21 For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom He wishes.

24 Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not come under judgment. Indeed, he has crossed over from death to life.

25 Truly, truly, I tell you, the hour is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live.

26 For as the Father has life in Himself, so also He has granted the Son to have life in Himself.

— John 5:21, 24-26

22 Furthermore, the Father judges no one, but has assigned all judgment to the Son,

27 And He has given Him authority to execute judgment, because He is the Son of Man.

28 Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear His voice

29 and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.

— John 5:22, 27-29

30 I can do nothing by Myself; I judge only as I hear. And My judgment is just, because I do not seek My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.

— John 5:30

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Bountiful supply of grace be with you.

Jesus exercises rights equally with His Father. Jesus revealed, “For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom He is pleased to give it.” The Father and the Son give both physical and spiritual life. Jesus gave renewed physical life to the lame man. Even more, Jesus grants eternal life to all who place their faith in Him. Jesus sets believers free from condemnation, without fear of final judgment or eternal death. The one who trusts in Jesus awaits a future resurrection and a glorified body for all eternity.

Jesus’ authority as humanity’s judge also demonstrates His equality with God. His just judgments, unlimited knowledge and infallible justice flow from this perfect relationship. With God’s authority, Jesus—the Son of Man—will make the final determination regarding the eternal destiny of everyone who has ever lived. All people will hear Jesus’ voice and the dead will be resurrected. Some will rise from their graves to receive eternal life and salvation while others will face eternal death. Let’s take heed of Jesus’ words here and choose the way of salvation and eternal life.