So That You May Marvel

John 5:18-29
September 4, 2022
Abraham Hong

Sermon Script

Last week, we read about the Jews sought to kill Jesus. And the reason why was because Jesus called God his own Father and made himself equal with God.

Our God is three and one. This is a mystery that is beyond our human understanding. Our God is three persons of one substance: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

Jesus said to the Jews that he was the second person of the Triune God. And so the Jews sought to kill Jesus.

Today’s passage is Jesus’ words of truth to those who wanted to kill him.

This is amazing when you think about what is happening here. There were people who were seeking to kill Jesus. And yet, what did Jesus do? He did not fight them. He did not turn away from them. He spoke to them. And what he said to them are words that are full of the gospel and full of grace. One could say that Jesus was basically evangelizing to them. To his enemies. To those who were sought to kill him. With grace and mercy and invitation for repentance and faith in him. This is our God. This is amazing. Jesus spoke truly to the Jews. He spoke to them truly, truly.

Let us consider what he said to them. And let us marvel. There are basically two things that Jesus said to the Jews.

First, Jesus told the Jews about the relationship between him and the Father. In verse 19, Jesus said that he as the second person of the Triune God does the will of the Father. Jesus said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise.” When it comes to our salvation, the Father sends the Son. Jesus was sent by his Father to accomplish the work of saving us from sin and eternal death. Whatever is the Father’s will is the Son’s will. This was Jesus’ true relationship with his Father. And the relationship was one of love. In verse 20, Jesus said that he was loved by the Father. Jesus said, “For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing.” This is really amazing. If only the Jews believed that Jesus is the Son who was sent to us for us. If only the Jews believed the true nature of Jesus’ relationship with the Father who loved him. This was the first thing that Jesus said to those who wanted to kill him.

Second, Jesus told the Jews about the judgment and the resurrection that both him and the Father will oversee and control. According to Jesus’ words, the Father has given all judgment to him (verse 22). The Father has given the Son authority to execute judgment (verse 27). A day is coming when Jesus will descend from heaven, from the right hand of the Father, and judge every human being. Every human being - all of us - that ever lived upon the earth will appear before the tribunal court of Jesus. Every human being that is dead will be resurrected (verse 29). Those who believe in Jesus will be resurrected unto life. And those who not believe in Jesus will be resurrected unto judgment.

And Jesus will execute his judgment. On that day, Jesus’ glory will be shown in his justice as he sends those who have not repented of their sins and believed in him to hell for eternal torment and punishment.

But do not marvel at how Jesus will judge others and resurrect them unto judgment. Marvel at how Jesus will save you and resurrect you unto eternal life in his kingdom.

On the day when all human beings appear before the tribunal court of Jesus, you will not be judged. On that day you will be saved.

For on that day, Jesus’ glory will also be shown in his mercy and grace as he invites you, you who have repented of your sins and believed in him. Jesus will welcome you into his kingdom of the new heavens and new earth. And you will have eternal life and a face-to-face relationship with him. Jesus said in verse 21 that he gives life to you. And according to verse 24, you heard Jesus’ word, you believe in him and you know the Father, and you will have eternal life in his kingdom. You have passed from death to life.

Dear Highland, may you marvel at all of this truth that Jesus said. Jesus is God. Jesus is the Son of the Father. And Jesus will come for resurrection, for judgment, and the salvation of his people. Truly, truly, these are the words of our Lord and King.

May you truly, truly marvel and be in awe of what is going to happen soon.

May Jesus’ words to you today change the way that you think and act during these historic last days.

May you grow in worship and love for Jesus as you know him more today.

Soli Deo Gloria