John 5 records that Jesus healed an impotent man in Jerusalem. Instead of rejoicing in this marvelous miracle and the man’s health, the reaction of the antagonistic Jews was to seek to kill Jesus because He performed this wonder on the sabbath day (John 5:16). In response to this, our Lord spoke first of His Deity, calling God His Father (John 5:17). From there He went on to speak about some things that He has, does, and deserves. Consider some of these from verses 22-29:

1. The Judgment of Jesus – "For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son" (5:22). Knowing that God has appointed a day in which He will judge the world through His Son (Acts 17:30), are you making your personal preparation for that judgment the number one priority in your life on earth?

2. The Honor of Jesus – "That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him" (5:23). Knowing that God wants you to honor His Son, how much honor do you give to Jesus with your words and actions?

3. The Life-Giving Power of Jesus – Jesus named three facts that show His power to give true, spiritual life. (1) "He that heareth my word and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life" (5:24); (2) ". . . the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live" (5:25); (3) "For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself" (5:26). Knowing that true life can be obtained only in and through the Lord Jesus, how much do you really appreciate Him? And, how much is He truly the focus of your thinking?

4. The Authority of Jesus – "And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man" (5:27). Later Jesus said that all authority had been given unto Him in heaven and in earth (Matthew 28:18). Knowing that Jesus has all authority, how willingly and completely do you submit to His commands?

5. The Raising and Dividing Power of Jesus – "Marvel not at this; for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation" (5:28,29). What will Jesus do? He will speak (the dead will hear His voice), He will call forth the dead (as He did Lazarus), and He will divide them, sentencing some to everlasting damnation and some to everlasting life (Matthew 25:46). Knowing Who will "be in charge" when the dead are raised and judgment is carried out, and understanding the two possibilities that loom before us all (eternal condemnation or eternal salvation), just how serious are you right now about living for Him and doing all things in order to please Him?

The message about Jesus in John 5:22-29 is clear. Each one of us needs to acknowledge His judgment, honor, life-giving power, authority, and power to raise and divide the dead. More than just admitting these truths, however, we each need to commit our lives to Him, truly live for Him each day, and tell others the wonderful news about Him.

-- Roger D. Campbell