John 5:25 – “Very truly I tell you, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Jesus speaks about two powerful realities—one that is yet to come and one that has already begun. He declares that the dead will hear His voice and that those who hear will live.

At first glance, this might seem like Jesus is only talking about the future resurrection at the end of time. But notice that He says, “a time is coming and has now come.” This means He is speaking about something that is already happening in the present while also pointing to something that will happen in the future.

Spiritually, this means that people who are dead in sin will hear the call of Jesus and receive new life. Those who respond in faith will be brought into a relationship with God. This is happening even now through the power of the Gospel.

Physically, this also looks forward to a future event—the resurrection of the dead when Jesus returns. One day, all who have died will literally hear His voice and rise again, either to eternal life or to judgment (John 5:28-29).

This verse is a powerful reminder that Jesus has authority over life and death, both spiritually and physically.

Historical Context

The Jewish people understood that only God could raise the dead. In the Old Testament, God demonstrated His power over life in stories like:

• Elijah raising the widow’s son (1 Kings 17:17-24)
• Elisha raising the Shunammite’s son (2 Kings 4:32-37)
• Ezekiel’s vision of the dry bones coming to life (Ezekiel 37:1-14)

By saying that He will raise the dead with His voice, Jesus is making a bold claim to divinity. The religious leaders listening to Him would have recognized that He was putting Himself in the place of God.

Also, in Jewish belief, the resurrection of the dead was expected to happen at the end of time (Daniel 12:2). Jesus affirms this belief but adds something new—the resurrection is already beginning spiritually through Him. This was a revolutionary idea.

Theological Implications

1. Jesus Has Power Over Life and Death – He is not just a prophet or teacher; He is the one who calls the dead to life.
2. Spiritual Resurrection Happens Now – People who are spiritually dead can be made alive when they hear and respond to Jesus.
3. Physical Resurrection Will Happen in the Future – One day, all people will hear Jesus’ voice and be raised from the dead for final judgment or eternal life.
4. Salvation is Through Jesus Alone – Only those who hear His voice and respond in faith will receive life.

Literary Analysis

John’s Gospel often uses double meanings—words that have both a physical and spiritual significance. In this verse, “the dead” refers both to:

1. The spiritually dead—those who are lost in sin but can receive new life through Christ.
2. The physically dead—those who will one day rise when Jesus returns.

The phrase “Very truly I tell you” (or “Truly, truly”) is a repeated emphasis in John’s Gospel. Every time Jesus says this, He is making an important declaration that demands attention.

The image of Jesus’ voice bringing life is a strong theme in Scripture. Just as God spoke creation into existence (Genesis 1), Jesus speaks new life into people. This theme continues in John 11, where Jesus calls Lazarus from the tomb with a command: “Lazarus, come out!” (John 11:43).

Biblical Cross-References

• Ephesians 2:1-5 – “You were dead in your transgressions and sins… but God made us alive with Christ.”
• John 11:25-26 – “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.”
• John 5:28-29 – Jesus expands on this idea, saying that all the dead will one day hear His voice and be raised.
• Romans 6:4 – “Just as Christ was raised from the dead… we too may live a new life.”
• 1 Thessalonians 4:16 – “For the Lord himself will come down from heaven… and the dead in Christ will rise first.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse gives us two powerful truths to hold onto:

1. Jesus is calling people to new life right now.
   • If you are a believer, you have already “heard His voice” and passed from death to life.
   • If you have loved ones who are far from God, there is hope—Jesus is still calling people to Himself.
2. Jesus will one day call all people from the grave.
   • For those who trust in Him, this is a promise of eternal life.
   • For those who reject Him, it is a warning of coming judgment.

As believers, we can live with confidence, knowing that our eternity is secure in Christ. And we should be motivated to share the Gospel so that more people can experience this life-giving power.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in His desire to bring people from death to life. He does not leave us in our sin—He calls us to something better.

The fact that Jesus actively calls the dead to life shows that God is not passive. He is constantly at work, offering salvation to those who will listen. His love is not just a feeling—it is an action that rescues and restores.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the one who calls the dead to life—both spiritually and physically. This is a direct claim to His divine authority.

• John 1:4 – “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.”
• John 14:6 – “I am the way and the truth and the life.”
• Revelation 1:18 – “I hold the keys of death and Hades.”

Jesus is not just a messenger of life—He is the source of life itself.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does it mean to “hear the voice of the Son of God” in this verse?
2. How does this verse challenge the idea that Jesus was just a teacher or prophet?
3. In what ways have you experienced the new life that Jesus offers?
4. How should the promise of resurrection shape the way we live today?
5. How can we help others hear the voice of Jesus and respond in faith?

This verse is both a promise and a call to action. Jesus is speaking—are we listening? And are we helping others hear His voice so they too can cross from death to life?