The Gospel of John: John 5.16-30

Read and meditate on John 5.25-29.
An hour is coming, and now is: This is a very important statement, especially as it relates to coming to faith in Jesus and entering the promised Kingdom of God.

                                         ²⁵I say
to you, that there is coming soon a day,
and it is now, when all the dead shall hear
the voice of God the Son, and all who hear
shall live. ²⁶For just as God the Father has
all life within Himself, so likewise has
the Son, as God has granted Him. ²⁷And He 
has given to the Son authority
to execute all judgment also, for
He is the Son of Man. ²⁸I tell you more,
and marvel not: An hour is coming when
all those in graves will hear His voice, and then
²⁹will come forth, those who good have done unto
eternal life, but every person who
has evil done will be condemned.

- John 5.25-28

Reflect
1.  From this passage overall, how would you describe the nature of the “hour” Jesus said was coming and has already come? Of what does this “hour” consist? Complete this prayer: Lord, I need Your perspective on my life if I’m to understand my purpose in Your Kingdom. Show me…

2.  OK, now Jesus says this “hour” is “coming” and “now is.” Reflect on your answer to question 1. In what sense is this hour “coming”? What will happen when this hour comes? Should we be preparing for this? Explain. Let me never forget, or ever lose sight of the fact, Lord, that we are bound for a new day. Each day, help me to…

3.  Still reflecting on your answer to question 1, in what sense can we say this “hour” “now is”? What is happening now to indicate that this “coming” hour has already begun? Are the dead being brought to life (Eph. 2.1-10)? Is judgment going forward (Rom. 1.18-32)? What are the implications of this “now” aspect of the hour for how we should live today? I want to live in the hour that is coming and now is, Lord. Teach and lead me to…

4.  Jesus mentions two kinds of people in this “now” and “coming” hour. In verse 29, He summarizes the great difference between them. What is it? Is Jesus teaching salvation by works? Explain. Lord, You have redeemed us for good works. Help me to know specifically how to fulfill this purpose as…

5.  Central to this passage is the “authority” of Jesus, which has been given to Him by God the Father. For what does Jesus have authority? Where does this place Him within the great overall scheme of things? Bring together your prayers from questions 1-4 into one prayer.

Summary
“The Son of man will be the judge here. That form will pass judgment here that had judgment passed on it here. Listen and understand. The prophet had long ago said the same thing: ‘They will see the one whom they pierced.’ They will see the very form that they struck with a lance. He will take his seat as judge, the very one who stood before a judge. He will condemn the truly guilty, the very one who was found falsely guilty. He is the one who will come and it is in the form [of man] that he will come [to judge].” Augustine (354-430 AD)

The claims Jesus makes in these five verses are breathtaking and staggering. One would either have to be mad to make such statements, or a great deceiver and charlatan, or else a Person unlike any the world had ever seen. How do you suppose these statements impacted those who heard Him? Are His claims any less startling and provocative today?

Closing Prayer
The LORD reigns, He is clothed with majesty;
The LORD is clothed,
He has girded Himself with strength.
Surely the world is established, so that it cannot be moved.
Your throne isestablished from of old;
You arefrom everlasting.
The floods have lifted up, O LORD,
The floods have lifted up their voice;
The floods lift up their waves.
The LORD on high ismightier
Than the noise of many waters,
Thanthe mighty waves of the sea.
Your testimonies are very sure;
Holiness adorns Your house,
O LORD, forever.

Psalm 93

Psalm 93 (Trinity: Come, Thou Almighty King)
The Lord in majesty reigns, girded and clothed in strength!
Earth stands secure: Nor shall it e’er be moved;
God on His throne above set it in place with love –
His reign is sure!

What, though the floods arise, raising their voice to the skies,
Strong though they be, God on His holy throne
Drowns out their fearsome drone, hasting to save His own,
Eternally.

Almighty God on high, Your Word can never lie!
Your truth is sure – holy and just are they
Who tread Your holy way; Yours shall they ever stay
Lord, evermore.

T. M. Moore

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series IV a and b: John, edited by Joel C. Elowsky, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006. Verse translation of John by T. M. Moore.