‘For I have not spoken on my own authority, but the Father who sent me, he has instructed me what I should say and speak. And I know that his instruction is eternal life'.
And this is because His words are God's words in a unique sense, and carry a unique authority. He was sent by the Father, and His words carry the Father's authority, for He is being carefully instructed by His Father, and will continue to be so. And when men receive that instruction it results for them in eternal life, for it is God's word which illuminates their hearts and transforms them. Thus He is here to offer eternal life to all who will receive it. (See John 3:11; John 3:16; John 6:63; John 7:16; John 8:26; John 8:28; John 8:38).