God but reject Christ are not neutral—they are dishonoring the very God they claim to revere. Christ is not optional. He is the dividing line between false worship and true worship.
For believers, this verse is a glorious affirmation. When we bow the knee to Jesus, we are not redirecting worship—we are worshiping the fullness of God revealed in the Son.
Reflection Questions:
- What does it mean to honor the Son “just as” we honor the Father?
- How does this verse challenge the idea that people can worship God apart from Christ?
- In what ways can your life better reflect true honor and reverence for Jesus?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, we worship You as true God, equal with the Father, worthy of all honor and praise. Forgive us when we honor You with our lips but not with our lives. Strengthen our devotion, deepen our reverence, and help us to live in a way that brings glory to Your name. May we proclaim boldly that in honoring You, we truly honor the Father who sent You. Amen.
This devotional is based on John 5:23, using insights from Pastor Chris Cousine’s sermon and William Gouge’s doctrinal reflections on Christ’s divine honor.
Covenant Presbyterian Church 