Honoring Jesus

There are many denominations, pseudo-Christian groups and cults that claim to rightly interpret Scripture and love God, while at the same time reject the divinity and/or person of Christ. The foundational problem underlying this is in John 5:22-23:

 “For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son, that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.”

As Orthodox, we read and interpret this passage in the same manner (so we claim) as the apostles; i.e. that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, the third person of the Trinity and needs to be honored as such. To not recognize him as such is dishonoring to him and thus dishonoring to the Father. But of course it is not that simple. These other groups don't interpret the passage this way and therefore don't believe they are dishonoring the Father or Jesus.

There are a couple of ways to approach this. One could intellectualize and argue and claim academic superiority. This wouldn't solve the problem though, it only moves it back a step. In offering an interpretation of Scripture, one is presupposing something or someone as an authority. The question is "Who?". One could even appeal to common sense or reason as the grounds for a particular interpretation. But to be part of a small group that is claiming this, makes the position "not" common. One can appeal to tradition, but that claim must be substantiated. Is it actually tradition, or was it simply invented somewhere along the way?

Again, this sort of thing ultimately reduces to final authority. To whom are we appealing and do they actually have true authority?

In this verse, at least, the question is far more than an intellectual exercise. We are ultimately talking about our thoughts and responses to God the Father and God the Son.