Expository Sermon on John 5:1-27

Introduction

Dearly beloved, brothers and sisters in Christ, today we explore the truths contained in John 5:1-27. This passage presents Jesus' divine authority to grant life and execute judgment. Honoring the Son as we honor the Father is emphasized, bearing witness to the promise of eternal life for those who hear and believe.

Let us explore these verses with a heart inclined toward understanding and application. But before we begin, we will need the Lord’s help to understand and apply these words to our lives. Let us pray that it might be so for us. Heavenly Father, open the eyes of our hearts that we may see you in this passage today and seek to imitate what we learn here. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of all our hearts be acceptable in your sight, dear God, our rock and redeemer. Amen.

First we explore Jesus’ Role in Granting Life and Executing Judgment

The narrative in John 5 begins with Jesus healing a man at the Pool of Bethesda, an act that demonstrates His life-giving authority. Recent excavations confirm its location in Jerusalem. This sets the scene for more profound in teaching, highlighting Jesus' role as the giver of life and the judge of all humanity. In demonstrating His role as a healer, Jesus delivers hope where there had been no hope of healing in this man’s life. The pool of Bethesda was a gathering place for those who were suffering from a variety of conditions. The man Jesus interacts with had been there for 38 years. However, because he needed assistance to get him into the pool and he had none. He, I am sure had all but given up hope of getting well. Jesus attention to and healing of the man was a miracle on many levels.

Jesus says the word and the man is instantly healed. Jesus tells him to take up his mat and go his way.

However, since it was on a sabbath carrying your mat was against sabbath regulation. So, they confront the man.

Eventually the Jewish leaders learned that it was Jesus who had healed the man and told him to take up his mat and walk. When the leaders confronted Jesus he gave them this answer.

Jesus declared, "For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom He will." (John 5:21). This statement unequivocally affirms Jesus' divine prerogative to bestow life, a power reserved for God. The Father's act of raising the dead is mirrored by the Son, indicating a profound unity in their divine operations. Jesus further asserts His authority to execute judgment, stating, "The Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son." (John 5:22). This transfer of judicial authority signifies Jesus' unique role in determining the eternal destinies of humanity. Thus, revealing to those who will see that Jesus is the one true Son of the Father, who came in the flesh and blood of a human being.

Now we learn the Importance of Honoring the Son as Honoring the Father

The passage underscores the necessity of honoring the Son to honor the Father. Jesus proclaims, "That all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him." (John 5:23). This declaration reveals the intrinsic link between the Father and the Son, urging believers to recognize and reverence Jesus' divine status.

Many in our world today refuse to honor the Father or the Son. They think that they know better than to believe what they consider foolish myths and old wives' tales. They seek natural, materialistic explanations for Jesus’ healings and other miracles. The world, the flesh, and the devil have poisoned their minds against ever believing that Jesus is God’s only begotten son. And Jesus’ power flows from His relationship with that source. Christians are called to follow Jesus our savior unto eternal life. This is what we must do as spoken in God’s word.

To honor the Son is to acknowledge His authority, divinity, and the salvation He offers. It calls us to worship, obedience, and faith in Jesus' identity and mission. Honoring the Son is not merely an act of reverence but a recognition of His role as the mediator of divine grace and the executor of divine justice.

The Promise of Eternal Life (Verse 24)

In John 5:24, Jesus delivers a promise laden with hope and assurance: "Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life." This verse encapsulates the essence of the Gospel—the promise of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. This promise should fill us with hope and reassurance, knowing that we have a future beyond this life.

Eternal life is a promise that we should rejoice in. The world has no such hope. The atheist has no hope past the grave. They think that Christians are misinformed on this issue. However, the unbeliever is the one who makes the mistake to their eternal loss. Jesus graciously extends the invitation to all humanity that salvation and eternal life can be theirs, but they refuse to accept it.

The phrase "Truly, truly" at the beginning of the verse emphasizes the certainty and significance of Jesus' proclamation. Hearing and believing are presented as the prerequisites for attaining eternal life. This eternal life is not a distant future event but a present reality for the believer. The assurance of no judgment signifies the believer's acquittal and the transition from spiritual death to life.

Hearing and Believing as the Path to Eternal Life

The path to eternal life is made known through the acts of hearing and believing. In this context, hearing transcends mere auditory reception; it involves an attentive, obedient, and receptive heart. Jesus calls His listeners to hear His word—a call to embrace His teachings, commandments, and repentance at hearing the Gospel message.

Believing, on the other hand, is an act of faith that goes beyond intellectual assent. It is a deep, personal trust in Jesus and the Father who sent Him. This belief entails a wholehearted acceptance of Jesus' identity, His saving work, and His divine authority. Jesus makes this offer available to everyone whom He meets.

Therefore, Jesus' promise of eternal life is extended to all who hear and believe. It is an invitation to experience the transformative power of faith, leading to a life anchored in the hope of resurrection and eternal communion with God. This power of faith can transform our lives, giving us hope and inspiration in our daily struggles.

Assurance of forgiveness and the Passage from Death to Life

The assurance of no judgment is a cornerstone of the believer's faith. Jesus assures that those who hear and believe "do not come into judgment, but have passed from death to life." This promise embodies the doctrine of justification—God's act of declaring a sinner righteous through faith in Jesus Christ.

As Christians, we should be ready to share our faith with anyone who asks. Jesus does not want us to run a country club for believers, but a hospital for our sin-sick soul. We should lead as many as possible down the path of eternal life through the salvation that Jesus purchased for us on the cross and through His resurrection. This responsibility should motivate us to share our faith with others, leading them to the same hope and salvation we have found.

The passage from death to life signifies the believer's spiritual rebirth. It marks the transition from a state of separation from God to one of eternal fellowship with Him. This transformation is not merely a future hope but a present reality, offering the believer a life characterized by peace, joy, and the hope of resurrection.

In summary, John 5:1-24 presents Jesus as the giver of life and the judge of humanity. His authority to grant life and execute judgment is affirmed, highlighting the necessity of honoring the Son to honor the Father. Biblical accounts are filled with stories of Jesus healing the sick, from the leper clamoring for mercy to the woman with the issue of blood who touched His cloak. Each of these encounters illustrates Jesus’ compassion and power as the ultimate healer.

So how can we apply these truths as a Congregation

So can we when in public when such as at a local coffee shop or park, you may encounter someone who is visibly upset or in distress. Instead of walking past, take a moment to approach them with kindness and ask if they’re okay. If they share their burdens, gently suggest praying for them on the spot. You can say something like, 'I believe Jesus can bring healing, both emotionally and spiritually. Can I pray with you?' This simple act can not only provide comfort but showcase the healing nature of Jesus to those around you. In a world desperate for hope, these stories remind us that we can trust Jesus with our ailments, both physical and emotional, believing that He cares deeply and has the power to restore.The promise of eternal life is extended to all who hear and believe, offering assurance of forgiveness and the passage from death to life.

This means that Jesus’ healing miracles must be seen clearly as bestowing the gift of shalom, wholeness, to those who lacked it, bringing not only physical health but renewed membership in the people of yhwh.

N. T. Wright

As we reflect on these profound truths, let us consider their additional application in our lives:

· Recognize Jesus' authority: Acknowledge His divine prerogative to grant life and execute judgment.

· Honor the Son: Worship, obey, and revere Jesus, recognizing His identity and mission.

· Embrace the promise of eternal life: Hear and believe in Jesus, experiencing the assurance of no judgment and the transformation from death to life.

· Live out the Gospel: Let the promise of eternal life shape our daily lives, fostering hope, joy, and a commitment to sharing this message with others.

Encouragement to Trust in Jesus’ Authority and Compassion

Beloved, let us trust in Jesus' authority and compassion. He is the giver of life and the judge of all. His promise of eternal life is a testament to His love and grace. Let us approach Him with faith, honoring Him as we honor the Father, and embrace the transformative power of His word.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who grants life and executes judgment. We honor the Son as we honor You, recognizing His divine authority and embracing the promise of eternal life. Please help us to hear and believe, experiencing the assurance of no judgment and the passage from death to life. May Your word transform our lives, filling us with hope, joy, and a commitment to sharing the Gospel message with others. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.