Thursday 9 April 2026
- Bible Book:
- John
"Very truly, I tell you, anyone who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life, and does not come under judgement, but has passed from death to life." (v. 24)
Background
In this latest snapshot of our week reflecting on ‘The Lord of Life’, we hear words of Jesus spoken following his healing of a paralysed man (John 5:1-9). Jesus had been doubly controversial: firstly he healed on the Sabbath; and then, in defence of his actions, he called God his Father, which those opposed to him took to be him claiming equality with God.
Today’s passage begins by Jesus shifting the focus a bit away from himself. He doesn’t seek to prove that he is the Son of God. Instead he speaks of 'the Son of God' in the third person to counter the claims that the Son of God wouldn’t break Sabbath laws. The Son can only do what the Father (God) does. Although the Father rests on the Sabbath, one of the works that the Father does still do is to give life.
Jesus takes this idea further. It is not only life in this world that the Father and the Son give. Instead, they are both the source of resurrection life. This is one of the passages that demonstrates the Jewish belief not in the soul going to heaven after death, but rather a general resurrection at a day still to come. All who hear the voice of the Son will be raised (v. 25). There will be a glimpse of this later in John’s Gospel when Jesus calls Lazarus out of the tomb (John 11:1-45).
Jesus turns attention back on himself by claiming that he is the Son of God (v. 24). He doesn’t provide evidence for this claim, but instead the inference is that his actions point to who he is, and people should believe by faith. For those who do, this resurrection life isn’t kept only for after death. Instead the beginnings of it can be experienced now in this life, as we discover a freedom from sin and judgement.
For Jesus doesn’t just bring comfort, he also brings challenge. While those who believe him are freed from judgement, those who refuse to believe bring judgement on themselves. Those religious leaders so opposed to him may have thought they were honouring the Father in doing so, but Jesus is clear: one cannot honour the Father, without honouring the Son.
To Ponder:
- How do you speak about a Christian view of life after death?
- Do Jesus’ words about judgement sit comfortably with you or not? Why?
Prayer
"When our hearts are wintry, grieving or in pain, then your touch can call us back to life again." (Singing the Faith 306)
Jesus Christ, Son of the Father, may we hear you speak words of life and liberation over us this day. Amen.
Bible notes author: The Revd Will Fletcher
Will Fletcher is a presbyter in the Central Sussex United Area. Alongside his church duties, Will is the Ecumenical Officer for the Sussex part of the South-East District. He is married to Helen and they have one son. When not working, Will makes up part of the bass section of Patcham Silver Band.