John 5:19-29 / Q&A 42

A conflict with the Jewish leaders over Sabbath observance (see v. 1-18) quickly turns into one of the most glorious series of claims Jesus makes about himself in all the New Testament.  Jesus affirms in audacious ways the Jews’ suspicion that he is claiming to be equal to the Father.  Primarily Jesus emphasizes his authority to do two things that only God can do: give life (v.21, 24-25, 28-29) and execute judgment (v. 22, 27, 29).  Easter is God the Father’s vindication of everything Jesus ever claimed about himself, which means Easter confronts us with the eternal significance of our relationship (or lack of relationship) with Christ.  Yet for those who ‘hear his word and believe him who sent Jesus,’ we have nothing to fear and everything to hope for.  As Jesus teaches, eternal life is not just a future reality, it’s something we already possess by faith (v.24-25).  By his resurrection, Jesus has transformed death and put it into our service.  Far from harming us, death puts an end to our sinning and ushers us into eternal life (Q&A 42).