God’s Renewing Word of Wisdom
Introduction
John 5:19-29: Today’s reading continues with Jesus’s response to the religious leaders who challenge his authority. He speaks of his relationship with God the Father and says that those who believe in him will have eternal life.
Scripture Reading
The Authority of the Son
19 So Jesus answered them, “I tell you the truth: the Son can do nothing on his own; he does only what he sees his Father doing. What the Father does, the Son also does. 20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing. He will show him even greater things to do than this, and you will all be amazed. 21 Just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, in the same way the Son gives life to those he wants to. 22 Nor does the Father himself judge anyone. He has given his Son the full right to judge, 23 so that all will honor the Son in the same way as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him.
24 “I am telling you the truth: those who hear my words and believe in him who sent me have eternal life. They will not be judged, but have already passed from death to life. 25 I am telling you the truth: the time is coming—the time has already come—when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear it will come to life. 26 Just as the Father is himself the source of life, in the same way he has made his Son to be the source of life. 27 And he has given the Son the right to judge, because he is the Son of Man. 28 Do not be surprised at this; the time is coming when all the dead will hear his voice 29 and come out of their graves: those who have done good will rise and live, and those who have done evil will rise and be condemned.
Today’s Key Verse: John 5:24a
[Jesus said:] “I am telling you the truth: those who hear my words and believe in him who sent me have eternal life.”
Reflect
How many times does the word “truth” appear in today’s reading? When Jesus speaks, what is the impact of that word? According to today’s reading, what authority has been given to Jesus? How does Jesus describe his relationship to God the Father?
Pray
Lord Jesus, I believe you are the Son of God and source of life, and I testify to the truth of your words. Empower me to be a bold witness to the truth you proclaim that all who believe in you have received the gift of eternal life. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
John 5:30-47: Jesus speaks of that which bears witness to his words.