John 5 begins by giving us a picture of mankind’s completely helpless state. An infirm man was lying near the pool of Bethesda with a multitude of sick, blind, lame, and withered people. When the Lord asked him if he wanted to become well, he replied, “Sir, I have no man.” He could not help himself, and he had no one else to help him either. How wonderful, though, that the Son became Man in order to save those who were helpless to save themselves!

Later in the chapter, verse 25, the Lord announces that those today who hear the voice of the Son of God will live. This is the work of grace being carried on in the world today. Through the preaching of a faithful gospel message, the voice of the Son of God is heard, and those who hear receive eternal life.

What about those who reject Him? As is often said, if grace is rejected, all that remains is judgment. Solemn thought!

Twice in chapter 5, judgment is spoken about. First, in verses 22 and 23, we are told that all judgment is committed to the Son so that all may honor Him. When the Son became Man, He came into a place where men could revile and even spit upon Him! The Father will see to it that all will honor His Son, either as blessed by Him in salvation, or judged by Him as rejecting Him.

In verse 27, we are told that all authority to execute judgment has been given to the Son because He is the Son of Man. As Son of Man, He will execute judgment in a coming day on this earth when He subdues all things to Himself. Then, finally, when all unbelievers stand before the great white throne, it will be Christ as Son of Man who will banish them to a lost eternity. Every mouth there will be stopped, as they will be judged by a Man who always did what was pleasing to His Father.