At no point did Jesus claim to be his Father (i.e. God himself).  He did consistently claim to be God's Son.  It was for that "blasphemy" he was crucified.

His apostles and other followers were killed for claiming, like Stephen, that he stands on the right hand of his Father.

You are spot on, however, that His spirit will nudge you up off your duff.

And if that is not enough to make you think good works are required, you can always read Matthew, chapter 25.