Crossing from Death to Life (John 5:24-30)
Scripture: John 5:24-30 (ESV)
“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself. And he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man. Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment. I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me.”
In this passage, Jesus continues to reveal profound truths about His identity and mission. He begins with a powerful assurance: “Whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment but has passed from death to life.” This statement is a promise of salvation and eternal life to all who believe in Jesus and trust in the Father who sent Him. It highlights the transformative power of faith, which allows believers to move from spiritual death to eternal life, free from condemnation.
Jesus emphasizes His unique role in granting life and executing judgment. As the Son of God, He has the authority to give life and to judge humanity. He declares that the time is now when “the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live.” This statement speaks not only to the literal resurrection at the end of times but also to the spiritual awakening that occurs when individuals respond to Jesus’ call.
Furthermore, Jesus explains that just as the Father possesses life in Himself, He has granted the Son the same life-giving power. This divine authority underscores Jesus’ unity with the Father and His role in God’s redemptive plan. The passage concludes with a future vision: a time when all the dead will rise, some to the resurrection of life and others to the resurrection of judgment, depending on their response to Jesus’ call.
Key Lessons for Our Daily Lives:
The Assurance of Eternal Life: Jesus promises that whoever believes in Him and the Father who sent Him has already crossed from death to life. Reflect on the assurance of this promise in your life. How does knowing that you are free from condemnation and have eternal life affect the way you live today?
Responding to Jesus’ Voice: Jesus speaks of a time when the dead will hear His voice and live. In a spiritual sense, this is an invitation for all to listen and respond to Jesus’ call. Consider how you are responding to Jesus’ voice in your life. Are there areas where you need to be more attentive to His guidance and direction?
Living with Eternal Perspective: Jesus talks about the resurrection of life and the resurrection of judgment, highlighting the eternal consequences of our choices. Reflect on how an eternal perspective influences your daily decisions and actions. Are you living in a way that aligns with the hope of resurrection to life?
Trusting in Jesus’ Just Judgment: Jesus states that His judgment is just because He seeks the will of the Father. Trusting in Jesus’ just judgment brings peace, knowing that He is fair and righteous. How does this understanding shape your view of justice and fairness in your own life and in the world?
A Prayer for Today:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise of eternal life through faith in Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to hear and respond to His voice, living with the assurance that we have passed from death to life. Guide us to live with an eternal perspective, making choices that honor You and reflect our hope in the resurrection. May we trust in Your perfect justice, knowing that Jesus judges with righteousness and truth. Strengthen our faith and deepen our relationship with You each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.