John 5:21

“For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.”

Context:The verse is part of a larger passage where Jesus is addressing the Jews in Jerusalem. He had just healed a man who had been disabled for 38 years on the Sabbath day. This act of healing on the Sabbath had caused controversy among the religious leaders, who accused Jesus of breaking the Sabbath law.

The Power of the Father:Jesus starts by drawing a parallel between Himself and the Father. He says that just as the Father has the power to raise the dead and give them life, so does the Son. This statement highlights the divine authority and power of Jesus as the Son of God.

Quickeneth:The word “quickeneth” means to give life or make alive. Jesus is claiming that He has the power to give life to whom He chooses. This assertion goes beyond physical resurrection and encompasses spiritual life as well. Jesus is the source of both physical and spiritual life.

Jesus’ Authority:By stating that He quickens whom He wills, Jesus emphasizes His authority and sovereignty. He has the power to give life to whomever He chooses, highlighting His divine prerogative. Jesus’ authority extends beyond the physical realm and extends to the spiritual realm as well.

Application:This verse reminds us of the life-giving power of Jesus. He has the authority to grant spiritual life to all who believe in Him. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus conquered sin and death, offering eternal life to all who trust in Him. As believers, we can find comfort and hope in the fact that Jesus is the source of life, both in this world and the world to come.

• Implications:The verse also challenges us to consider the authority of Jesus in our lives. Do we recognize His power to give life and submit to His lordship? Are we willing to trust Him with our physical and spiritual well-being? It reminds us that Jesus is not only our Savior but also our Lord, and we should surrender to His authority and guidance.