John 5:28
“Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice.”
Context:John 5:28 is part of a larger conversation between Jesus and the Jews. In this passage, Jesus is explaining His relationship with the Father and His authority to give life and judge all people. He refers to the resurrection and the final judgment.
Resurrection and Judgment:Jesus speaks of an “hour” that is coming, which refers to the future time when all people will be raised from their graves and hear His voice. This verse emphasizes the certainty and universality of the resurrection. It points to the future resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous for judgment.
The Voice of Jesus:Jesus emphasizes that it is His voice that will call forth the dead. This shows His authority and power over life and death. Just as He called Lazarus back to life (John 11:43), Jesus will command the dead to rise at the appointed time. This highlights the divine nature of Jesus and His role as the Judge of all.
Marvel Not:Jesus tells the people not to be astonished or amazed by this teaching. He acknowledges that it may seem extraordinary and beyond human comprehension, but He wants them to accept it as a fundamental truth. The resurrection and judgment are part of God’s ultimate plan for humanity.
Application:This verse reminds believers of the hope they have in Christ. It assures us that there will be a future resurrection when all who have died will be raised from their graves. It also serves as a warning to consider our actions and choices, as we will be held accountable before God in the final judgment. Therefore, we should live in light of this future reality, seeking to honour God and follow His ways.
- Further Study:To gain a deeper understanding of the topic of resurrection and judgment, it would be beneficial to explore related passages such as Daniel 12:2, Acts 24:15, and Revelation 20:11-15. These verses provide additional insights into the resurrection and the accountability we will face before God.
