Don’t
marvel at this, for the hour comes, in which all that are in the tombs will hear his voice, and will come out; those who have done good, to the resurrection of life; and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of judgment.
John 5:28-29
John 5 [24.] “Most certainly I tell you, he who hears my word, and believes him who sent me, has eternal life, and doesn’t come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life. Most certainly, I tell you, the hour comes, and now is, when the dead will hear the Son of God’s voice; and those who hear will live. For as the Father has life in himself, even so he gave to the Son also to have life in himself. He also gave him authority to execute judgment, because he is a son of man. Don’t marvel at this, for the hour comes, in which all that are in the tombs will hear his voice, and will 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 of myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is righteous; because I don’t seek my own will, but the will of my Father who sent me.
Meaning:
- The Certainty of the Future Resurrection:
Jesus begins by urging his listeners not to marvel or be surprised at what he is about to reveal. The gravity of his message is emphasized by the assertion that "the hour comes." This phrase denotes a designated moment in the future when a profound and universal event will unfold—the resurrection of all those in the tombs. The inclusivity of "all" underscores the universality of the resurrection, encompassing every individual who has experienced physical death.
- The Power of His Voice:
Central to the resurrection is the power of Jesus' voice. The imagery of the dead hearing his voice and responding by coming out of the tombs portrays a divine authority that transcends the limitations of mortality. It echoes the creative power displayed in the very act of speaking life into existence, affirming Jesus' role as the ultimate authority over life and death.
- Resurrection to Life and Judgment:
The subsequent distinction between two groups—the "those who have done good" and the "those who have done evil"—introduces a pivotal aspect of the resurrection: its dual nature. The first group experiences the resurrection of life, while the second faces the resurrection of judgment.
Resurrection of Life: This affirms the hope and assurance for those who have lived in accordance with goodness and righteousness. The resurrection of life implies not just a return to existence but a transformation into a life marked by eternal communion with God.
Resurrection of Judgment: Conversely, the resurrection of judgment signifies a reckoning for those who have chosen paths characterized by evil and disobedience. It aligns with the biblical theme of accountability and divine justice, where every action finds its ultimate consequence.
Significance:
Hope and Assurance: John 5:28-29 offers a message of hope and assurance to believers. The promise of a resurrection to life underscores the transformative nature of faith, pointing to a future marked by eternal fellowship with God.
Accountability and Justice: The concept of the resurrection of judgment underscores the biblical principles of accountability and divine justice. It affirms that every individual will face a reckoning for their actions, emphasizing the moral dimension of human existence.
Authority of Jesus: The central role of Jesus' voice in the resurrection highlights his divine authority. The ability to call the dead to life reinforces his identity as the Son of God and the source of eternal life.
Cross References:
Daniel 12:2: "Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt." This Old Testament prophecy aligns with Jesus' teaching in John 5, affirming the dual outcomes of the resurrection.
Matthew 25:31-46: The parable of the sheep and the goats, spoken by Jesus, touches on the theme of judgment based on one's actions. It resonates with the idea presented in John 5:28-29 about the significance of deeds in the ultimate judgment.
In Conclusion: John 5:28-29 unveils a profound message about the future resurrection and the dual outcomes awaiting humanity. It speaks to the transformative power of faith, the accountability for human actions, and the authoritative role of Jesus in the unfolding of these cosmic events. These verses provide a foundation for Christian hope, emphasizing the promise of eternal life for those who have embraced goodness and the sobering reality of judgment for those who have chosen evil.
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible