A Deeper Understanding

Scripture – John 5:28-32: “Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out—those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned. By myself I can do nothing; I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is just, for I seek not to please myself but him who sent me. “If I testify about myself, my testimony is not valid. There is another who testifies in my favor, and I know that his testimony about me is valid.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) In this section of John, Jesus is saying some things I find hard to understand. “All who are in their graves will hear his voice.” What is that about? I can’t say I know. These are the kind of passages I find it easy to skip over and move on to another story about people. Yet this, too, is a story about people. This is part of God’s word to us and for us today, whether it’s clear to me or not. I have a sense I should linger here for a while and see what pops up. At the same time, there are some easier words here. “I seek not to please myself but him who sent me.” A church can be built on that. And could it be that “another who testifies in my favor” refers, in part, to us today? For we are called to be His witnesses.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will look up this passage in some commentaries and spend time mulling it over. I will look for my own clearer understanding.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Thank you, Lord, for your written word. Thank you for your help in understanding. Thank you for the clarity of your main message – that eternal life is ours as we believe in Jesus Christ. Please help me grow deeper in my understanding of you this day.