John 5:26 – “For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Jesus continues explaining His divine authority. He has just spoken about how the dead will hear His voice and come to life (John 5:25), and now He clarifies why He has that power—because He has life in Himself, just as the Father does.

This means that Jesus is not dependent on anything or anyone for life. Unlike humans, who receive life from God, Jesus possesses life within His very nature. Just as God the Father is the ultimate source of life, Jesus also has that same self-existing life. This is a powerful statement about His divinity.

Notice that Jesus says the Father has granted Him this life. This does not mean that Jesus was created or had a beginning. Instead, it shows that the Son shares in the Father’s divine nature. Just as God the Father has always existed and has life in Himself, the Son also has eternal, self-existent life.

Jesus is making it clear that He is not just a prophet or a special human being—He is equal with the Father in His ability to give and sustain life.

Historical Context

The Jewish leaders believed that only God had the power to give life. Throughout the Old Testament, God is described as the giver and sustainer of all life:

• Genesis 2:7 – God breathed life into Adam.
• Deuteronomy 32:39 – God declares, “There is no god besides me. I put to death and I bring to life.”
• Job 33:4 – “The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life.”

For Jesus to say that He also has life in Himself was shocking to His audience. He was claiming the same authority and power that belonged to God alone.

The phrase “granted the Son also to have life in himself” does not mean Jesus was given life as though He once lacked it. Instead, it refers to the eternal relationship between the Father and the Son. The Father and Son have always shared this divine life from eternity past.

Theological Implications

1. Jesus is Self-Existent – Unlike humans, who receive life, Jesus has life in Himself. This proves His divine nature.
2. Jesus Gives Life – Since He has life in Himself, He can give eternal life to those who believe in Him.
3. The Unity of the Father and Son – Jesus and the Father share the same divine nature and authority. There is no division between them.
4. The Source of Eternal Life – This verse confirms that eternal life is only found in Jesus. No other religious leader or system can give what only He possesses.

Literary Analysis

John’s Gospel frequently emphasizes the theme of life—both physical and spiritual. This verse builds on that theme by showing that life itself originates in God, and Jesus, as the Son, fully shares in that life-giving power.

The phrase “life in himself” is unique. It means that Jesus’ life is not dependent on anything else—He does not receive life from an outside source like we do. Instead, He possesses it in His very being.

John also contrasts life with death throughout his Gospel. This verse is part of a larger passage where Jesus explains how people can move from death to life through Him (John 5:24-25).

Biblical Cross-References

• John 1:4 – “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.”
• John 11:25-26 – “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.”
• John 14:6 – “I am the way and the truth and the life.”
• Colossians 1:16-17 – Jesus is the one who created and sustains all things.
• Revelation 1:18 – “I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive forever and ever!”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse reminds us that Jesus is the source of true life. We do not find life in wealth, success, relationships, or religious rituals. Eternal life comes only through knowing Christ.

It also gives us confidence in our salvation. If Jesus has life in Himself, then He has the power to give us eternal life. When we trust in Him, we are trusting in the only One who can truly save.

Additionally, this verse challenges us to depend on Christ for everything. Just as our physical bodies need food and water to live, our souls need Jesus to thrive. Without Him, we are spiritually dead.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in the fact that He shares life with us through Jesus. Instead of leaving us in spiritual death, He offers eternal life through His Son.

This verse also shows that God is not distant—He is a living God who actively sustains all creation. He is not just a concept or an idea; He is the source of all life, and He invites us to experience that life through Christ.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is not just a messenger of life—He is life. His power over life and death proves that He is more than just a prophet or a wise teacher.

• John 10:10 – Jesus came to give life, and life abundantly.
• Acts 17:28 – “In him we live and move and have our being.”
• 1 John 5:12 – “Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.”

By declaring that He has life in Himself, Jesus is confirming that He is God in the flesh, the only one who can give eternal life.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does it mean that Jesus has “life in Himself”?
2. How does this verse confirm Jesus’ divine nature?
3. Why is it important to recognize Jesus as the only source of eternal life?
4. How does this truth shape our daily dependence on Christ?
5. In what ways can we share this truth with those who are searching for meaning and purpose in life?

This verse is a powerful reminder that life is only found in Jesus. The question for us is: Are we living in that truth, and are we helping others find the life He offers?