John 5:21

For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom He wishes.

Study Bible

For just as the Father
This phrase establishes the divine authority and power of God the Father. The Greek word for "Father" is "πατήρ" (patēr), which signifies not only a paternal relationship but also authority and origin. In the Jewish context, God as Father is a familiar concept, denoting His role as Creator and Sustainer. This phrase sets the stage for understanding the unity and equality between the Father and the Son, a central theme in the Gospel of John.

raises the dead
The act of raising the dead is a profound demonstration of divine power. The Greek word "ἐγείρει" (egeirei) means to awaken or to raise up. In the Old Testament, God is often depicted as having the power to give life and to resurrect, as seen in the accounts of Elijah and Elisha. This power is uniquely attributed to God, emphasizing His sovereignty over life and death.

and gives them life
The phrase "gives them life" underscores the life-giving nature of God. The Greek word "ζωοποιεῖ" (zōopoiei) means to make alive or to quicken. This is not just physical life but also spiritual life, which is a recurring theme in John's Gospel. The life that God gives is abundant and eternal, reflecting His desire for humanity to experience fullness in Him.

so also the Son
Here, the phrase draws a parallel between the Father and the Son, indicating their shared divine nature and authority. The Greek word "ὁ Υἱός" (ho Huios) refers to the Son, emphasizing His unique relationship with the Father. This equality in power and purpose is a cornerstone of Christian doctrine, affirming the deity of Christ.

gives life
The ability of the Son to give life is a testament to His divine authority. The same Greek word "ζωοποιεῖ" (zōopoiei) is used here, reinforcing the idea that Jesus possesses the same life-giving power as the Father. This is a profound claim, as it asserts that Jesus is not merely a prophet or teacher but is God incarnate, with the power to grant eternal life.

to whom He wishes
This phrase highlights the sovereign will of the Son in dispensing life. The Greek word "θέλει" (thelei) means to will or to desire. It indicates that the giving of life is not arbitrary but is according to the divine will and purpose. This reflects the grace and mercy of God, who desires that all should come to life through His Son.

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Father
Refers to God the Father, the first person of the Trinity, who has the power to raise the dead and give life.

2. The Son
Refers to Jesus Christ, the second person of the Trinity, who shares in the divine authority to give life.

3. The Dead
Represents those who are physically dead, as well as those who are spiritually dead in sin.

4. Life
In this context, it refers to both physical resurrection and spiritual life, which Jesus imparts to believers.

5. The Event of Resurrection
The act of raising the dead, which is a divine prerogative shared by both the Father and the Son.

Teaching Points

Divine Authority of Jesus
Jesus shares in the divine authority of the Father, affirming His deity and His role in the Godhead.

Spiritual Resurrection
Just as Jesus has the power to physically raise the dead, He also has the power to bring spiritual life to those who are dead in sin.

Assurance of Eternal Life
Believers can have confidence in the promise of eternal life through Jesus, who has the authority to grant it.

Call to Faith
Understanding Jesus' authority should lead us to trust Him fully for our salvation and eternal destiny.

Living in Newness of Life
As recipients of spiritual life, we are called to live in a way that reflects the transformative power of Christ in us.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding Jesus' authority to give life impact your view of His divinity and role in the Trinity?

2. In what ways can you experience the spiritual life that Jesus offers in your daily walk with Him?

3. How does the promise of resurrection and eternal life through Jesus influence your perspective on death and the afterlife?

4. What are some practical ways you can demonstrate the newness of life that Jesus has given you to those around you?

5. How can the assurance of Jesus' power over life and death provide comfort and hope in times of personal loss or grief?

Connections to Other Scriptures

John 11:25-26
Jesus declares Himself as the resurrection and the life, emphasizing His authority over life and death.

1 Corinthians 15:22
Paul speaks of all being made alive in Christ, connecting the resurrection power of Jesus to the hope of eternal life.

Ephesians 2:5
Highlights how God made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions, underscoring the spiritual life given by Jesus.

Revelation 1:18
Jesus holds the keys of death and Hades, affirming His authority over life and death.

Romans 8:11
The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, will also give life to our mortal bodies, linking the resurrection power to the Holy Spirit.