Meaning of John 5:28

Jesus’ declaration in John 5:28, "Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice," is a profound statement about the future resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous, directly linked to His own authority and power. This assertion follows Jesus’ miraculous healing of a man who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years at the Pool of Bethesda (John 5:1-15). The Jewish leaders had challenged Jesus for healing on the Sabbath, leading Jesus to explain His authority comes from God, His Father, and that He acts in accordance with the Father's will, even to the point of giving life (John 5:17-21). This promise of resurrection is not a novel concept in Jewish thought, but Jesus presents it as an imminent reality directly tied to His identity as the Son of God, emphasizing that the Father has granted Him authority to execute judgment and to raise the dead.

Context and Background

This verse appears in the Gospel of John, a theological Gospel that focuses on the divine nature of Jesus and His relationship with the Father. Jesus has just asserted His divine authority, stating that the Father has given Him life and authority to judge (John 5:26-27). The immediate preceding verses (John 5:24-25) speak of a spiritual resurrection – those who hear Jesus' word and believe in Him pass from death to life. John 5:28-29 expands this to a physical resurrection, a future event that will encompass all humanity. The astonishment Jesus anticipates from His listeners ("Do not be amazed") suggests that the idea of a universal resurrection, particularly one initiated by the Son of Man, was a significant and perhaps challenging concept.

Key Themes and Messages

The core themes are resurrection, divine authority, and judgment. Jesus unequivocally states that a future event will occur where all individuals, regardless of their earthly deeds or beliefs, will be physically raised from the dead. This resurrection is not a random occurrence but is directly orchestrated by Jesus, who will "hear his voice." This implies a personal and authoritative call to life. The subsequent verse (John 5:29) differentiates the outcome of this resurrection: "one group to a resurrection that gives life, and another to a resurrection that brings condemnation." This highlights the dual nature of the resurrection – it is a precursor to both eternal life and eternal judgment, depending on one's relationship with Jesus.

Spiritual Significance and Application

The spiritual significance lies in the absolute certainty of a future accountability. It underscores the importance of one's response to Jesus in this life, as that response will determine the eternal outcome of the resurrection. For believers, it is a promise of ultimate vindication and eternal life in the presence of God. For those who reject Him, it is a solemn warning of final judgment. The application is to live in light of this future reality, to recognize Jesus' authority, and to embrace the life He offers, understanding that all will ultimately stand before Him.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This verse is a crucial element in the unfolding narrative of God's redemptive plan. It connects the Old Testament prophecies of a resurrection and a final judgment (e.g., Daniel 12:2, Isaiah 26:19) with Jesus' messianic identity. In the Old Testament, the concept of resurrection was not as fully developed or universally understood as it became in the New Testament, particularly with Jesus' ministry. John 5:28-29 solidifies Jesus' role as the agent of this universal resurrection and judgment, a pivotal moment in God's dealings with humanity. It sets the stage for later New Testament teachings on the resurrection of believers and the final judgment of all.

Analogies

One analogy to understand "hearing his voice" is that of a shepherd calling his sheep. Just as a shepherd's distinctive call can summon his flock, Jesus' voice will have the power to call forth the dead from their graves, a call that transcends the silence of death. Another analogy is that of a master awakening his servants from sleep; the master's command brings them to alertness and readiness for what comes next. In this case, the "awakening" is to a new, eternal state.

Relation to Other Verses

John 5:28-29 finds resonance with numerous other biblical passages.

• John 11:25-26: Jesus states, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die." This highlights the connection between belief in Jesus and receiving eternal life through resurrection.
• 1 Corinthians 15:20-22: Paul explains, "But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a human being, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a human being. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive." This parallels the idea of a representative figure bringing about both death and resurrection.
• Acts 24:15: Paul speaks of "the resurrection of the righteous and the unrighteous," reflecting the dual outcome mentioned in John 5:29.
• Revelation 20:11-13: The final judgment is described, where the dead are judged according to their deeds, and the sea gives up its dead, and death and Hades give up their dead. This vividly depicts the universal resurrection described by Jesus.