📖 Passage
John 5:19–29 Read John 5 (NKJV)
🧠 Context & Background
Following the Sabbath healing at Bethesda, Jewish leaders confront Jesus over His actions and His claim to be equal with God. Jesus responds with a profound discourse affirming His unity with the Father in will, work, and authority. He reveals His role as the life-giver and judge of all humanity, pointing to a future resurrection for both the righteous and the wicked. This passage is central to understanding Christ’s divine identity and the basis of eternal life.
🌿 Key Themes
- Unity with the Father — Jesus’ works perfectly reflect the Father’s will and purpose.
- Life-Giving Authority — As the Son, Jesus grants eternal life to whom He wills.
- Judgment Entrusted to the Son — God the Father has given all judgment into Christ’s hands.
- Resurrection Hope — Both believers and unbelievers will be raised, but to different destinies.
📖 Verse-by-Verse Commentary
John 5:19–20
"The Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing." - Perfect Dependence — Jesus’ actions flow entirely from the Father’s will. - Mutual Love — The Father shows the Son all that He does, reflecting divine intimacy. - Greater Works Promised — The miracles to come will surpass the healing at Bethesda.
John 5:21–23
"For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom he will." - Shared Divine Power — Raising the dead is an exclusively divine act, here attributed to the Son. - Sovereign Grace — Eternal life is given according to Christ’s will, not human merit. - Honor to the Son — Reverence for the Father must include honoring the Son equally.
John 5:24–27
"Whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life." - Present Possession — Eternal life begins now for the believer. - Passing from Death to Life — Salvation is a decisive transition accomplished by faith. - Authority to Judge — As the Son of Man, Jesus executes judgment in perfect righteousness.
John 5:28–29
"An hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out." - Universal Resurrection — Every person will be raised, regardless of belief. - Two Destinies — The righteous will rise to life; the wicked will rise to judgment. - Finality of Judgment — The eternal state is determined by one’s relationship with Christ.
🔍 Trusted Insight
D.A. Carson emphasizes that Jesus’ unity with the Father is not one of mere cooperation but of shared essence and authority. His life-giving power and judicial role are divine prerogatives, underscoring His deity. Summary: This passage affirms Christ’s divine authority to give life and judge, demanding that all honor Him as they honor the Father.
🧩 Review Questions
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- What does it mean that Jesus can “do nothing of His own accord”?
- How does this passage affirm the deity of Christ?
- What is the significance of the resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked?
🔍 Definitions
- Son of Man — Messianic title from Daniel 7:13–14, emphasizing authority and divine glory.
- Eternal Life — Life in unbroken fellowship with God, beginning now and lasting forever.
- Judgment — The divine evaluation of human life resulting in eternal destiny.
🙋 Application Questions
- How does recognizing Jesus’ authority to judge shape your daily obedience?
- In what ways can you honor the Son more fully in your worship and witness?
- How should the reality of resurrection influence your priorities?
🔤 Greek Keywords
- Zōē (Life) — Refers to the fullness of life found only in God.
- Krísis (Judgment) — The act of divine decision determining destiny.
- Exousia (Authority) — The right and power to act, especially in giving life and judging.
📚 Cross References
- Daniel 7:13–14 — The Son of Man given authority and glory.
- Isaiah 26:19 — Promise of resurrection.
- Acts 17:31 — God has appointed Jesus as judge.
- 1 Corinthians 15:22 — In Christ all will be made alive.
- Revelation 20:12–13 — The final resurrection and judgment.