John 5:28

"He also gave him authority to execute judgment, because he is a son of man."

Key Reflection

In John 5:28, Jesus asserts that the one who will judge the living and the dead has been given this authority precisely because he is "a son of man." This phrase emphasizes his humanity while also highlighting his divine role as the Messiah. The cultural context of first-century Judaism would have recognized the Son of Man as a messianic title, indicating that Jesus is not just a human but one who possesses the authority to judge, drawing on both Hebrew and Greek traditions where kings and rulers were seen as appointed by God to administer justice.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 28. Marvel not. Do not wonder or be astonished at this. The hour is coming. The time is approaching or will be. All that are in the graves. All the dead, of every age and nation. They are described as in the graves. Though many have turned to their native dust and perished from human view, yet God sees them, and can regather their remains and raise them up to life. The phrase all that are in the graves does not prove that the same particles of matter will be raised up, but it is equivalent to saying all the dead. See Barnes "1 Co 15:35-38". Shall hear his voice. He will restore them to life, and command them to appear before him.

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