John 5:19–29 - 19 Therefore Jesus answered and was saying to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, these things the Son also does in like manner. 20 “For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself is doing; and the Father will show Him greater works than these, so that you will marvel. 21 “For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son also gives life to whom He wishes. 22 “For not even the Father judges anyone, but He has given all judgment to the Son, 23 so that all will honor the Son even as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him. 24 “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life. 25 “Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. 26 “For just as the Father has life in Himself, even so He gave to the Son also to have life in Himself; 27 and He gave Him authority to execute judgment, because He is the Son of Man. 28 “Do not marvel at this; for an hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs will hear His voice, 29 and will come forth; those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed the evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment.
What does today’s passage say?
In today's passage, Jesus explains His close bond with the Father, stating that He does nothing independently but acts in total harmony with what the Father shows Him. This connection runs so deep that the Father shares everything with Jesus, including the amazing power to restore life to the dead (vv. 19-21). Jesus then reveals that God has given Him full authority as judge over everyone, so that all people will respect Jesus just as they respect the Father. Anyone who listens to Jesus and trusts in God receives eternal life without facing judgment, moving directly from death to life (vv. 22-24). Finally, Jesus announces that a time will come when all the dead will hear His voice - those who followed God will rise to enjoy life, while those who did evil will face judgment (vv. 25-29).
How can I apply John 5:19-29 to my life?
Life changes dramatically when someone claims absolute authority over you. In John chapter 5, Jesus does exactly that - He announces His total authority over life, death, and eternal judgment. These words hit hard because they demand more than casual acceptance. They call for complete surrender to His power and His authority.
Most of us struggle with authority. We like to pick and choose who we listen to, keeping some level of control of our own lives. But Jesus speaks with unmistakable clarity about His position: He holds the power of life and death. He will judge every person who has ever lived. His perfect unity with God the Father backs up these enormous claims. This matters right now, today, in our regular lives. Why? Because believing His words determines where we spend eternity. Jesus offers life to everyone who believes in Him, but He also promises judgment for those who reject Him. His authority reaches into our jobs, families, private thoughts, and public actions. When life falls apart, His power to give life brings hope. When we face tough choices, His role as judge guides our steps. No part of our life remains untouched by His authority. Here are some basic principles from this passage that we should apply to our lives:
1. Honor Jesus as the Source of Life Who Acts in Perfect Unity with the Father (vv. 19-21): Jesus demonstrates His complete unity with God the Father through His words and actions. Living in today's independent-minded world makes it hard to grasp the idea of such perfect unity and submission. Yet this profound connection between Jesus and the Father demands our attention - and more importantly - our response. The One who holds the power of life itself invites us to experience His authority not as a burden, but as life-giving truth. Some days we try to maintain control, pushing Jesus to the edges of our decisions. Other times, we acknowledge Him in religious activities but keep Him away from our business deals, family choices, or entertainment. But half-measures do not match the reality of who Jesus is. His authority, displayed in perfect unity with the Father, touches everything - from the smallest details to the biggest life changes. Think about that - the Source of all life cares about your daily walk! When troubles hit and hope seems distant, Jesus stands ready with resurrection power. That same divine ability that raises the dead can transform your situations. His life-giving power can heal broken trust, restore damaged relationships, and fill purposeless days with meaning. We must choose whether we will live as if Jesus is truly Lord of all, or if we will keep sections of our lives locked away from His authority (Colossians 1:15-17, Hebrews 1:1-3, 1 John 5:11-12).
Food for Thought: In what areas of your life have you not fully accepted Jesus as your source of life and authority? How does knowing Jesus works in unity with the Father affect your trust in His guidance for your life?
2. Choose Life by Believing in Jesus and His Words (vv. 22-24): Jesus declares His unique role as the divine judge who grants eternal life to those who believe in Him. People spend countless hours making choices about careers, relationships, and investments, yet no decision carries more weight than our response to Jesus and His message. The world pushes back against absolute truth claims, suggesting many paths lead to God. But Jesus speaks clearly - He alone bridges the gap between spiritual death and eternal life. Following Jesus means taking Him at His word when He says belief leads to life. This choice affects how we face both daily challenges and life-changing moments. When others question our faith, we stand firm because we know in whom we have believed. Our confidence comes not from religious traditions or good works, but from Jesus Himself. His promise of eternal life transforms how we view success, failure, and everything in between. Instead of chasing temporary satisfactions, we build our lives on the bedrock of His truth. The security of knowing we have passed from death to life frees us to live boldly for God. We no longer fear final judgment because Jesus has become our advocate. This truth shapes our priorities, leading us to value eternal matters above temporary pleasures. We share this life-giving message with others because we understand its supreme importance. Our belief in Jesus shows itself through changed attitudes, reformed priorities, and new patterns of living that point others to Him (Romans 10:9-10, John 3:36, Acts 16:30-31).
Food for Thought: What changes have you noticed in your life since believing in Jesus? How has the promise of eternal life influenced your daily choices and priorities?
3. Submit to Jesus' Authority as the Judge of All Humanity (vv. 25-29): Jesus reveals His role as the ultimate judge who will raise both the righteous and unrighteous for final judgment. Our culture runs from the idea of absolute judgment, yet Jesus boldly claims this authority over all humanity. Some days we want a comfortable Jesus who makes no demands, but His role as judge cannot be ignored. The command and power to raise the dead and pronounce eternal verdicts belongs to Him alone. When we truly see Jesus as judge, it shakes up our normal routines and challenges our priorities. That project at work, the family conflict at home, the secret habits we think no one sees - all of these fall under His authority. Christians often struggle to match their Sunday beliefs with Monday actions, but Jesus did not claim partial authority over our lives. His judgment covers everything. This truth hits hard in a world that tells us to live however we want. Some people react with fear to the idea of judgment, while others brush it off as old-fashioned. But Jesus spoke clearly about His authority to judge, and His words demand action from us today. The reality of future judgment adds weight to our choices - how we treat others, use our money, spend our time, and share our faith. When life feels unfair, knowing Jesus will judge all things properly gives us peace to keep going. His role as judge also makes us grateful for His sacrifice that saves us from condemnation. Our response shows in practical ways: in business deals, family decisions, private choices, and public actions. Living under His authority means doing the right thing even when it costs us something. We cannot claim to follow Jesus while ignoring His authority as judge over every part of our lives (Matthew 25:31-46, Romans 2:5-11, 2 Corinthians 5:10, Revelation 20:11-15).
Food for Thought: How does knowing Jesus will judge everyone affect the way you share your faith with others? In what specific ways can you better submit to Jesus' authority in your daily life?
Jesus' claims about His authority leave no room for casual response. His perfect unity with the Father, His power to give life, and His position as final judge touch every part of our existence. The decision to believe in Jesus stands as the most important choice anyone can make - it determines eternal destiny. His authority extends far beyond Sunday church services into our work decisions, family relationships, private habits, and public actions. God placed all judgment in Jesus' hands, making Him the central figure of human history and personal destiny. Those who believe in Him pass from death to life, receiving the gift of eternal life. This truth brings both comfort and serious responsibility. The comfort comes from knowing our eternal future rests secure in His hands. The responsibility shows up in how we live each day under His authority. Our response to Jesus' authority shapes everything - from the way we treat others to how we handle money, from the entertainment we choose to the words we speak. Following Jesus means accepting His complete authority over our lives, knowing He holds the power of life and judgment. His authority brings hope because He uses His power to give life to all who believe in Him.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
I pray that You would open my eyes to see Jesus' true authority over every part of my life. I know I often try to keep control of certain areas, making my own choices without submitting to Your Son's leadership. I pray that You would break down my resistance to His complete authority. Help me understand more deeply the perfect unity between You and Jesus, showing me how His power to give life can transform my daily situations.
I pray that You would strengthen my faith in Jesus' words, especially His promise of eternal life to all who believe in Him. Give me boldness to stand firm on this truth when others question my faith. I pray that You would guide me to make choices that show I accept Jesus as my judge. Help me live each day aware that He sees everything - my actions, thoughts, and attitudes.
I pray that You would give me wisdom to use my time, money, and abilities in ways that honor Jesus' authority. Show me specific areas where I need to submit more fully to His leadership. Give me courage to share the truth about Jesus with others, knowing their eternal destiny depends on believing in Him. Help me live with joy, knowing that my eternal life is secure in Him.
I pray these things in the most precious name of Jesus, Amen.
John 5:24 - “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.”
With His Blessings,
Pastor Corby
Comments